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Shreveport Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer
Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer for Slips and Falls in Shreveport-Bossier City, LA
If you have suffered from a slip and fall injury on someone else’s property, Shreveport slip and fall accident lawyer Michael J. Vergis can help make sure you’re appropriately compensated. He has plenty of experience navigating a variety of premises liability claims and can help you pursue a personal injury lawsuit against the negligent property owner responsible for your injuries.
Slip and fall accidents can result in serious injuries and significant financial burdens, so it’s important that you don’t wait to seek the legal assistance you need. Shreveport premises liability lawyer Michael J. Vergis is here to guide you through every step of the legal process, from filing your claim to negotiating with insurance companies and, if necessary, representing you in court.
Ready to explore your legal options? Call The Law Office of Michael J. Vergis at (318) 698-3724 or reach out online to schedule a free consultation regarding your case today.
What are Some Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents?
Some of the most common causes of slip-and-fall accidents we see at our personal injury law firm include wet or slippery floors, uneven or damaged flooring, poor lighting, and obstacles like loose rugs or clutter in walkways. Outdoor hazards, such as cracked sidewalks, icy surfaces, or potholes, can also lead to slip and fall accidents.
What are Common Slip and Fall Injuries?
Slip and fall accidents can happen unexpectedly and leave you with more than just a bruised ego. These incidents often lead to a variety of injuries, some of which can be quite serious and require immediate medical attention.
Some of the most common injuries resulting from slip and fall incidents include:
- Contusions
- Lacerations
- Soft tissue injuries like sprains and strains
- Bone fractures
- Back injuries like spinal cord injuries
- Head and brain injuries, including traumatic brain injuries
If you have suffered injuries from a slip and fall as a result of the dangerous or hazardous condition of someone else’s property, you may be able to file a personal injury claim.
What To Do After a Slip and Fall Accident Injury?
If you are in a slip and fall accident, you should take the following steps to ensure your safety and secure your ability to pursue legal action in the future:
- Seek medical attention: Even if the injury seems minor, getting checked by a healthcare professional is crucial. The symptoms of certain injuries may not be immediately apparent.
- Report the incident: Notify the owner, manager, or supervisor of the property in which the accident occurred. Ensure a written report is filed and request a copy for your records.
- Document the scene: Take photos of the area where the fall occurred, including any hazards like wet floors, poor lighting, or uneven surfaces. If possible, gather contact information from witnesses.
- Preserve evidence: Keep any clothing or shoes worn during the fall, as they may be relevant in proving your case. Keep any records of any medical bills or treatment you receive as a result of the incident as well.
- Avoid giving statements: Do not provide a detailed account of the incident to the property owner, insurance company, or others until you have consulted with an attorney.
- Consult a lawyer: Speak with an experienced Shreveport personal injury attorney like Michael J. Vergis who can help you understand your rights and guide you through the process of pursuing a claim for compensation.
Filing a Premises Liability Claim for Slip and Fall Accidents in Louisiana
To file a premises liability claim for a slip and fall accident case in Louisiana, the injured party must first prove that the manager or owner of the property was negligent in maintaining a safe environment. This involves demonstrating that the owner knew or should have known about the hazard and failed to address it.
The process typically begins with gathering evidence, such as medical records and witness statements, followed by filing a claim with the property owner’s insurance company for injuries sustained and other damages incurred. This is typically done by a slip-and-fall accident lawyer who has experience gathering evidence and proving negligence in personal injury cases.
Louisiana RS Title 9 § 2800.6
Under Louisiana law, merchants have a legal responsibility to their customers and must keep their aisles, passageways, and floors in a reasonably safe condition, according to La. R.S. § 9:2800.6. In order to recover damages, however, the victim must prove that:
- The condition of the premises presented an unreasonable risk of harm and was foreseeable;
- The merchant was aware or should have been aware of the condition of the premises; and
- The merchant failed to exercise reasonable care.
Bossier City/Shreveport slip and fall injury lawyers can help victims of these kinds of premises liability claims pursue justice and seek compensation against the negligent store owners responsible for their losses.
Who is Liable in a Slip and Fall Accident?
In a slip and fall accident, liability typically falls on the property owner, manager, or tenant responsible for maintaining the premises. Property owners owe a duty of care to ensure their premises are safe for visitors and must exercise reasonable care when it comes to maintaining their property. They must also act promptly to address any issues that could harm visitors, ensuring a safe environment for everyone.
Property owners may be held accountable if it can be proven that they knew or should have known about the dangerous condition of their property and failed to take reasonable steps to fix it or warn others. If someone is injured as a result of a property owner’s negligence, then the victim has a right to pursue legal action against that negligent property owner.
