Is a Slip and Fall Dispute the Same as a Personal Injury Claim?
When it comes to personal injury law, slip and fall disputes have distinct factors. For example, slip and fall cases usually hinge on proving negligence on the part of the property owner. Talking to a seasoned New Orleans personal injury lawyer means you are accessing the help of a professional who has expertise in pursuing fair compensation for injuries sustained.
Defining a Slip and Fall Claim
A slip and fall claim is a type of personal injury case that arises when an individual sustains injuries due to dangerous or hazardous conditions on someone else’s property. Property owners, whether those individuals are running a business or maintaining a home, have a legal responsibility to maintain safe premises. Because of this, all potential dangers must be promptly addressed. If a property owner fails to do so and someone is injured as a result, a slip and fall claim could be a path for the injured party to seek compensation for injury-related expenses.
While pursuing a slip and fall claim falls under the umbrella of personal injury law, they are different from car accidents or medical malpractice cases. Slip and fall incidents are usually associated with premises liability laws, placing the focus on the condition of the property.
To connect with loss recovery, proving that the property owner was negligent in maintaining a safe environment is crucial. Additionally, there will need to be evidence that this negligence directly led to the victim being harmed.
Situations that Prompt Slip, Trip, and Fall Cases
There are a range of situations that have led to slip and fall claims, including the following.
- Surfaces that are wet or slippery. New Orleans can be humid, and when you couple that with frequent rain, slippery surfaces are not rare. That said, restaurants, hotels, and public spaces, need to promptly address wet floors to keep visitors safe.
- Uneven walking surfaces. Louisiana is known for stunning, historic architecture, but all of this charm can also come with uneven sidewalks and pavements, creating trip risks.
- Inadequate lighting. Dimly lit areas can create hazards for pedestrians, because low-light conditions make it difficult to identify potential dangers on the path. As a result, insufficient lighting in parking lots, stairwells, and walkways contribute to slip and fall incidents.
- Negligent maintenance. Property owners have a duty to conduct regular maintenance, including being sure that handrails, staircases, and elevators are installed correctly and are safe to use.
- Failure to warn of hazards. Things break, that is normal, but if a danger is present property owners are obligated to provide adequate warnings.
To seek justice and compensation after an injury-causing accident on someone else’s property, strengthen the possibility of securing damages by working with a New Orleans personal injury lawyer.
Were you injured because a New Orleans, Metairie or Gretna property owner failed to post information about an accident risk? The skilled legal team at Palazzo Law Firm understands the distinctive challenges of slip and fall claims. To connect with a full and fair settlement, call 504-433-1442 for a fee-free consultation.
