Shreveport Slip & Fall Accident Attorney

Ready to Hold Property Owners Liable for a Slip & Fall Accident in Shreveport, L

If you’ve been injured in a slip-and-fall accident in Shreveport, you understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that such incidents can take. At Ryan E. Gatti, Attorney At Law, our experienced legal team is dedicated to helping victims of slip-and-fall accidents recover compensation for their injuries. Our Shreveport slip-and-fall accident lawyers have the knowledge and resources to help you navigate the legal process and fight for the justice you deserve.

Slip-and-fall accidents are a leading cause of personal injury, often resulting in severe injuries like broken bones, head trauma, spinal cord injuries, and more. If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, it is crucial to understand your rights and how to hold the responsible party accountable. Let us guide you through every step of the legal process.

Contact our Shreveport slip-and-fall accident lawyers at (318) 633-0186 to schedule your free consultation.

Common Causes of Slip & Fall Accidents

Slip-and-fall accidents can happen anywhere and at any time, but most are caused by hazardous conditions that are preventable. Some of the most common causes of slip-and-fall accidents include:

• Wet or Slippery Surfaces: Water or other liquids left on the floor can create a slippery surface. Spilled drinks in grocery stores, wet floors in public restrooms, and puddles left on sidewalks after rain are all examples of hazardous conditions that lead to slip-and-fall accidents.
• Uneven or Broken Flooring: Cracked sidewalks, loose tiles, and uneven floorboards are all hazardous tripping hazards that can cause people to trip and fall. Property owners are required to maintain their premises and repair any hazards they are aware of. Failing to do so can result in liability if an accident occurs.
• Poor Lighting: Inadequate lighting, especially in parking lots, stairwells, or hallways, can make it difficult to see hazards that could lead to a fall. A lack of proper illumination can result in serious injuries, as victims may not be able to spot hazards in their path.
• Obstructions in Walkways: Boxes, clutter, or other obstacles in walkways can create tripping hazards. Businesses and property owners are responsible for ensuring that their premises are free from debris and obstacles to prevent accidents.
• Damaged Staircases: Worn-out stairs with broken handrails, loose steps, or lack of proper tread can cause falls that result in serious injury. Many slip-and-fall accidents occur on staircases due to these dangerous conditions.
• Icy or Snowy Surfaces: During colder months, ice and snow can accumulate on walkways, parking lots, and sidewalks. Property owners must take action to remove ice or salt surfaces to prevent slipping accidents.

Where Do Slips and Falls Occur?

Slip-and-fall accidents can happen anywhere, but some locations are more prone to these types of accidents. Common places where slips and falls occur include:

• Retail Stores and Supermarkets: Spills, wet floors, and poorly maintained parking lots in retail stores and supermarkets often cause slip-and-fall accidents. Shoppers, especially elderly individuals, can easily slip on wet floors or trip over misplaced items.
• Restaurants and Bars: Spilled food, drinks, or grease in restaurants and bars can create hazardous conditions for both customers and employees. Slippery floors, uneven surfaces, and cluttered areas are common causes of falls.
• Workplaces: Slip-and-fall accidents can happen at any workplace, especially in areas where employees are required to work with hazardous materials or equipment. Spills, broken flooring, or unmarked wet areas can cause accidents in industrial, office, and retail environments.
• Public Sidewalks and Roads: Sidewalks and roads in disrepair, especially those with cracked pavement or uneven surfaces, are a common cause of slip-and-fall accidents in urban areas like Shreveport.
• Private Residences: Slip-and-fall accidents can also occur in private homes, especially if the homeowner fails to maintain a safe environment. Wet floors, broken steps, or poor lighting in common areas can lead to accidents, particularly among guests or visitors.

Proving Liability in a Slip-and-Fall Accident

To win a slip-and-fall case, you must prove that the property owner or occupier was negligent in some way. Proving liability is crucial in securing compensation for your injuries. To establish negligence in a slip-and-fall case, you typically need to demonstrate the following:

1. The Property Owner Owed a Duty of Care: Property owners have a responsibility to maintain their premises and ensure they are safe for visitors. Whether it’s a business or private property, the owner must act in a way that avoids foreseeable harm to visitors.
2. There Was a Hazardous Condition: To prove liability, it is essential to show that there was a dangerous condition on the property that caused your fall. This could be wet floors, uneven flooring, or any other hazard that could have been avoided with proper maintenance.
3. The Property Owner Knew or Should Have Known About the Hazard: To succeed in your claim, you need to show that the property owner either knew or should have known about the hazardous condition. If the owner was aware of the danger and did nothing to remedy it, they may be held liable.
4. The Property Owner Failed to Fix the Hazard: If the property owner was aware of the dangerous condition but failed to take action to fix it in a timely manner, you may be able to hold them liable for your injury.
5. Your Injury Was Directly Caused by the Hazard: Finally, you need to show that the slip-and-fall accident directly resulted from the hazardous condition and that your injury was a foreseeable consequence.

FAQs About Slip & Fall Claims in Louisiana

What should I do after a slip-and-fall accident in Shreveport?

After a slip-and-fall accident, it’s essential to seek medical attention immediately, even if you don’t feel injured right away. Document the scene of the accident by taking pictures of the hazardous condition and gathering contact information from any witnesses. Finally, contact a Shreveport slip-and-fall accident lawyer to discuss your case.

How long do I have to file a slip-and-fall claim in Louisiana?

In Louisiana, you generally have one year from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. However, it is always best to consult with an attorney as soon as possible to ensure you don’t miss any deadlines.

What kind of compensation can I receive for a slip-and-fall accident?

You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages related to your injury. The amount of compensation you can receive depends on the severity of your injuries and the circumstances of the accident.

Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault?

Louisiana follows a comparative fault system, which means you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault for the accident. However, your compensation may be reduced based on your percentage of fault.

Do I need a lawyer for a slip-and-fall case?

While it’s possible to handle a slip-and-fall case on your own, having an experienced lawyer on your side can significantly improve your chances of securing a fair settlement or verdict. A lawyer can help you navigate the legal process and gather evidence to support your claim.

To get started on your claim, call (318) 633-0186 or contact us online today.