A slip and fall accident can result in traumatic injuries that may leave you unable to work or take care of yourself without assistance. Many people think of slip and fall accidents as being a few bumps and bruises; however, some falls result in serious injuries that require hospitalization, lengthy physical therapy, and some result in death. While the most common injuries sustained in a slip and fall case are fractures, some accident victims suffer traumatic brain injury, hip or knee damage, back injuries, neck injuries, and spinal cord injuries.
If you have been injured in a Louisiana slip and fall accident, you may have the right to receive compensation for your injuries from the property owner. Slip and fall cases fall within the category of premises liability. The Louisiana premises liability laws state that a property owner has a duty to maintain the property in a safe manner, to warn visitors of hazards, and to correct hazards that could result in injury.
The slip and fall attorneys at the Law Offices of Matt & Allen want to help you and your family if you have been injured in a slip and fall accident. You should not need to bear the financial burden of a slip and fall accident in addition to the physical and emotional pain that you have already suffered from because of a property owner’s negligence.
Where do slip and fall accidents occur?
A slip, trip, or fall can occur anywhere—banks, grocery stores, offices, nursing homes, schools, hotels, restrooms, parking lots, etc. Louisiana premises liability laws require the owner to take measures to ensure a safe environment and warn others of hazardous conditions. Failing to provide proper warning or take measures to ensure your safety is a breach of the owner’s duty. When a property owner does not take measures to keep the property safe, everyone is at risk.
Even though the elderly are at a higher risk for slip and fall accidents, it can happen to anyone. With the average cost of a hospital visit for a slip and fall case being approximately $35,000, it is vital that you take steps to protect your right to receive compensation from the party who either caused the unsafe condition, failed to correct the unsafe condition, or failed to warn the public and visitors of the unsafe condition. A slip and fall accident is one of the 20 most expensive medical conditions to treat.
What is my slip and fall claim worth?
With millions of individuals being injured in premises liability cases each year, insurance companies aggressively fight slip and fall claims to minimize liability and lower claim payments. You need an experienced slip and fall attorney to explain the process of filing a claim and/or filing a slip and fall lawsuit. Your attorney will investigate the accident and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf so that you can focus on getting well.
Our experienced Louisiana slip and fall attorneys understand how to value your premises liability claim to ensure you receive the maximum compensation allowable by Louisiana laws. We understand how to calculate losses and present the case in a way that is in your best interest. Because the at-fault party is usually a company, they typically have several attorneys working to defend them. It is important that you level the playing field by hiring a premises liability law firm who understands what you are going through as you struggle to overcome the pain and emotional distress caused by the car accident.
Our staff and attorneys will answer each of your questions about slip and fall claims, the process of filing a personal injury lawsuit in Louisiana, and negotiating or trying the case in court. Regardless of the type of slip and fall case you may have, take advantage of our free consultation to get answers to all of your questions.
What should I do if I am injured in a slip and fall accident?
The first thing you should do is seek immediate medical attention. Your health is your top priority. Even if you feel as if you have not been injured in the fall, you may have injuries that are not readily noticeable or your persistent mild symptoms may be an indication of a more serious medical condition. Therefore, always seek medical attention after a slip and fall accident. If your injuries do not require emergency medical services, see your family doctor as soon as possible for an examination.
Other steps you should take after a slip and fall accident include:
- Preserve Your Clothing and Shoes – Place the clothing and shoes you were wearing at the time of the fall in a plastic bag and seal them for your attorney. He may need these items as evidence in your slip and fall claim.
- Report the Accident Immediately – Do not leave the premises without filing a formal report with the property owner or the person in charge. Insist that a written reported is completed and you receive a copy of that report before you leave.
- Get Names and Contact Information – You need the name and contact information for the property owner, the lessee if the property is rented, the person who took the report, and any eyewitnesses to the accident. Eyewitness testimony can be very helpful; however, your attorney needs to obtain the information while it is still fresh on the minds of the witnesses.
- Take Photographs of the Accident Scene – If possible, take photographs of the accident scene before it is cleaned up or changed. If you are unable to do this, ask someone to use your phone to take a few pictures while waiting for medical personnel.
- Do Not Discuss Your Injuries or Case with the Insurance Company, the Property Owner, or Any Other Party – Anything you say may be twisted around to hurt your claim in the future. You need to understand the facts and know your legal rights; therefore, you need an experienced slip and fall attorney. You should never sign any releases or provide any statements until you have met with an attorney.
- Contact the Law Offices of Matt & Allen Immediately – If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident, contact our office immediately. We need to begin an investigation to identify, gather, and preserve key evidence to use in your case. You only have one year from the date of the injury to file a slip and fall lawsuit—act quickly to avoid losing your right to receive compensation for your injuries.
Do you need an experienced Louisiana slip and fall attorney?
If you have been injured in a fall, you need to consult with the personal injury attorneys of the Law Offices of Matt & Allen. We want to protect your right to be reimbursed for your losses and compensated for your damages.
We offer a free case evaluation and you do not pay our fee if we do not recover compensation for you. Contact our office online or call 337-237-1000 to schedule your free consultation.
