Slip and Fall Accidents in the French Quarter: Legal Guide

Slip and fall accidents in the French Quarter are, unfortunately, not uncommon. With its historic cobblestone streets, bustling foot traffic, and numerous businesses, accidents do happen. Sadly, determining liability can be tricky under these conditions. Gathering evidence and proving negligence can be difficult without the help of a well-respected New Orleans personal injury attorney. If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident in the French Quarter, Egenberg Trial Lawyers is happy to answer any questions you may have.

Louisiana Slip and Fall Laws

When it comes to slip and fall accidents in New Orleans’ French Quarter, having a basic understanding of the state’s premises liability laws is useful. These laws determine who is responsible for injuries that occur on someone else’s property, such as a business or private residence.

Premises Liability Laws

Under Louisiana law, property owners and occupiers have a duty of care to ensure their premises are safe for visitors. This duty includes maintaining the property, removing hazards, and warning visitors of any potential dangers. If a property owner or occupier fails to fulfill this duty and someone is injured as a result, they can be held liable for the damages.

Statute of Limitations

Slip and fall victims in New Orleans have a limited amount of time to file a personal injury lawsuit. In Louisiana, the statute of limitations for filing a premises liability claim is one year from the date of the accident. Act quickly and talk to a New Orleans personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to ensure your rights are protected.

Comparative Fault

Louisiana follows a comparative fault system, which means that even if you were partially responsible for your slip and fall accident, you are still able to recover compensation. Your total damages award will be reduced by your determined percent of the fault. For example, if you were found to be 25% at fault for slipping, and the total damages were determined to be $100,000, you would receive $75,000.

What Victims Need to Know

If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident in the French Quarter, there are several crucial steps you should take to protect your rights and maximize your chances of obtaining fair compensation. Here are the key things you need to know:

• Get Examined by a Doctor: Your health and well-being should be your top priority. Even if your injuries initially seem minor, see a healthcare professional as soon as possible. Some injuries, such as head trauma or internal injuries, may not be immediately apparent but can have serious long-term consequences.
• Document the Scene: If you are physically able to do so, take photographs or videos of the accident scene, including any hazardous conditions that caused your fall. Documenting the scene can help preserve important evidence for your case.
• Gather Witness Information: Witnesses can provide valuable testimony to support your claim and establish liability. If there were any witnesses to your slip and fall, get their contact information. 
• Report the Accident: If your slip and fall accident occurred on someone else’s property, report the incident to the property owner or manager immediately. Ensure that they document the incident in writing and keep a copy for your records.
• Preserve Evidence: If possible, preserve any physical evidence related to your accident, such as torn clothing or damaged footwear. Evidence like this is very powerful in supporting your claim.

What to Do After a Slip and Fall in New Orleans?

As New Orleans personal injury lawyers who are well-versed in French Quarter slip and fall accidents, we recommend that you take the following steps to protect your rights and build a strong case:

• Find the Best New Orleans Personal Injury Lawyer Possible: Slip and fall accidents can be legally complex, especially when it comes to determining liability. Consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney who specializes in slip and fall cases in New Orleans is essential to navigate the legal process and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
• Document Your Injuries: Keep thorough records of all your medical treatments, including doctor’s visits, medications, and any recommended therapies. These records will serve as essential evidence to support your claim.
• Avoid Making Statements to Insurance Companies: We can not emphasize this enough! Insurance adjusters will no doubt try to contact you right after the accident to poke around and kick the tires, so to speak. Avoid making statements or providing recorded interviews without first talking to your attorney. Anything you say to the insurance company can be twisted around and used against you.
• Be Mindful of Social Media: Be cautious about what you post on social media platforms regarding your slip and fall, the other party, or your injuries. Insurance companies are trying very hard to pay you less—this includes monitoring activities or outings you share online, posts, or comments. Virtually anything could be taken out of context and used to devalue your claim.
• Follow Your Doctor’s Orders: Follow any and all recommended treatments and therapies prescribed by your healthcare professionals. Failing to comply with their recommendations can be used by the opposing party to dispute the severity of your injuries. Plus, we want you to take care of yourself and heal up correctly.

Determining Liability in Slip and Fall Accidents

As New Orleans personal injury lawyers, we must say that determining liability in slip and fall accidents is rarely straightforward. Several factors are taken into consideration when establishing who is at fault:

• Property owner/occupier negligence: If a property owner or occupier failed to maintain their premises or warn visitors about potential hazards, they can be held liable for injuries that occur as a result.
• Comparative fault: As previously mentioned, even if the victim shares some degree of fault for the slip and fall, they may still be able to recover compensation. The percentage of fault assigned to each party will determine the amount of damages awarded.
• Third-party liability: In some cases, a third party is the one ultimately responsible for your accident. For example, if the property owner hired a contractor who created a hazardous condition, the contractor may be at fault for your injuries.
  

New Orleans Slip and Fall Lawyer

If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident in New Orleans, don’t try to fight the insurance company alone. They are just waiting for people without legal representation to file claims and make their jobs easy and their bosses happy. Contact the reputable New Orleans personal injury lawyers at Egenberg Trial Lawyers for legal guidance and aggressive representation.