Louisiana’s premises liability laws state that property owners have a legal responsibility to ensure the safety of guests, customers, employees, and other visitors while on their premises. When they fail to maintain safe conditions or warn visitors of potential hazards, they may be held liable for any injuries that occur as a result. If you were injured while visiting someone else’s property, you may be able to recover compensation for the damages stemming from your accident-related injuries. A New Orleans premises liability attorney at Lambert Zainey Smith & Soso can help.
Types of Premises Liability Accidents
At Lambert Zainey, we represent clients injured in a variety of premises liability claims arising from:
- Slip and fall accidents caused by wet floors, uneven or broken surfaces, or debris.
- Inadequate building security incidents that lead to assaults or injuries.
- Swimming pool accidents that can include drownings, slips and falls, and other mishaps due to poorly maintained or unsupervised pools.
- Poor building maintenance, such as poor lighting or improper maintenance of stairways, doors, elevators, escalators, and fire safety systems (fire alarms, smoke detectors, emergency lights, emergency exits, etc.).
- Playground accidents that were caused by improperly maintained or unsafe playground equipment.
- Dog attacks by unrestrained or aggressive dogs (or other animals) on the premises.
- Exposure to hazardous substances, including contaminated water, harmful chemicals, and industrial waste.
- Unsafe or improperly maintained equipment or tools.
Some of the serious injuries that can be sustained in a premises accident include:
- Bone fractures
- Head and neck injuries
- Brain injuries
- Burns
- Spinal cord injuries
- Disfigurement
- Amputation
- Drowning
These are the kinds of injuries that can turn a person’s life upside down. A victim may be unable to return to work, unable to enjoy the things they did before the accident and require costly, long-term medical care.
Legal Options for Victims of Premise Liability Accidents
State law gives the victims of premises liability accidents the right to seek compensation for the losses they experience due to their accident injuries. But they only have a limited time in which to act. The sooner they seek qualified legal representation, the more likely they are to obtain the full compensation they deserve.
Let Lambert Zainey Smith & Soso help you explore your legal options after a premise liability accident. We’re here to provide clients with experienced representation at every step of the legal process, from gathering evidence to proving negligence and representing their interests in court.
We understand the complexities of premises liability cases. There can be many negligent parties besides property owners, including property management companies, property tenants, sub-contractors, and the manufacturers of defective products or equipment. For instance, if your injuries were caused by a defective product, you may be able to seek compensation from the product’s manufacturer in addition to the property owner.
Types of Compensation Available
How much compensation you can collect will depend on the extent of the damages resulting from your injuries. Depending on the circumstances, victims of premises liability accidents may be entitled to compensation for:
- Current medical expenses
- Anticipated medical expenses for ongoing care
- Lost wages
- Loss of employment
- Loss of earning power
- Pain and suffering
- PTSD
- Loss of enjoyment of life
The New Orleans premises liability lawyers at Lambert Zainey Smith & Soso can help you identify the full extent of your injuries and assign an accurate dollar amount to the damages you should receive.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do immediately following an accident on someone else’s property?
If you’ve been injured in an accident on someone else’s property, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible and report the incident to the property owner. If you’re able, collect evidence (pictures, the names of witnesses, etc.). Speak to a New Orleans premises liability lawyer before you agree to any settlement with an insurance company.
How long do I have to file a premises liability claim in Louisiana?
In Louisiana, you generally have one year from the date of the accident to file a premises liability claim. If you wait past this time, the courts will probably refuse to hear your case.
What if I am partially at fault for my accident?
Louisiana follows the comparative fault rule, meaning you can still recover damages even if you are partially at fault, but your compensation may be reduced based on your percentage of fault. For example, if you suffered $100,000 in damages and it is determined you shared 10 percent of the liability for the accident, you would only be able to collect $90,000. Your attorney will work to ensure you aren’t held liable for more than your fair share of the accident.
How much does it cost to hire a premises liability attorney?
At Lambert Zainey Smith & Soso, we work on a contingency fee basis. There are retainers or upfront expenses for our representation. We get paid after we’ve won your case, as a percentage of the compensation we’ve recovered for you.
Speak With a New Orleans Premises Liability Lawyer Today
With almost 50 years of experience and a profound dedication to advocating for our clients, Lambert Zainey Smith & Soso is the trusted choice for personal injury claims in New Orleans. Our team of skilled attorneys has successfully represented victims injured in a variety of premises liability cases. In our five decades of service, we’ve secured over a billion dollars in cash settlements for our clients.
Pursuing a premise liability claim can be daunting, especially if you aren’t familiar with Louisiana state law. Let Lambert Zainey handle the legal chores while you focus on recovering from your injuries. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a New Orleans premises liability lawyer.