Property accident injury cases are common in the U.S. and have the potential to cause life-altering harm. You may have suffered broken bones, a spinal injury, or a traumatic brain injury from a serious fall or a chemical exposure. Whatever your injury, you will face medical bills and loss of wages as you recover.

You will find a Houma premises liability lawyer extremely helpful as you navigate your new reality. Your experienced personal injury attorney knows how to represent your best interests, has the resources to file a court case on your behalf, and could negotiate a settlement with the property owner.

What Does Premises Liability Mean?

A premises liability attorney knows that many incidents in Houma happen because the property owner did not keep the premises in a safe condition. The property owner may also face a negligence action for failing to warn visitors of the risks existing on the property. If found liable under the theory of negligence or fault, the law says the owner must pay money to the injured person. These accidents may occur due to:

  • Unfixed cracks in sidewalks or damaged stairs
  • Spills on grocery store floors or restaurant walkways that can cause a slip and fall
  • Objects in the pathway that were not put away or marked as a hazard
  • Sharp or otherwise dangerous vehicles or structures on a property that cause harm
  • Fires or chemical leaks

Louisiana law provides premises liability because property owners owe a duty of care to their visitors. When they breach that duty of care, they may face liability in the form of financial compensation for the injuries caused by their actions.

What Types of Compensation Does the Law Allow?

State law provides that a person harmed in an injury case may seek financial compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. The plaintiff may also seek compensation for loss of spousal consortium and enjoyment of life activities.

Courts also award punitive damages if the property owner’s actions are so egregious that the court determines the property owner should face financial punishment for the conduct above the actual damages. Punitive damages may also serve as a deterrent to others engaging in the same conduct.

Defenses to Negligence Claims

Not every property owner is liable for the injuries that occur. For example, the defendant property owner may argue that the injured person assumed the risk of going onto the property or encountering the hazard.

They may also claim that the injured person’s actions were the cause of their injuries and not the property owner’s actions. This is in a category of defense known as contributory or comparative negligence. A hazardous property lawyer in Houma can further explain how this law will affect your case.

One of the hurdles every plaintiff must watch out for is the Statute of Limitations, which lists the time period in which the plaintiff must file the lawsuit. In Louisiana, the Statute of Limitations for premises liability cases is two years from the date of injury, as of July 1, 2024.

Hire a Houma Premises Liability Attorney Today

We invite you to contact the Law Offices of Patrick Yancey today to arrange a free consultation with a Houma premises liability lawyer. Your lawyer will analyze the facts of your case and guide you on the best path for your situation.

Patrick Yancey knows how to fight for your best interests and has the resources needed to investigate all aspects of the case. We stand ready to help you get the money you deserve.