Who Is Responsible for a Slip and Fall Accident?
In terms of liability in slip and fall accidents, it is necessary to determine why and how they happened. That means gathering evidence that clearly demonstrates negligence on the part of the owner. The production of evidence allows a lawsuit to proceed and damages to be compensated. This is the groundstone of a premises liability case. Let’s explore premises liability in Louisiana and who is responsible for damages suffered by the injured party.
Olinde Law Firm – Help in a Slip and Fall Accident
Our firm believes that suffering an injury on another’s property should not require the victim to pay both financially and physically. Yet many property owners deny responsibility. That is where Olinde Law can help. We always have our clients’ interests front and center.
Slip and fall accidents can result in serious injuries and financial strain. We work hard to obtain the compensation our clients deserve through strong investigative techniques and unparalleled legal experience.
Call us at (800) 587-1889 to schedule a free case review. Our legal team will explore your case, answer questions you might have and provide you with options going forward. If it is easier for you, we can also be reached online.
How to Prove Negligence in Slip and Fall Accidents
It is never enough to say I fell on your property. You have to prove it happened due to the property owner’s negligence. The important factors you must cover are:
- The injury occurred due to a negligent condition. The condition that caused the injured party to fall can be due to water on the floor, melted ice, spilled contents in a grocery store, broken steps and inadequate lighting in a parking area.
- The owner had previous knowledge the negligent condition was present when the person fell or should have known about it.
- The owner failed to repair the problem prior to the fall.
Injuries Commonly Seen in Slip and Fall Accidents
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 800,000 people are hospitalized annually because of injuries related to a fall. The majority suffer a head injury or a fractured hip. In fact, roughly 95 percent of hip fractures are related to a fall. Other injuries are:
- Paralysis due to spinal injury
- Back injury
- Broken ribs
- Fracture of the legs, arms or hands
- Facial injuries
What Happens If the Owner Did Not Know About the Problem?
Many times, the owner will claim they did not know that a negligent condition existed and try to say they are blameless in slip and fall accidents. The courts have routinely said that this is not a viable defense. The owner has the responsibility to inspect the premises to assure that they are safe for visitors to enter.
A commercial establishment is obligated to train workers and to establish guidelines they must follow concerning dangers leading to slip and fall accidents. For instance, in a grocery store, a person or persons should be charged with inspecting the premises where patrons visit every hour or less. If this is done, an accident could be averted. If not, the owner is responsible for the person’s injuries.
Negligent Conditions Caused by an Employee
What if a dangerous condition occurred because of an employee of the establishment? This easily happens when an employee spills liquid on the floor or fails to wipe up spillage even though its presence is obvious. In such a situation, the owner would be responsible for the company employee’s behavior.
Olinde Law Firm – Slip and Fall Accidents
If you were injured due to negligence leading to premises liability, you have the right to be compensated. Call the Olinde Law Firm to schedule a free case review at (800) 587-1889 or contact us online. Let us help you recover the damages you need.