Slip and Fall Accidents and Injuries on Premises

When someone is injured on the property of another person, the property owner may be held liable for the injuries under a theory called premises liability. A common phrase used to describe these types of cases is "slip and fall" cases. Property owners are responsible for keeping their property in a safe condition so people who use the property are not injured, yet every year many people suffer injuries when property owners fail in this duty. All property owners have this duty, including business owners, homeowners, and other property owners. When a property owner is negligent, and that negligence causes injury, a Louisiana slip and fall attorney can help you.

Common Causes of Slip and Fall Injuries

Any kind of dangerous condition may result in the landowner being liable for injuries suffered by people on the property. Some common causes include:

• Slippery substances on the floor or ground, such as water or ice
• Uneven or cracked walking surfaces
• Inadequate lighting
• Lack of a handrail
• Objects obstructing the walkway

Whatever the cause, injuries suffered in slip and fall, or trip and fall accidents can sometimes be serious and severely affect a person's quality of life. If that happens, a Louisiana slip and fall attorney can help you file a claim.

Who May Have a Premises Liability Claim?

People who are present on the property may have different legal statuses based on the circumstances that bring them to the property. Property owners owe the highest duty of care to invitees. An invitee is someone who has been invited onto the property by the owner. For example, a shopper at a store would be an invitee. In a case involving an invitee, the owner must take all reasonable precautions to ensure the safety of the visitor.

Property owners owe a lower duty of care to licensees. They must warn of hidden dangers, but are not required to take the same precautions as they would to protect an invitee. A licensee is someone who is on the property for their own benefit, such as a salesperson, or as a social guest. A licensee enters the property with the consent of the owner.

A trespasser enters the property without the consent of the owner and without any right to enter. Property owners owe the lowest duty of care to trespassers and are not required to take precautions to protect them. If you're injured on someone else's property, and you're not sure of your status, a New Orleans premises liability attorney can help you make that determination.

Contacting a New Orleans Premises Liability Attorney

If you've been injured on someone else's property, contact a Louisiana premises liability attorney at Bachus & Schanker. We can help you determine what your rights are and how to proceed against the responsible property owner who failed to take precautions to protect your safety.