Alexandria Slip and Fall Injury Lawyer

Although a simple slip and fall in a store or establishment may initially seem minor, these accidents can result in serious injuries like fractures or concussions. Some slip and fall cases involve falling from great heights, which can cause catastrophic injuries or even death.

If you or a loved one slipped and fell on someone else’s property, you may have grounds to pursue compensation with help from an Alexandria slip and fall injury lawyer.

At Laborde Earles, we’ve recovered over $1 billion on behalf of injury victims, and we can help you. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn how an Alexandria personal injury lawyer can help you build your slip and fall accident case.

Should I Hire a Slip and Fall Injury Attorney in Alexandria for My Case?

If you’re considering handling a personal injury case on your own, it’s important to understand the risks of moving forward without the help of a personal injury attorney. A slip and fall accident case can be complex, and without legal representation, you may encounter several challenges, including:

Missing Critical Deadlines

Slip and fall cases must adhere to strict deadlines, such as the statute of limitations for filing your claim. If you’re unaware of these deadlines or fail to prepare your case in time, you could lose your right to pursue compensation altogether.

Our Alexandria slip and fall injury attorneys are well-versed in the deadlines and procedural requirements for slip and fall cases. Our legal team will ensure your case is filed on time and that all relevant deadlines are met.

Risking the Outcome of Your Case

Winning a slip and fall case is not guaranteed, and success often depends on presenting a strong, well-documented case. Without the experience and resources of an attorney, you may find it difficult to gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and make a compelling legal argument.

With a skilled attorney by your side, you’ll have access to the legal expertise, resources, and strategies needed to strengthen your case and improve your chances of securing fair compensation.

Jeopardizing Your Health

Handling a slip and fall case on your own can be physically and emotionally draining. Managing the legal process, gathering evidence, and negotiating with insurers may leave you overwhelmed, especially if you’re already dealing with the effects of your injuries.

We take care of all aspects of the legal process so you can focus on what matters most: your recovery. Letting our team handle your case can help you avoid unnecessary stress and ensure that your health remains a priority.

Incurring Out-of-Pocket Expenses

Pursuing a slip and fall case can involve significant costs, including filing fees, expert witness fees, and other expenses. If you handle your case on your own, you’ll need to cover these costs upfront, and if you lose your case, you won’t be able to recover them.

We pay the costs needed to build your case. We also operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay us anything unless we win. This arrangement ensures that pursuing justice is financially accessible.

Why Hiring an Attorney is the Best Choice

A slip and fall accident case involves complex legal and procedural challenges that are best handled by experienced legal professionals. By hiring a slip and fall injury attorney in Alexandria, you can avoid costly mistakes, reduce stress, and significantly improve your chances of achieving a favorable outcome.

Where Do Slip and Fall Accidents Typically Happen?

Slip and fall accidents can occur virtually anywhere, often when property owners or managers fail to maintain safe conditions.

These accidents are particularly common in locations where hazards like wet floors, uneven surfaces, or poor lighting are present. Below are some of the most frequent locations where slip and fall accidents tend to happen:

Grocery Stores and Retail Establishments

Slip and fall accidents are common in places where customers shop, including:

• Grocery Stores: Spilled liquids, dropped items, or leaks from refrigeration units can create slippery floors.
• Shopping Malls: Poorly maintained escalators, uneven walkways, or spills in food courts are potential hazards.
• Retail Stores: Loose floor mats, cluttered aisles, or wet entryways can lead to accidents.

Restaurants and Cafes

Restaurants often have slippery floors due to spilled drinks, dropped food, or grease accumulation in kitchens. Wet floors in restrooms or entryways during rainy weather can also cause slip and fall incidents.

Hotels and Resorts

In hospitality settings, slip and fall accidents frequently occur in:

• Lobbies: Polished floors can become dangerously slick when wet.
• Swimming Pool Areas: Slippery tiles are a common hazard around pools.
• Bathrooms: Poor drainage in showers or bathtubs can lead to falls.

Sidewalks and Parking Lots

Public and private sidewalks, as well as parking lots, are common sites for slip and fall accidents due to:

• Cracked or uneven pavement
• Ice, snow, or water that hasn’t been cleared
• Poor lighting that makes hazards difficult to see

Apartment Complexes

Landlords and property managers are responsible for maintaining safe conditions in apartment buildings. Slip and fall accidents often occur in:

• Stairwells: Loose handrails, poor lighting, or worn carpeting can pose risks.
• Hallways: Wet floors or torn rugs in common areas can cause falls.
• Laundry Rooms: Spills or leaks from washing machines may create slippery surfaces.

Workplaces

Slip and fall accidents are a leading cause of workplace injuries, particularly in industries like:

• Construction: Uneven surfaces, tools left on the ground, or slippery scaffolding can lead to accidents.
• Warehouses: Spilled liquids, cluttered walkways, or poorly maintained floors are common hazards.
• Offices: Loose cords, wet floors, or unsecured rugs can cause employees to slip or trip.

Hospitals and Nursing Homes

Healthcare facilities often see slip and fall accidents due to:

• Slippery floors in hallways or patient rooms
• Spills or leaks that aren’t cleaned promptly
• Patients with mobility challenges who may not have adequate support

Schools and Daycare Centers

Slip and fall accidents in educational institutions may result from:

• Wet floors in cafeterias or gymnasiums
• Playground equipment with poor maintenance
• Spills in classrooms or hallways

Recreational Areas

Parks, amusement parks, and sports facilities can be sites for slip and fall accidents due to:

• Uneven trails or paths
• Wet surfaces around water rides or fountains
• Poorly maintained bleachers or seating areas

Private Residences

Slip and fall accidents can also occur on someone else’s property, such as a private home. Common hazards include:

• Wet driveways or walkways
• Poorly maintained stairs
• Cluttered living spaces

What to Do After a Slip and Fall Accident

If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident, it’s important to:

• Document the accident scene by taking photos of the hazard.
• Report the incident to the property owner or manager.
• Seek medical attention for your injuries.
• Contact a slip and fall injury lawyer to discuss your legal options.

