Lake Charles Premises Liability & Slip and Fall Lawyer

Experienced Premises Liability & Slip and Fall Attorney in Lake Charles

Louisiana’s premises liability laws outline rules and regulations for merchants and property owners as well as recovery options for injured parties in these types of accidents. A Lake Charles premises liability & slip-and-fall lawyer can evaluate the case and help you file a claim to secure full compensation.

Filing a claim after an accident can be a confusing process, especially if you’re not sure where to technically place the blame. Our team at Cox Law Firm has been navigating Louisiana premises liability laws for over 55 years.

We’re proud to offer comprehensive legal support and aggressive advocacy for our clients throughout Cajun Country. You can count on us to help you submit a cohesive claim and establish fault and clearly demonstrate the scope of your losses. Furthermore, we can stay by your side through every stage of the claims process to help with your recovery.

Louisiana Premises Liability Laws

Falls are the second-leading cause of injury-related fatalities in the United States. These accidents can occur at home, at work, or on the go. It’s important that you understand your rights and legal options for recovery under Louisiana premises liability laws. A Lake Charles personal injury lawyer can help.

Property owners in Louisiana are responsible for maintaining their property to a reasonable standard in order to keep visitors on their property safe. Under Louisiana law, visitors are classified into invitees, licensees, and trespassers. Property owners have a duty of care to protect invitees and licensees on the premises. Trespassers typically are not afforded the same duty of care.

Property owners aren’t the only ones that can be held liable in slip-and-fall cases where Louisiana’s premises liability laws are concerned. It’s possible for more than one party to be at fault in a premises liability case, including:

• Business tenants
• Careless visitors
• Construction companies and contractors
• Government entities
• Independent contractors
• Maintenance companies
• Negligent security guards
• Pet owners
• Property managers
• Property owners

It’s important that you understand what caused your injuries in order to hold the right people accountable. Injured parties with valid legal grounds can file a claim to recover damages based on the scope of their losses. This can include both direct costs and less defined losses like general pain and suffering.

Damages are typically not limited unless you plan to file against a government agency or employee. Louisiana imposes a $500,000 cap on damages for claims of this nature.

Economic damages are typically not limited regardless of the details of the claim. That doesn’t mean you’re automatically going to receive a fair settlement simply by filing a claim. Securing fair compensation typically involves negotiations with insurers or even litigation in the courtroom.

Causes of Slip-and-Fall Cases in Lake Charles, LA

Every year, slip-and-fall injuries result in a significant number of fatal and non-fatal injuries in Louisiana. The state recently reported 11,031 hospitalizations and 411 fatalities from falls in a single year. Aging is a common factor that increases the risk of serious falls. That said, you can sustain serious injuries from a fall at any age.

If your injuries are the result of another party’s actions or negligence, you may have grounds to file a claim and recover damages. Common causes of slip-and-fall cases in Lake Charles can include:

• Deteriorating property conditions
• Hazards in walkways
• Lack of handrails
• Poor lighting
• Slippery or wet floors
• Uneven flooring

It’s not enough simply to sustain an injury on another person’s property to have grounds to file a premises liability claim. You must prove that the property owner had a duty of care and clearly breached that duty. Moreover, you must demonstrate how that breach directly led to your injuries or other losses.

This requires gathering evidence and submitting a cohesive claim that is valid under Louisiana law. Helpful evidence in slip-and-fall cases can include:

• Detailed notes
• Documentation of the scene
• Eyewitness accounts
• Medical records and doctor’s notes
• Other relevant professional opinions
• Pictures/videos of your injuries
• Property maintenance records
• Surveillance footage of the incident

A Lake Charles premises liability & slip-and-fall attorney can work with you to obtain all the necessary information to submit a strong claim. They can also continue representing you throughout the claims process and take care of challenging aspects of the case like communicating with insurance adjusters and navigating claims in the courtroom if necessary.

