If you or a loved one was injured in an accident or incident at an establishment due to the property owner’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages.
Slip and Fall Lawyers in New Orleans
Slip and fall accidents occur when you least expect them—while shopping, walking your dog, or working. Yet, these accidents are the most common, according to the National Safety Council. And they can cause devastating injuries. In many cases, these accidents and your resulting injuries could have been prevented had the property owner not failed to fulfill the duty of care and ensured their property was free of hazards. If you suffered slip and fall injuries due to a property owner’s negligence, a New Orleans slip & fall lawyer from Wright Gray Law Firm can help you recover the compensation you deserve.
If the property owner’s negligence is the cause of your slip and fall injuries, you deserve compensation for your medical bills and other losses. Contact Wright Gray Law Firm today.
New Orleans Slip & Fall Guide
What is a Slip and Fall Accident?
Slips and fall accidents account for over 1 million emergency departments each year, or 12% of total falls. The legal term “slip and fall” refers to a premises liability claim involving a slip, trip, and/or fall that injures someone on another person or entity’s property. Most slip and fall accidents are caused by property owners failing to take care of their premises. Slip & fall accidents commonly occur at supermarkets, restaurants, hotels, retail stores, parking lots, office buildings, and sidewalks.
These accidents may render you immobile for an extended period of time and in some cases, your injuries can be permanent. The worst-case scenario is death. If an accident is fatal, our personal injury attorney can file a wrongful death lawsuit on your family’s behalf to provide them with the financial compensation they deserve for this egregious injustice.
Do I have a Slip & Fall Claim?
In order to be successful in a slip and fall claim, the injured person must prove that the property owner was negligent in their maintenance of the property and failed to use reasonable care to protect customers, tenants, or guests from potential hazards.
Just because you were injured on someone’s property does not definitively mean that the property owner or manager was negligent. You must show that the owner knew or should realistically have known that the premises posed hazards but still failed to take proper steps to cure the specific situation.
For example, if someone drops a jar of pickles in the grocery aisle, and the store manager or employees are aware of the spill but don’t promptly clean it up or set out hazard signs, they can be held liable if someone slips on the spill, falls, and injures themself.
Victims of slip and fall accidents must also show that they did not willingly endanger themselves. This is to prevent unscrupulous individuals from taking advantage of property owners. For example, someone may purposefully drop a jar of pickles and slip on the spill to accuse the store of negligence in order to claim damages.
Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents
Though most people associate slip-and-fall accidents with spilled liquids, the truth is all sorts of different conditions and hazards can lead to a life-altering slip and fall including:
- Poor lighting
- Concealed fixtures
- Uneven stairs
- Unsafe stairways
- Stairs lacking railings
- Cracked pavement
- Debris in walkways
- Torn carpeting
- Insufficient sidewalk maintenance
The question is whether the hazard that caused the slip and fall resulted from the property owner’s negligence. You need a proven personal injury attorney on your side to build a convincing case that results in a lucrative settlement offer or a favorable judgment.
Do not attempt to navigate these murky legal waters on your own. Those who attempt to talk their way into a large settlement almost always walk away with less than expected or nothing at all.
Insurance companies and courtroom judges respect experienced personal injury attorneys much more than individuals who claim to be hurt yet do not secure the services of a legal practitioner.
Connect with a New Orleans Slip and Fall Attorney
At Wright Gray, we are dedicated to recovering compensation for every client who suffers injuries in a slip and fall caused by the property owner’s neglect. You need help getting back on your feet — literally and figuratively—and we want to help you do that. We even offer free consultations so you can see how we can help before you sign anything.
Why Slip and Fall Accidents are so Serious
Most slip and fall accidents are not reported because the average person assumes their clumsiness is the cause of the embarrassing event. However, if you think there is a chance another person or institution may be partially responsible for your slip and fall injuries, you should contact a premises liability lawyer from Wright Gray Law Firm right away. There is no sense paying out of your own pocket for the medical expenses associated with a major personal injury when we can fiercely advocate on your behalf for fair financial compensation.
