When you are on someone else’s property, you expect the property owner to provide a safe environment free from hazards, or to provide warnings about any unsafe conditions. But when a property owner doesn’t take the necessary actions to address potential hazards on their property and someone gets hurt, the owner may be held liable. If you or a loved one suffered injuries due to a property owner’s negligence, contact a Shreveport premises liability lawyer at Wright Gray Law Firm to discuss your legal options during a free consultation.
Why Choose Wright Gray Law Firm for your Shreveport Premises Liability Claim?
The law office of Wright Gray Law Firm was founded over three decades ago to help people injured due to the negligent or careless actions of another person or party seek justice and recover compensation for their medical bills and other losses. Our lawyers have experience handling a variety of premises claims and holding property owners responsible for the harm they cause. We can help you, too. Contact us today for a free and confident case evaluation.
Shreveport Premises Liability Guide
What is Premises Liability?
Premises liability is a legal concept that holds property owners or occupiers responsible for injuries and accidents that occur on their property due to negligence or unsafe conditions. In essence, it establishes a legal duty of care that a property owner owes to individuals who enter their property, whether they are invited guests, customers, or even trespassers in some cases.
An individual who has been injured on someone else’s property due to the property owner’s negligence or failure to maintain safe conditions may have grounds to seek compensation for their medical expenses and other damages through a premises liability lawsuit.
The key elements of premises liability typically include:
- Duty of Care: Property owners or occupiers have a legal obligation to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition and to address known hazards or dangers. The duty of care owed may vary depending on the visitor’s status (invitee, licensee, or trespasser) and the circumstances.
- Negligence: To establish a premises liability claim, the injured party must show that the property owner or occupier was negligent in maintaining the property. This can involve proving that the owner knew or should have known about a hazardous condition and failed to take appropriate action to address it.
- Causation: There must be a direct link between the property owner’s negligence and the injuries suffered by the visitor. In other words, the hazardous condition or negligence must have directly caused the injury.
- Notice: Property owners may be liable if they had notice of a dangerous condition, either through actual knowledge (they were aware of a spilled liquid) or constructive knowledge (the condition existed for an extended period, and they should have known about it through reasonable inspections).
Premises liability claims can be complex, which is why it’s advisable to work with an attorney if you are seeking to hold a property owner liable for the harm they caused you or a loved one.
Common Premises Liability Claims in Shreveport
Premises liability accidents cause as many as 30 million emergency room visits per year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Owners of grocery stores, restaurants, or office buildings could be subject to these types of claims if the property owner failed to take necessary precautions to protect those on their property from hazardous conditions.
The two main types of premises liability claims are those involving hazards and those involving a violation of safety codes. Here are some common premises liability cases our lawyers have encountered:
- Swimming pool accidents
- Negligent security
- Slip and fall accidents
- Tripping hazards
- Dog bites
- Inadequate lighting in hallways or parking lots
- Snow and ice hazards
- Broken sidewalks
- Elevator or escalator malfunctions
- Falling merchandise
You may not realize that the owner or manager of the establishment where you were injured can be held responsible for your injuries. An experienced premises liability attorney from Wright Gray Law Firm can review the circumstances of your accident to determine whether a known hazard or safety code violation played a role in your accident thereby justifying your claim for financial compensation.
How Can a Personal Injury Lawyer Help with My Premises Liability Claim?
A premises liability attorney from Wright Gray Law Firm can provide invaluable assistance with your claim by offering the following services and support:
Legal Guidance: Your lawyer will explain your legal rights, potential options, and the steps involved in pursuing a premises liability claim. They will help you understand the strengths and weaknesses of your case.
Investigation: Our premises liability lawyers have the resources and experience to conduct a thorough investigation of the incident. This may involve collecting evidence, interviewing witnesses, reviewing security footage, and inspecting the property to establish liability.
Evidence Gathering: Your lawyer will gather and preserve crucial evidence to support your claim, such as photographs of the accident scene, medical records, surveillance footage, and any other relevant documentation.
Expert Consultations: If necessary, your attorney may consult with experts, such as engineers, medical professionals, or safety specialists, to help establish liability and demonstrate the extent of your injuries.
Determining Liability: Your attorney will analyze the circumstances to determine who may be liable for your injuries. This may involve identifying negligent property owners, occupiers, or other responsible parties.
Calculating Damages: Our lawyers are skilled at assessing the full extent of your damages, including medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and any other losses you have suffered as a result of the injury.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Your attorney will negotiate with the insurance company representing the at-fault party to seek a fair settlement on your behalf. They will work to maximize the compensation you receive.
Filing a Lawsuit: If negotiations do not result in a fair settlement, your lawyer will file a personal injury lawsuit on your behalf and represent you in court. They will ensure all legal procedures and deadlines are met.
Litigation: During the litigation process, your attorney will advocate for your rights, present evidence, make legal arguments, and represent your interests in court.
Communication: Your attorney will handle all communication with the opposing party, insurance companies, and other relevant parties, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
Legal Strategy: Your attorney will develop a legal strategy tailored to your specific case, ensuring that your claim is pursued effectively and efficiently.
Trial Representation: If your case goes to trial, your attorney will represent you in court, presenting your case to a judge and jury and advocating for your rights.
Emotional Support: Dealing with a premises liability claim can be stressful. Your lawyer can provide emotional support and guidance throughout the legal process.
Choose a Premises Liability Attorney from Wright Gray Law Firm
If you or a loved one was injured on someone’s property due to a hazardous condition or safety code violation, premises liability law allows you to seek compensation for the cost of your medical care, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Contact the experienced attorneys at Wright Gray Law Firm today to discuss your premises liability case.
Wright Gray Trial Lawyers – Shreveport Office
520 N Market St Suite A
Shreveport, LA 71107
P: (318) 524-7122
