Lafayette Premises Liability Lawyer

Premises Liability Attorney in Lafayette, LA

When you visit someone’s home or decide to explore a new business, it’s not unreasonable to have certain expectations of safety. You shouldn’t have to worry about getting hurt due to somebody’s negligent actions or lack of sound judgment. However, if an accident does occur on someone else’s property, you may want to hold them legally accountable for your injuries. To pursue a case, you should hire a Lafayette premises liability lawyer to represent you.

The legal team at the Law Offices of Richard R. Kennedy recognizes how hard it can be to prove premises liability without the work of a Lafayette premises liability attorney. You may not know where to start building your premises liability case or if it is even strong enough to succeed. Having an experienced lawyer who understands the state’s premises liability laws can often mean the difference between success and failure with your case.

Common Examples of Premises Liability Cases

If you are injured on someone else’s property in Lafayette, the EMTs will probably take you to one of the major local medical centers. That could be Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center, which is a recognized trauma center, or Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Center, which can also provide emergency care for acute trauma. Depending on a facility’s capacity and the severity of your injuries, you could end up in a smaller ER after your incident.

Many situations can lead to a premises liability case. According to a recent article from the Insurance Information Institute, Louisianans pay significantly more for homeowner’s insurance coverage than other states, with anaverage annual payment of $2,178, among the highest in the country. Homeowner’s insurance covers premises liability, and it will likely be the insurance company you have to talk to. Here are some common premises liability cases:

• Slips and falls. Generally, the most common premises liability case is a slip and fall. A bad fall can happen anywhere and for any reason. According to data from the CDC, falls are the leading cause of injury for Americans over 65 years old, with over14 million older adults reporting a fall every year. If you fell because of a present hazard that nobody had warned you about or cleaned, liability could rest with the property owner.
• Dog bites. In Louisiana, dog owners are held responsible for their dogs’ actions, particularly when they bite somebody. As long as you are not trespassing on private property at the time of the attack, you will likely have a strong premises liability case if you are attacked by someone’s dog. Recent data from the U.S. Postal Service ranks Louisiana at16th in the country for postal workers suffering dog attacks.
• Negligent security. In certain areas, such as parking lots or apartment complexes, there may be an expectation of additional security to protect from muggings and assaults. If something were to happen to you because of a lack of security, liability for the attack may fall on the property owner who failed to provide security, despite the risk.

FAQs About Premises Liability

What Is Premises Liability?

Premises liability is a nationally recognized legal concept. It forces neglectful property owners and homeowners to be held responsible for injuries that occur on their property as a direct result of their negligent actions. To succeed in a premises liability case, you need to prove that the owner failed to maintain a safe environment and that this failure led directly to your injury. This may not be easy, but a good lawyer can gather evidence to support your case.

What Does a Premises Liability Insurance Policy Cover?

Generally, a premises liability insurance policy protects property owners against any legal responsibility for bodily injury or property damage that occurs on their property due to hazardous conditions. This policy tends to cover the victim’s medical expenses, lost wages, and legal defense costs for any personal injury case they may wish to seek against the homeowner. Ultimately, it depends on the individual policy and its terms in premises liability cases.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Premises Liability Case?

In a premises liability case, it is usually the home or property owner who is held liable for any accidents that occur on their property. However, renters, tenants, and business operators who operate on the premises can also be held responsible, depending on the nature of the case. First, you will need to prove negligence and a failure to warn of potential danger. Your lawyer can do this by gathering evidence and investigating the incident to see if multiple parties may be liable.

Is Premises Liability Hard to Prove?

Yes, premises liability can be hard to prove. You first need to prove all the elements of negligence. You must also demonstrate that the property owner knew about the danger on their property but did nothing to fix it. This will require solid evidence that includes witness testimony, security footage, and more. The smartest move you can make is hiring a premises liability lawyer to oversee your case.

Hire a Premises Liability Lawyer

If you are suffering from a severe injury brought on by an accident on someone else’s property, you should hire a premises liability lawyer to handle your case and let you focus solely on recovery. Richard R. Kennedy and Richard R. Kennedy III are part of a long line of dedicated lawyers. They are proud to carry on the traditions of their forefathers and help personal injury victims who are dealing with difficult times.

We can seek the fair outcome you deserve.At the Law Offices of Richard R. Kennedy, we can develop a strong case, gather substantial evidence, and work to keep anyone from taking advantage of you during this vulnerable time. Premises liability cases can easily become complex and personal, and you will want the right kind of legal representation throughout this ordeal. Contact us to speak to a valued member of our legal team about your options and what we can do for you.