Were you injured because of a dangerous condition on someone else’s property in Shreveport, Louisiana? Contact Desiah Injury Lawyers at (318) 252-3034 for a free consultation. A Shreveport premises liability lawyer can review your accident, explain your options, and help you seek compensation from the responsible party.
Our firm has over a decade of experience representing injured people. The firm can handle your insurance claim and legal case while you focus on your health and recovery.
How Desiah Injury Lawyers Can Help After a Premises Liability Accident in Shreveport, LA
Property owners and insurance companies may dispute whether a hazard was dangerous or argue that an injured visitor should have noticed it. A Shreveport personal injury lawyer can gather the evidence needed to challenge these claims and establish what caused your accident.
When you hire Desiah Injury Lawyers in Shreveport, LA, we can:
- Investigate the property and accident scene
- Obtain photographs, video footage, and incident reports
- Interview witnesses who saw the accident or hazard
- Review maintenance and inspection records
- Identify each party that may share responsibility
- Calculate your present and future losses
- Negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf
- Prepare your case for trial when necessary
Premises liability claims may involve detailed property records and evidence that can disappear quickly. Contact the firm as soon as possible so our Shreveport premises liability attorney can begin protecting your interests.
What Is Premises Liability Law in Louisiana?
Premises liability law concerns injuries caused by unsafe conditions on property owned or controlled by another person or business. In Louisiana, a property owner or custodian may be responsible if a defect creates an unreasonable risk of harm and the owner knew, or should have known, of the danger.
These cases often turn on whether the property was reasonably maintained and whether visitors received adequate warning of the hazard.
The legal standard may vary depending on the type of property involved, but a successful claim generally requires evidence showing:
- A dangerous condition existed on the property.
- The owner or custodian knew, or should have known, about it.
- The owner failed to repair the hazard or provide an adequate warning.
- The unsafe condition caused the victim’s injuries and losses.
Louisiana also has specific rules for claims against merchants. In those cases, an injured person may need to prove that the condition presented an unreasonable risk of harm, that the merchant created the condition or had notice of it, and that the merchant failed to use reasonable care.
What Types of Accidents Can Lead to Premises Liability Claims in Shreveport?
Premises liability is broader than slip and fall cases. A dangerous condition can cause injuries at a store, restaurant, apartment complex, hotel, office, parking lot, or private residence.
Common premises liability cases include:
- Wet or slippery floors
- Broken stairs or loose handrails
- Uneven sidewalks and flooring
- Poor lighting in stairwells or parking areas
- Falling merchandise or building materials
- Unsafe balconies or decks
- Unsecured swimming pools
- Inadequate property maintenance
- Electrical hazards
- Negligent security
- Dog bites and animal attacks
The existence of a hazard does not automatically make a property owner liable. The available evidence must connect the dangerous condition, the owner’s conduct, and the victim’s injuries. A Shreveport personal injury attorney can examine the facts and determine which legal rules apply.
What Compensation Is Available After a Shreveport Premises Liability Accident?
A premises liability claim may seek compensation for both financial and personal losses. The amount available will depend on the seriousness of your injuries and how the accident has affected your daily life.
Potential damages may include:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy
- Lost wages
- Reduced future earning ability
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Disability or disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Other accident-related expenses
Medical records, wage statements, bills, expert opinions, and testimony from family members may help establish these losses. Desiah Injury Lawyers can assess the full impact of your injury instead of relying only on the expenses you have already incurred.
Can I Recover Compensation If I Am Partly at Fault in Louisiana?
It’s possible because Louisiana uses a modified comparative fault rule in most personal injury cases. You may recover compensation if you are no more than 50% responsible for your injuries. However, your award will usually be reduced in proportion to your share of fault.
For example, suppose you have $100,000 in damages but are found 20% at fault for failing to notice a hazard. Your potential recovery would likely be reduced to $80,000. If you are found 51% or more at fault, you may be barred from recovering compensation.
Property owners and insurance companies may claim that you were distracted, ignored a warning, or failed to avoid an obvious danger. A Shreveport premises liability lawyer can investigate the accident and challenge efforts to place an unfair share of the blame on you.
How Long Do I Have to File a Premises Liability Lawsuit in Louisiana?
Louisiana typically gives injured victims two years from the date of their accident to file a lawsuit for damages.
Exceptions or different deadlines may apply in some cases, including claims involving public property. Waiting can also allow surveillance recordings to be erased and witnesses’ memories to fade. Speak with an attorney promptly to determine the deadline that applies to your accident.
Contact a Shreveport Premises Liability Lawyer for a Free Consultation
A serious fall or other property-related accident can disrupt nearly every part of your life. While you recover, Desiah Injury Lawyers can investigate what happened, deal with the insurance company, and pursue compensation from those responsible.
Our firm is prepared to guide you through each stage of your claim. Call today to schedule a free consultation with a Shreveport premises liability lawyer.