We can investigate the circumstances of your accident, determine liability, and help you pursue compensation for your injuries.

Owners May Be Held Responsible for Injuries that Happen On Their Premises

How do you prove a slip and fall claim? To hold a property owner liable for injuries that occurred on their premises, you, as a plaintiff, may need to prove:

• The property owner knew or should have known of the dangerous condition.
• The property owner failed to remedy or warn others of the hazards present on the premises.
• You had no reason to know of the condition and suffered harm as a result.

An Alexandria slip and fall injury lawyer with our firm can investigate the accident, seeking evidence of the property owner’s negligence.

Property Owners’ Liability in Slip and Fall Legal Actions

The Louisiana state legislature enacted a specific statute regarding the liability of certain property owners for slip and fall accidents. Under RS 9:2800.6, accident victims seeking a financial recovery must generally prove that:

• The cause of the slip and fall accident created an unreasonable risk of foreseeable harm.
• The property owner or manager created or had actual or constructive notice of the condition before the accident occurred.
• The merchant did not exercise reasonable care in dealing with the cause of the slip and fall.

Failing to clean up or fulfill safety procedures alone may not be sufficient evidence that a premises owner failed to exercise reasonable care. Each case is unique, however. Do not make any assumptions about your case until you speak with an attorney from our firm.

Damages You Could Recover in a Slip and Fall Case

If you were injured in a slip and fall accident, you might be facing a range of physical, emotional, and financial burdens. An Alexandria slip and fall accident lawyer can help you pursue compensation for the damages you’ve experienced due to your accident. By filing a claim or lawsuit, you may recover financial coverage for the following types of losses:

Medical Expenses

One of the largest financial burdens after a slip and fall accident is medical costs. We can seek compensation to cover both your current and future medical expenses related to your injuries. These expenses may include:

• Emergency Care: Ambulance or helicopter transport and treatment at the accident scene or emergency room
• Hospitalization and Surgery: Costs for extended hospital stays, surgical procedures, and post-operative care
• Prescription Medications: Medications needed to manage pain, prevent infections, or aid recovery
• Medical Devices: Items like wheelchairs, crutches, neck braces, or other assistive devices
• Rehabilitation: Physical therapy, occupational therapy, or other forms of treatment to regain function after your injury
• In-Home Care: Assistance with daily activities if you are unable to care for yourself due to your injuries
• Mileage Reimbursement: Travel costs for doctor’s appointments and medical treatments

To strengthen your case, it’s important to keep a detailed record of all medical bills and receipts. These documents can serve as evidence as we push for fair compensation.

If your injuries require ongoing or future treatment beyond the resolution of your case, we can work with medical experts to estimate the cost of that care. Their testimony may help us calculate the damages you’re entitled to for future medical needs.

Lost Income and Reduced Earning Capacity

If your injuries have caused you to miss work, you may be entitled to compensation for your lost wages. Additionally, if your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job or reduce your ability to earn income in the future, we can seek damages for reduced earning capacity.

This includes:

• Wages lost during your recovery period
• Lost benefits, such as health insurance or retirement contributions
• The difference between your pre-injury earnings and your post-injury earnings potential

Pain and Suffering

A slip and fall injury can have lasting physical and emotional impacts. Compensation for pain and suffering addresses the non-financial toll of your accident, including:

• Physical Pain: Chronic pain or discomfort caused by your injuries
• Emotional Distress: Anxiety, depression, or trauma resulting from the accident
• Reduced Quality of Life: Inability to participate in activities you once enjoyed or perform daily tasks independently

Other Recoverable Damages

Depending on the details of your case, you may also qualify for additional compensation, such as:

• Property Damage: If you damaged personal belongings during your fall (e.g., broken glasses or a damaged phone)
• Inconvenience: Costs and hardships associated with adapting to your injuries, such as hiring help for household tasks

By working with medical experts, financial analysts, and other professionals, we’ll calculate the complete value of your damages and fight tirelessly on your behalf.

Comparative Negligence in Louisiana Slip and Fall Cases

According to CC Art. 2323, a victim’s fault affects the amount of compensation they may recover in slip and fall accident cases. If you were partially at fault for causing the accident that led to injuries, you may still recover damages from other responsible parties.

However, if you are found partially negligent, your compensation award may be decreased by an amount equal to your percentage of fault. For example, if the jury determines that you are 10% at fault for the accident, the defendant would only be liable for 90% of your damages.

An Alexandria slip and fall lawyer can clarify how much in damages you can claim.

How Long Do I Have to File A Louisiana Slip and Fall Injury Case?

You generally have two years following your slip and fall accident to file a lawsuit against the negligent property owner in Louisiana, according to CC 3493.1.

If you fail to submit your case within this timeframe, the court may dismiss your case and bar you from pursuing compensation through litigation, putting you at a disadvantage if you are trying to negotiate a settlement with the liable party.

There are exceptions to this statute of limitations. Contact our slip and fall lawyers in Alexandria even if it has been more than two years since your slip and fall accident.