Slip and fall injuries can be deceptively devastating. Some people can get up and dust themselves off, while others may not be able to get back up at all. If you are injured enough to require extensive medical care, you may wonder how you will pay your bills and care for your family.
Fortunately, you have legal options after a slip and fall accident. With the help of a dedicated injury attorney, you could pursue the compensation you need and deserve. A Lafayette slip and fall lawyer at Tomeny | Best Injury Lawyers could assess your medical reports and other evidence to build the strongest possible case on your behalf.
Property Owners Could Be Liable for Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents often occur on someone else’s property. Property owners and managers have a duty to keep their premises safe for visitors and guests. Landowners who do not uphold this responsibility can be held legally accountable for injuries that result. Some examples of slip and fall accidents that could be the basis for a civil claim include the following:
- A customer slipping on a spilled liquid left on a grocery or convenience store floor
- A customer tripping on floors or carpets that are not level in a restaurant
- A guest tripping in an untended yard where dogs have dug deep holes
- A guest falling down a staircase with poor lighting the landlord has not fixed
Property owners may rely on insurance companies to settle slip and fall claims with injured parties. However, insurers often do not have a plaintiff’s best interests at heart and will often undervalue injuries. Insurers hope plaintiffs will take the first settlement offer to preserve their profits. A Lafayette slip and fall attorney could manage communications with insurance companies and ensure that the injured person gets a fair compensation amount.
Pursuing Compensation for a Slip and Fall Injury
A personal injury claim generally encompasses both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages compensate injured parties for the financial costs of an injury, including medical bills and lost wages. Non-economic damages compensate the injured party for more subjective losses, including pain, loss of bodily function, and emotional distress.
An essential part of claiming these damages is proving another party’s negligence. A Lafayette attorney could scrutinize available evidence, including police reports, eyewitness testimonies, and any cell phone or surveillance videos, to determine the cause of a slip and fall accident. If necessary, expert witnesses can also be brought in to interpret this evidence. Medical reports are also essential evidence for demonstrating how an injury has affected a plaintiff’s life.
Comparative Fault May Affect Compensation
Louisiana Civil Code Article 2323 establishes a comparative fault rule for plaintiffs seeking compensation after an accident. Injured plaintiffs who are partly responsible for a slip and fall can still recover damages. However, courts may reduce the damages they award by the percentage of fault they assign the plaintiff. A seasoned attorney could explain comparative fault laws in more detail.
A Lafayette Slip and Fall Attorney Could Advocate for You
Slip and fall accidents can result in catastrophic injuries, leading to expensive medical costs and other losses. If someone else is responsible for your injuries after a slip and fall, they owe you compensation to make up for your losses and help you move forward.
The Lafayette slip and fall lawyers at Tomeny | Best Injury Lawyers are here to help. We have a reputation for taking care of our clients, and we will not rest until you receive justice. Call today to set up your free consultation with a dedicated member of our team.
