|
|
Last
Modified on
Aug 25, 2026
Accidents happen every day. If you’re injured on the premises of a business, it’s imperative that you understand your rights and recovery options under Louisiana’s merchant liability law.
Whether or not you have legal grounds to recover compensation in these incidents is determined by Louisiana premises liability laws. These types of accidents can result in serious injuries and losses that can change the course of a person’s life.
Navigating a premises liability case can be daunting, especially after being shaken up in a serious accident. It’s recommended that you hire a slip and fall lawyer to help you come up with a plan and gather all the documentation you need to file your claim. Even so, it’s beneficial to know more about the process for yourself, too.
Understanding Louisiana’s Merchant Liability Law
Under the Louisiana Merchant Liability Act, property owners must exercise reasonable care to keep visitors on their property safe. In the event of a slip-and-fall accident, the injured party must prove that the property owner’s actions or inaction directly caused their injuries in order to recover damages for their losses.
Slip-and-fall accidents are not uncommon incidents in Louisiana stores. Injured parties have the right to recover compensation in these situations depending on the nature of the accident.
It’s possible to settle a premises liability case out of court by negotiating a settlement agreement with the at-fault party. This typically involves communicating with insurance adjusters and submitting evidence to prove the scope of your losses.
If you’re unable to reach an agreement out of court, you can expect to handle matters through the district court that covers your parish. Regardless of what stage of the claims process you’re in, it’s recommended that you have a Louisiana slip-and-fall attorney by your side.
Filing a Premises Liability Claim for a Slip-and-Fall Accident in Louisiana
If you’re planning to recover damages for your losses after a slip-and-fall accident at a business, you typically have two years to file your claim. Depending on who you’re filing against, the rules may vary for how you go about this process. For example, if you intend to file against a government employee or agency, you typically must file a notice of claim prior to filing the official claim.
Fatal Premises Liability Claims in Louisiana
Unfortunately, some slip-and-fall accidents are fatal. In fact, falls are the second-leading cause of unintentional injury-related deaths in the United States. If you’re pursuing legal action on behalf of a lost loved one after a slip-and-fall accident in a Louisiana store, the rules are a little different.
In order to recover a fuller scope of damages, you must file a wrongful death claim for your own losses as well as a survival action for the victim’s losses before their death. The deadlines for filing these documents can vary slightly, though you typically can file them together. A Louisiana slip-and-fall attorney can help you navigate all these nuances to secure a fair settlement.
FAQs
How Long Does It Take to Close a Premises Liability Case in Louisiana?
How long it takes to close a premises liability case in Louisiana depends mostly on whether or not you’re able to settle matters out of court. Reaching a settlement agreement through direct negotiations is typically the fastest way to resolve a premises liability case.
It’s recommended that you hire a slip-and-fall lawyer to help with your claim in and out of the courtroom. You can count on a knowledgeable legal professional to help you keep things on track.
How Do I Prove Fault in a Louisiana Premises Liability Case?
To prove fault in a Louisiana premises liability case, establish valid legal grounds like negligence or intentional harm. It’s not enough simply to sustain an injury on the premises.
You must clearly establish fault. This can be done by collecting a preponderance of evidence, such as:
- Doctor’s notes and other professional opinions
- Medical records, including diagnoses and treatments
- Photos and videos of the scene and your injuries
- Police/incident reports
- Property maintenance logs
- Surveillance footage
- Witness testimonies
How Much Can I Recover From a Premises Liability Case in Louisiana?
How much you can recover from a premises liability case in Louisiana is going to hinge on the specific facts of your case. You can file to recover economic and non-economic damages based on the scope of your losses after a slip-and-fall accident.
This covers direct costs and abstract losses related to the incident. Recoverable damages in these cases can include:
- Disability
- Disfigurement and permanent scarring
- Lost wages and earning potential
- Medical costs
- Mental anguish
- Pain and suffering
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Slip-and-Fall Lawyer to Represent Me in a Louisiana Premises Liability Case?
The cost to hire a slip-and-fall lawyer to represent you in a Louisiana premises liability case depends on whether or not you even secure a settlement. Many personal injury lawyers in Louisiana charge contingency fees, which they collect as percentages of their clients’ total settlements.
This is a convenient payment structure for injured parties because they don’t have to worry about paying anything upfront or out of pocket. Total fees can depend on overall case complexity.
Hire a Slip and Fall Lawyer in Louisiana to Help You Recover Full Compensation
When you choose us to represent you, you’re choosing a local law firm that is familiar with Louisiana premises liability laws. Our skilled attorneys have been representing injured Louisianans through complex premises liability claims since 1969. We’ve handled many cases over our 55+ years in business, recovering millions for our clients through settlements and recoveries.*
Founded by brothers James and William Cox, Cox Law Firm is a national leader in class actions and is widely known as one of the most successful personal injury firms in Louisiana. We’re proud to serve our clients throughout the Acadiana region and beyond.
If you’re ready to discuss your legal options with a Lake Charles slip-and-fall attorney you can trust, schedule an initial consultation to come see us at our office. We’re located in Lake Charles near I-10, making us an easy trip for our clients throughout southwest Louisiana.
*Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every case is different and must be evaluated on its own merits.
