Lake Charles Premises Liability Lawyer

Lake Charles Premises Liability Attorney

When you are at someone’s home, a store, a restaurant, or another location, you expect a reasonable level of safety while you are there. This is a right, as Louisiana law requires property owners to exercise reasonable care to keep their property in safe condition. If you were hurt because a property owner was careless with your safety, you may be able to file a claim. A Lake Charles premises liability lawyer can support you in holding a property owner accountable.

Property hazards can cause a range of injuries, including broken bones, electrocution injuries, burns, traumatic brain injuries, and other damage that can cause disability and other long-term harm. These are immediate and lasting damages that should be compensated for when they are someone else’s fault.

Sanchez Burke, LLC: Navigating Complex Premises Liability Claims

It can be difficult to prove that a property owner created or has actual knowledge of a hazard and to prove the other required aspects of a premises liability claim. This is even more difficult to navigate when you are injured and dealing with the property owner’s insurance company trying to minimize their liability in the situation. When you work with legal representation, you have less to worry about and can rest while a professional handles your personal injury case.

Sanchez Burke, LLC wants to help you recover the financial compensation you are owed, covering the cost of medical treatment, long-term care, physical therapy, lost income, and other losses.

An insurer is not looking out for your interests, but an attorney will. Our goal is to determine how to recover the most compensation available, holding negligent parties liable for their failures. With over 60 years of experience among our attorneys, we have the resources needed to help you.

When Is a Property Owner Liable?

Property owners are not liable for every accident that occurs on their property. They are responsible for keeping reasonably safe premises and addressing hazards when they become aware of them.

The exact duty of care a property owner owes to someone on their premises depends on the type of visitor, their relationship to the property owner, their reason for being on the premises, and the type of property the owner maintains. Property owners are liable when they breach this duty of care, fail to address foreseeable dangers, and you are injured as a result of their negligence.

What Are Potential Hazards that Lead to Premises Liability Claims?

Any hazard on a property has the potential to result in a premises liability claim, depending on the circumstances of the hazard and the duty of care that you are owed. Some of the most common types of accidents and premises hazards in Lake Charles include:

• Slips and falls, such as those caused by spills and slick floors. These falls, especially from great heights or in dangerous locations, can cause broken bones, crushing injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and spinal cord damage.
• Trips and falls, which can be caused by uneven floors, defective stairs and steps, inadequate lighting, defective sidewalks, missing hand or guardrails, loose cords, unsecured rugs and carpeting, and other hazards.
• Negligent security, including a lack of security personnel or inadequate security cameras. This can cause criminal activity, causing harm in an assault, robbery, break-in, or other offense.
• Improper maintenance, which can lead to degrading safety standards and numerous hazards, from collapsing buildings to electrical and fire hazards.
• Animal attacks, including by dogs, other pets, or even wild animals. Property owners can be responsible if they fail to keep the property secure, fail to address dangerous pets, and/or fail to warn visitors.
• Unsecured objects, such as merchandise or decorations on high shelves, paintings or other hanging items, or even ceiling tiles. Falling objects can cause serious injuries, including traumatic brain injuries and even death.

An effective attorney can thoroughly investigate the cause of your injury on someone else’s property and determine whether the property owner knew of the hazard.

FAQs About Lake Charles, LA Premises Liability Laws

What Is the Premises Liability Law in Louisiana?

The premises liability law in Louisiana holds property owners liable for injuries when:

• The injuries result from hazardous conditions.
• The hazardous conditions were an unreasonable risk.
• Damage from the condition could be reasonably foreseen.
• The property owner was previously aware of the conditions.
• The owner failed to take reasonable care in addressing the hazard.

Property owners can also be held liable for their negligence in maintaining a building when its ruin causes damage, including injury to another.

How Long Does It Take to Settle a Premises Liability Case?

The time it takes to settle a premises liability case relies on several factors, including how complex your unique claim is. Cases will require an investigation into the cause and at-fault party, evaluations of the damages you are owed, and other steps. This timeline can be influenced by:

• The need for expert witnesses.
• How long it takes for your injuries to heal.
• The at-fault party’s willingness to negotiate.
• Whether the case goes to trial.
• How much evidence supports your case.
• Whether you work with an experienced attorney.

What Kind of Lawyer Do I Need to Sue the City for Property Hazards?

To sue the city or another property owner for property hazards, you need a premises liability attorney. When you are injured by a property hazard, a premises liability attorney can determine if you can hold the property owner liable, which may include the city if the property was a governmental building.

A premises liability attorney can gather evidence of the property owner’s negligence and how this caused your injury. These cases can be difficult, and it is important that your attorney has the necessary resources and knowledge.

Is Louisiana a Strict Liability State for Premises Liability?

Louisiana relies on the doctrine of negligence for premises liability cases. Property owners are held to different standards of care depending on the type of property they own and the type of visitor that was injured. If they breach whatever the duty of care is and fail to take reasonable care for the safety of visitors, then they can be held liable. A property owner is not strictly liable for all harm that occurs on their property.

Finding Effective Legal Support in Lake Charles

When another party cuts corners or fails to consider the safety of others, you can hold them accountable. A property owner likely owes you a duty of care. If you were injured on someone else’s property, contact Sanchez Burke, LLC today.