Fatal Slip-and-Fall Cases in Lake Charles

Unfortunately, some premises liability cases result in fatal injuries. If you lose a loved one in a slip-and-fall accident and another party is at fault, you may have grounds to open a wrongful death case and hold them accountable for their actions.

This typically involves filing a wrongful death claim and survival action to recover damages on behalf of the victim’s suffering as well as their surviving loved one’s losses. Recoverable damages in fatal slip-and-fall cases can include:

• Funeral and burial costs
• Loss of consortium or companionship
• Loss of parent or guardian
• Lost wages and benefits
• Medical expenses
• Out-of-pocket costs
• Victim’s pain and suffering

It’s important to understand the full scope of your losses in order to secure a fair settlement. It’s also important to note that there are slightly different statutes of limitations for wrongful death claims and survival actions. A Lake Charles premises liability & slip-and-fall lawyer can take time to learn about your situation and help you on your road to recovery.

A Local Lake Charles Personal Injury Lawyer You Can Trust

Cox Law Firm has been settling slip-and-fall cases since it was founded by James and William Cox in 1969. We’ve secured millions for our clients through negotiations and litigation in the courtroom.* We’re widely regarded as one of the most successful personal injury firms in the state of Louisiana, and we’re a national leader in mounting class actions, too.

Our local attorneys have worked on countless unique slip-and-fall cases throughout southwest Louisiana. From negotiating with Louisiana insurance adjusters to navigating litigation through the 14th Judicial District Court in Calcasieu Parish, you can count on a Lake Charles premises liability & slip-and-fall lawyer from our team to be there to see you through your case.

FAQs

How Long Do I Have to Pursue Legal Action Under Louisiana Premises Liability Laws?

How long you have to pursue legal action under Louisiana premises liability laws is typically two years from the date of the incident. While you technically have time to file a claim, it’s recommended that you initiate the process as quickly as possible.

The longer you wait, the less likely you’re going to be able to collect key pieces of evidence to support your claim. Furthermore, the sooner you start the claims process, the sooner you can secure your settlement.

How Do I Prove Fault in a Slip-and-Fall Case in Lake Charles?

To prove fault in a slip-and-fall case in Lake Charles, it depends on the nature of the accident. Legal grounds for premises liability claims in Louisiana typically include intentional misconduct, negligence, and strict product liability.

To establish fault, you can document as much of the scene as possible, talk to witnesses, and file an incident report with the proper authorities. A Lake Charles premises liability & slip and fall attorney can help you collect the evidence you need.

How Long Does It Take to Settle Slip-and-Fall Cases in Lake Charles?

How long it takes to settle slip-and-fall cases in Lake Charles can vary from case to case. Settling a premises liability claim out of court is typically faster than entering litigation to secure your recovery. Even so, negotiations can take time depending on the facts of the case.

A Lake Charles personal injury lawyer can help move things along if negotiations stall or other challenges arise along the way.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Premises Liability & Slip-and-Fall Lawyer in Lake Charles?

The cost to hire a premises liability & slip-and-fall lawyer in Lake Charles mostly depends on the complexity of your situation and how much you recover through your settlement. You can typically expect a Lake Charles personal injury lawyer to charge a contingency fee.

Claimants only pay for their lawyer’s services if they secure a settlement. The attorney determines a reasonable percentage to collect based on a number of different factors.

Hire a Premises Liability Lawyer to Discuss Your Legal Options in a Lake Charles Personal Injury Case

Recovering from a slip-and-fall accident goes beyond your physical healing. A Lake Charles premises liability and slip-and-fall lawyer can work with you to file your claim and any supporting documentation in order to secure the compensation you’re rightfully owed after a serious accident.

If you’re getting ready to file your claim, let our local legal professionals at Cox Law Firm help you do everything right the first time around. With over half a century of personal injury law experience under our belt, our team is ready to help make you whole again. Our firm proudly serves Louisianans throughout the Acadiana region and beyond.

Call our office to schedule an initial consultation with an attorney today. We’re located right here in Lake Charles in the historic Wachsen-Williams House on Broad Street when you’re ready to get started.