Opelousas Slip and Fall Lawyers

Are Property Owners Liable for Slip and Fall Accidents?

While some slip and falls are relatively minor, with victims sustaining lesser injuries that will heal on their own, others are catastrophic. After a severe slip and fall accident, you may be left with permanent injuries or lifelong disabilities, not to mention exorbitant medical bills and other serious hardships.

Regardless of the nature of your accident or the severity of your injuries, you could be entitled to financial compensation for your medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages—but you will have to prove that the property owner (or another party) is liable.

Under Louisiana premises liability law, you must prove that someone else—usually the property owner—was at fault for the accident to have a valid slip and fall case.

Typically, this involves proving that you were legally allowed on the property when the incident occurred and there was a dangerous condition or hazard that contributed to your fall.

You’ll also need to prove that the property owner knew about or should have known about the dangerous condition or hazard yet failed to take the appropriate measures to remove it, repair it, or warn you about it.

Proving Negligence in Slip and Fall Cases

When it comes to slip and fall accidents, one of the key factors in establishing liability is proving negligence on the part of the property owner. Our Opelousas slip and fall attorneys understand the complexities of these cases and can help you gather the necessary evidence to prove fault.

Some important factors to consider when proving negligence include:

• Unsafe conditions: We will investigate whether the property owner knew or should have known about the hazardous conditions that caused your slip and fall.
• Failure to warn: If the property owner was aware of the dangerous conditions but failed to provide adequate warnings, they may be held liable for your injuries.
• Lack of maintenance: Negligence can also be established if the property owner failed to properly maintain the premises, leading to the hazardous conditions that caused your accident.

Our goal is to help you prove the following elements in your case:

• Duty of care: The property owner had a legal duty to maintain a safe environment for visitors.
• Breach of duty: The property owner failed to fulfill their duty of care by not addressing hazardous conditions.
• Causation: The hazardous condition directly caused your slip and fall accident.
• Damages: You suffered injuries and incurred damages as a result of the accident.

Our slip and fall accident lawyers in Opelousas will work diligently to build a strong case on your behalf, gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and consulting with experts if needed. We are committed to fighting for your rights and helping you seek the compensation you deserve.

Common Causes of Slip and Falls

Most slips, trips, and falls result from unsafe or defective property conditions or hazards.

Some of the most common examples include:

• Wet floors
• Spills
• Uneven flooring
• Slippery surfaces
• Torn carpeting
• Poor lighting
• Cluttered walkways
• Exposed tripping hazards
• Defective stairs or steps
• Missing handrails
• Potholes
• Cracks
• Loose gravel
• Improper or missing signage

When property owners fail to repair, remove, or warn visitors about such conditions, innocent people can be severely hurt. If you believe that a property owner, property manager, or another liable party was responsible for your slip and fall accident, contact Doran & Cawthorne, P.L.L.C. right away.

Compensation for Slip and Fall Victims

Serious slip and fall accidents can lead to devastating, life-altering injuries. In fact, falls are among the leading causes of some catastrophic injuries, including traumatic brain injuries and spine injuries.

Other common slip and fall injuries include:

• Broken bones/fractures
• Serious cuts, scrapes, and abrasions
• Slipped, or herniated, discs
• Head and neck injuries
• Back injuries
• Injuries to arms and wrists
• Sprains and strains
• Facial injuries
• Internal bleeding
• Organ damage
• Soft tissue injuries
• Blunt force trauma

Victims may require emergency medical attention, hospitalization, and other ongoing care, such as physical therapy, pain management, and rehabilitation. Some may be unable to return to work for weeks or months, and others may sustain permanent impairments that prevent them from obtaining any form of gainful employment in the future.

At Doran & Cawthorne, P.L.L.C., we recognize just how devastating a slip, trip, and fall accident can be, both for victims and their families. Because of this, our Opelousas slip and fall lawyers fight to recover every last penny you are owed so that you can manage unexpected medical expenses, prepare for future care costs, and make up for lost wages while you are out of work.

We also fight to make sure our clients are compensated for the physical pain and mental suffering they have endured as a result of their injuries, and we are fully prepared to take your case to trial if necessary.

Steps to Take After a Slip & Fall Accident

A slip and fall accident can be a traumatic and overwhelming experience. It's important to take the right steps to protect your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Here are some important steps to take after a slip and fall accident:

• Seek medical attention: Your health and well-being should be your top priority. Even if you don't feel immediate pain or notice any injuries, it's important to get checked by a medical professional to rule out any internal injuries or delayed symptoms.
• Report the incident: Notify the property owner or manager about the accident as soon as possible. Make sure to document the details of the incident, including the date, time, location, and any contributing factors such as wet floors or inadequate lighting.
• Gather evidence: Take photos of the accident scene, including any hazardous conditions that caused your fall. Collect contact information from any witnesses who saw the incident occur.
• Preserve physical evidence: If there are any torn clothing, damaged footwear, or other physical evidence related to the accident, make sure to keep them in a safe place as they may be important for your case.
• Document your injuries: Keep a record of all medical treatments, doctor visits, prescriptions, and any other expenses related to your injuries. This documentation will be crucial in determining the extent of your damages.
• Contact a slip and fall lawyer: It's important to consult with a knowledgeable slip and fall lawyer who can guide you through the legal process, protect your rights, and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.

At Doran & Cawthorne, P.L.L.C., our slip and fall accident attorneys in Opelousas have extensive experience representing injured victims throughout Louisiana. We understand the complexities of slip and fall cases and are committed to fighting for the rights of accident victims.

How a Lawyer from Doran & Cawthorne, P.L.L.C. Can Help

One of the best things you can do after a slip and fall is to contact an experienced personal injury attorney, like ours at Doran & Cawthorne, P.L.L.C.

We can help you with every aspect of your claim, from gathering evidence and submitting paperwork to communicating with the insurance company and negotiating a fair settlement. If necessary, we can even help you prepare for trial and aggressively advocate for you in the courtroom.

Throughout the legal process, our team will be there to answer your questions and provide the honest, compassionate, and personalized legal guidance you deserve.

We are proud to represent everyday people right here in our community, and we are committed to fighting for the results you need to get back on your feet and move forward with your life.

We don’t collect any attorney fees until we win your case! Call (337) 222-3526 or contact us online to get started with a free, no-obligation consultation today.