Shreveport Premises Liability Lawyer

Lawyers for Victims of Accidents Caused by Unsafe Property Conditions

Call (318) 633-0186 or contact us online to learn more about how we can help you.

What Is Premises Liability?

Premises liability is an area of personal injury law that holds property owners responsible for certain injuries that occur on their property. Property owners have a legal duty to keep their property reasonably safe for visitors and guests. When they fail to do so, they can be held accountable for the resulting injuries and damages.

Our Shreveport premises liability lawyers represent clients in cases involving:

• Slip and falls
• Negligent security
• Dog bites
• Swimming pool accidents
• Elevator and escalator accidents
• Porch and deck collapses
• Building and structural collapses
• Toxic exposure

These are just a few examples of the many types of cases we handle. If you were injured on someone else’s property, we can help you determine if you have a valid claim and, if so, how to proceed.

Louisiana Premises Liability Laws

Premises liability in Louisiana is governed by a combination of civil law principles found in the Louisiana Civil Code, primarily under Articles 2315, 2316, 2317, and 2322. These laws establish the responsibility of property owners (and sometimes occupiers) to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition and outline when they can be held liable for injuries sustained on their property.

Here are the specific laws in depth:

• Article 2315: General negligence: Every act causing damage to another obliges the one at fault to repair it.
• Article 2317: Strict liability for things in one’s custody: A person is responsible for damage caused by things in their custody.
• Article 2322: Liability of building owners: The owner is responsible for damages caused by ruin, vice, or defect in the building, when they knew or should have known and failed to repair it in a reasonable time.

To succeed in a premises liability claim, the injured party (plaintiff) typically must prove the following elements:

1. Unreasonable Risk of Harm: The condition on the premises created an unreasonable risk of harm to others. For example, wet floors without warning signs, broken steps, poor lighting.
2. Owner’s Custody or Control: The property owner or custodian had custody or control over the premises where the injury occurred.
3. Owner’s Knowledge of the Hazard: The owner or custodian knew or should have known about the dangerous condition. This is called actual or constructive knowledge.
4. Failure to Correct or Warn: The owner failed to take reasonable steps to correct the dangerous condition or to warn others of its existence.
5. Causation and Damages: The hazardous condition was a cause-in-fact and a legal cause of the injury. The plaintiff suffered actual damages (e.g., medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages).

What Is the Statute of Limitations on Premises Liability Cases in Louisiana?

In Louisiana, individuals have one year from the injury date to initiate personal injury lawsuits. Missing this deadline typically means forfeiting the chance to seek damages. Nevertheless, the timeframe for filing can vary; injuries on government property might have a shorter window for claims, whereas harm from hazardous materials could extend the period to several years.

How Can a Shreveport Premises Liability Attorney Help Me?

A premises liability lawyer can assist in securing the necessary compensation for your injuries. Typically, the property owner's insurer bears the responsibility for settling your claim. However, it's important to remember that insurance firms prioritize profit and will employ various strategies to minimize or deny the compensation rightfully yours.

Our team of premises liability lawyers in Shreveport is prepared to support you through:

• Comprehensive Accident Analysis: This process includes examining the accident report, conducting witness interviews, capturing scene photographs, and engaging specialists for deeper insights.
• Documentation of Damages: Collaborating closely with your medical providers, we aim to meticulously document your injuries and the treatments undergone. Additionally, we'll compile evidence of any lost income, diminished earning potential, emotional distress, and other relevant damages.
• Insurance Negotiations: We will enter negotiations with the insurance company to secure a just settlement that covers the full extent of your injuries and losses.
• Trial Preparation: Should the insurance provider fail to offer a satisfactory settlement, we are fully prepared to present your case in court. Our lawyers have extensive trial experience and are committed to fighting against the insurance companies.

If you were injured on another’s property, it is important to consult with an experienced premises liability lawyer in Shreveport as soon as possible. Call (318) 633-0186 to schedule a consultation with our firm.