Very often, slip and fall accidents can result in serious injuries, such as:
- Traumatic brain injury
- Concussions
- Spinal cord injuries
- Paralysis
- Burn injuries
- Broken or fractured bones
- Loss of vision
- Permanent scarring
- Accidental amputation
- Whiplash
- Internal organ damage
- Lacerations
- Wrongful death
If you miss any time at work, suffer temporary or permanent disability, endure mental trauma, or have any other pain or loss related to your slip & fall incident, our slip & fall lawyers will vigorously pursue compensation on your behalf while you recuperate.
Common Causes of Slip & Fall Accidents
Surface conditions are the cause of most slip-and-fall accidents. Some surface area hazards include:
- Freshly mopped floors
- Ice or slush
- Spills of food or liquids
- Loose floorboards
- Loose or bulging carpets
- Potholes or cracks in pavement
- Uneven flooring or sidewalks
- Exposed wiring or cords
- Cluttered walkways
Other factors that can contribute to a slip-and-fall accident include:
- Missing or loose handrails
- Inadequate lighting
- Broken steps on stairways
How New Orleans Slip & Fall Attorney Can Help with Your Case
The personal injury attorneys at Wright Gray Law Firm can assist with your slip and fall case in the following ways:
Legal Expertise
Slip and fall cases involve a mix of premises liability laws, negligence principles, and local regulations. A New Orleans lawyer familiar with these laws can provide expert advice on the strength of your case, potential legal strategies, and the likelihood of success.
Evaluating Your Case
A lawyer can assess the merits of your case by examining factors like the cause of the slip and fall, the property owner's negligence, the extent of your injuries, and any available evidence.
Investigating the Accident
Your lawyer can conduct a thorough investigation to gather evidence, including photographs of the accident scene, any hazardous conditions, and any relevant surveillance footage. This evidence is crucial for establishing liability.
Establishing Negligence
Your lawyer will work to prove that the property owner or manager was negligent in maintaining the premises, which led to your slip and fall. This involves showing that they knew or should have known about the hazardous condition and failed to address it.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies
In many slip-and-fall cases, you'll be dealing with insurance companies. Your lawyer can handle negotiations on your behalf to ensure that you receive a fair settlement. They understand the tactics that insurers may use to minimize payouts and can help you avoid settling for less than you deserve.
Calculating Damages
A lawyer can help you accurately calculate the full extent of your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and potential future expenses related to your injuries.
Filing Legal Documents
Legal proceedings involve a significant amount of paperwork, including court filings, motions, and legal briefs. Your lawyer can ensure that all necessary documents are filed correctly and within the specified deadlines.
Litigating
If negotiations with the responsible party or their insurance company do not result in a satisfactory resolution, your lawyer can prepare to take your case to court. They will present your case before a judge and jury, advocating for your rights and the compensation you deserve.
Developing a Trial Strategy
If your case goes to trial, your lawyer will develop a comprehensive trial strategy. This includes selecting a jury, presenting evidence, cross-examining witnesses, and making compelling arguments to support your claim.
Providing Legal Expertise
Throughout the entire process, your lawyer will provide you with legal advice, answer your questions, and guide you on the best course of action based on their experience and knowledge of the law.
Contact a Slip & Fall Lawyer from Wright Gray Law Firm Today
In a slip-and-fall case, having an experienced New Orleans lawyer by your side can significantly increase your chances of obtaining a fair settlement or winning your case in court. It's important to consult with a lawyer as soon as possible after the accident to ensure that all necessary steps are taken to protect your rights and build a strong case. Contact us today.
Connect with a New Orleans Slip and Fall Lawyer from Wright Gray Law Firm Today
At Wright Gray, we dedicate ourselves to getting every client the settlement he or she needs to recover after a traumatic slip and fall. You need help getting back on your feet, and we want to help you do that.
Wright Gray Law Firm offers free consultations so you can hear how we can help before you hire us to represent you.
Client Testimonial
"Professional, personable, diligent, and thorough are just a few of the words I can use to describe this firm. From day one I felt I was in safe hands. The communication was open, honest and every promise was delivered upon. I felt at ease knowing I had a team that was passionate handling my case and I’m ever so grateful." -Hadassah J. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Wright Gray Trial Lawyers - New Orleans Office
201 St Charles Ave Suite 2710
New Orleans, LA 70170
P: 504-500-0000