However, liability can also depend on whether the injured party was acting carelessly or ignoring clear warnings, which might reduce or eliminate the property owner’s responsibility in that situation. Slip and fall lawyers can evaluate these cases and determine who the liable parties are, depending on the specific circumstances of each case.
Proving Negligence on the Property Owner’s Behalf
An attorney may prove that the owner of the property acted negligently in a slip and fall accident case by gathering evidence that shows the owner failed to maintain safe conditions. This can include demonstrating that the hazard existed long enough that the owner should have known about it, using photos, video footage, or witness testimony.
They may also review maintenance records to see if the property was inspected or repaired regularly. Additionally, attorneys might show that the property owner failed to post warnings about the hazard, further supporting the claims made by the injured party.
In order to properly determine liability in a slip and fall case, it’s important to hire quality legal counsel from personal injury lawyers who have experience in premises liability law. Shreveport slip and fall attorney Michael J. Vergis can investigate the circumstances surrounding your injury and gather evidence to prove the property owner’s negligence.
Slip and Fall Settlement Examples
No two personal injury cases are the same, and settlement amounts can vary depending on the extent of the damages sustained, the skill of the victim’s legal counsel, and the willingness of the opposing counsel to cooperate, among other factors.
In a slip and fall accident settlement, a victim may be able to seek compensation for damages, including:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Disability and disfigurement
- Property damage (if personal items or electronics were damaged or lost in the fall)
- Loss of quality of life
- Funeral and burial expenses, in the event of a wrongful death
By anazlying the specifics of your case, Shreveport and Bossier City slip and fall accident attorney Michael J. Vergis will be able to help you seek damages and obtain fair compensation for your losses in a slip and fall settlement.
What Happens if a Settlement Can’t Be Reached?
If a settlement can’t be reached in a slip and fall case, the dispute may proceed to litigation. This involves filing a lawsuit and presenting the case in court, where a judge or jury will determine whether or not the owner of the property should be held liable and whether or not to award damages to the victim.
How Slip and Fall Accident Attorneys Can Help
Slip and fall attorneys can assist by evaluating the case, gathering evidence, and proving liability. These types of personal injury lawyers are skilled at handling all aspects of slip and fall cases, including filing claims, negotiating with insurance companies, and representing the client in court if necessary.
Attorneys also help ensure that victims receive fair compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering, leveraging their knowledge of legal procedures and negotiating tactics to achieve the best outcome.
Why Choose The Law Office of Michael J. Vergis?
Choosing The Law Offices of Michael J. Vergis for your slip and fall accident case ensures you receive dedicated, experienced legal representation focused on achieving the best results for your situation. With a deep understanding of premises liability law and a proven track record of success, Shreveport slip and fall lawyer Michael J. Vergis offers personalized attention to each case he takes on.
His commitment to investigating premises liability cases, gathering evidence, and negotiating with insurance companies means you can trust in his ability to handle your case with the utmost care. Additionally, his ability to establish negligence and fight on behalf of his clients both in and out of the courtroom ensures you will receive the best chance of success in your case.
Louisiana Slip and Fall Statute of Limitations
Like in all other areas of personal injury law, Louisiana’s statute of limitations limits the amount of time a victim of a slip and fall can seek damages, which can be found under Louisiana Civil Code Article 3492.
Louisiana Civil Code Article 3492
According to La. C.C. Art. 3492, victims of slip and fall accidents have one year from when the injury or incident occurred to file a claim and recover compensation for their losses. However, this does not include injuries incurred by minors. A slip and fall accident attorney can help ensure that your claim is filed on time and that the negligent property owner is held legally responsible for their actions.
Call Experienced Shreveport Personal Injury Lawyer Michael J. Vergis Today for a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one has been injured in a slip and fall accident, it’s crucial to seek legal representation from a knowledgeable and dedicated professional. Experienced slip and fall lawyer Michael J. Vergis is committed to providing the residents of Shreveport, Bossier City, and the surrounding Northwest Louisiana areas with the expert guidance they need to navigate these cases effectively.
With years of experience in personal injury law, he understands the challenges associated with premises liability cases and is prepared to tackle them head-on in order to advocate for your rights. Don’t let the burden of medical bills and lost wages weigh you down. By contacting Michael J. Vergis, you can take the first step toward securing the compensation you deserve.
The Law Office of Michael J. Vergis also offers a free consultation to discuss your case, evaluate your legal options, and answer any questions you may have. There’s no obligation, so you have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Call (318) 698-3724 or contact our legal team via our website to schedule your free case evaluation with us regarding your case.
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