Premises Liability Lawyer in New Orleans

A Nationwide Leader in Personal Injury Law Handling Premises Liability Claims

If you have suffered an injury due to unsafe conditions on someone else’s property, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and other hardships.

The premises liability lawyers at Douglas & London can provide you with the skilled representation you need to maximize your claim. With more than $18 billion recovered on behalf of our personal injury clients, people in New Orleans turn to us when their injuries are serious and their post-injury issues are complex. Contact us today for a free consultation.

When Are Property Owners Responsible for Accidents?

Not all accidents taking place on someone else’s property are cause for legal action. A bad fall caused by inebriation, for instance, or an injury suffered by someone who was breaking and entering are not likely to result in a successful personal injury claim.

When are property owners responsible for injuries taking place on their premises? Under Louisiana premises liability laws, property owners bear a legal responsibility to:

Maintain safe property conditions
Repair unsafe conditions or clearly mark them as dangerous and off-limits

When a property owner fails to meet these obligations and an innocent visitor suffers an injury as a result, the owner may be held responsible for the injury victim’s medical bills, wage loss, pain and suffering, and other hardships.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Premises Liability Case?

There’s a lot to consider when determining responsibility in a premises liability case. It depends on where the injury occurred and who was responsible for the property at the time of the incident.

Landlords and Tenants

In rental properties, here’s how both the landlord and the tenant may share responsibility:

Landlords are typically responsible for the structural soundness of the rental and the upkeep of common areas. If a fall or a violent crime occurred due to poor lighting or in a shared hallway or parking lot, the landlord may liable.
Tenants may be liable if their actions or inaction created the hazard. For example, if a tenant spills something and leaves it uncleaned in a rented space, the tenant could be responsible.

Government Entities and Public Property

If your injury occurred on public property—such as a sidewalk, park, or government building—it can be a bit more complicated. Claims against government entities follow different rules such as:

Sovereign immunity can limit when and how you file suit because this common law doctrine requires consent from the government.
There are strict deadlines and notice requirements that must be followed to preserve your right to file a claim.

Even in complex government cases, our experienced premises liability lawyers can help identify the right party to hold accountable and guide you through the claims process.

Liability for Third Parties in Workplace Injuries

Although workplace injuries are often the employer’s responsibility, in many cases, third parties may be responsible for unsafe conditions that lead to accidents. For example:

Property owners may be liable if a worker is injured because the property owner failed to address dangerous conditions.
Manufacturers or contractors could be held accountable if faulty equipment or unsafe construction worksites cause an injury.
Vendors or delivery services might also share responsibility if their negligence contributed to a hazard on the job site.

Even if workers’ compensation covers part of the injury, you can still file a third-party claim for additional compensation. An attorney can help determine whether one or more third parties share responsibility with employers.

Dangers Come in Many Forms

A broad range of unsafe conditions contribute to premises liability claims in New Orleans. Common dangers include:

Slippery Floors: From spills on grocery store floors to slick walkways after a rainstorm, when a property owner fails to keep floors safe and dry, visitors are at risk of being injured in slip-and-fall and trip-and-fall accidents.
Inadequate Security: Failure to hire adequate security staff, poor lighting, and lack of surveillance devices and working locks can put tenants and visitors at risk of robbery, assault, and other crimes.
Dog Bites: Dog owners are strictly liable for injuries caused by their pets, provided they knew or should have known the animal was dangerous, and except in cases in which the injured person provoked the dog.
Swimming Pool Accidents: Owners of swimming pools may be held liable for accidents that occur on their property, especially in situations where they did not erect adequate fencing around the pool.

There are numerous additional circumstances in which you might need the services of an experienced personal injury attorney. After thoroughly reviewing your case, an attorney can help you understand the law and the options available to you.

Common Hazards in New Orleans That Lead to Premises Liability Cases

New Orleans has its unique geographical characteristics that often lead to premises liability cases. Some include environmental and structural challenges. From infrastructure degradation to weather-related hazards, property owners in the city have a legal responsibility to address anything that could lead to an accident. Some of the most common hazards in the area include:

Flooding and Water Damage Risks

New Orleans’ low elevation and heavy rainfall create frequent flooding risks. After storms, sidewalks and entryways can become slick and structurally damaged, thereby increasing the risk of slip-and-fall or tripping incidents.

Standing water may also lead to mold and structural decline if property owners fail to perform maintenance promptly. This is especially an issue in older buildings, as they are common throughout the city.

Potholes and Sidewalk Conditions in New Orleans

Areas like the French Quarter, Garden District, and Marigny are major tourist areas, and the barrage of vehicle and foot traffic causes infrastructure to wear down. Recent reports show that post-pandemic tourism numbers reached 19 million in a single year.

Cracked, uneven sidewalks and pothole-riddled roads are a serious tripping hazard for the millions of pedestrians who visit each year. Property owners and the city share a responsibility to maintain these areas. Failure to repair known hazards may result in liability.

Construction and Building Safety Issues in New Orleans

Construction zones are quite common in New Orleans. Whether it’s post-hurricane rebuilding or development driven by tourism, safety issues are a serious concern.

Poorly marked dangers, loose debris, incomplete repairs, and exposed electrical wiring can pose serious risks to both workers and the public. If an accident occurs near or on a construction site, property owners or contractors may be liable for failing to follow proper safety precautions.

Common Premises Liability Injuries

There is a wide range of premises liability injuries, from minor to catastrophic. Some of the most common we see here at Douglas & London include:

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): Often caused by falls or blunt force, TBIs can result in lifelong cognitive and physical disabilities.
Spinal Cord Injuries: These may lead to partial or full paralysis, depending on the severity and location of the injury.
Broken Bones: Slippery surfaces or uneven walkways frequently lead to fractures and broken bones—especially in older adults.
Dog Bites: Owners can be held liable if their dogs attack others without provocation—especially on their property.
Internal Injuries: Internal bleeding or organ damage may result from falls or falling objects and are often difficult to detect.
Lacerations and Soft Tissue Damage: Unsafe environments with sharp edges, loose flooring, or debris can cause victims to suffer sprains, bruises, and cuts.

The Difference a Good Lawyer Can Make

A serious injury is a momentous event in your life. You may be left with stacks of medical bills, significant pain and suffering, and even temporary or permanent disability.

A skilled premises liability lawyer can help you pursue the compensation you need to pay your bills and lead a fulfilling life after suffering an injury caused by a property owner’s negligence. There are many ways an experienced attorney can make a significant difference in your claim and your life.

The premises liability lawyers at Douglas & London can:

Conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the accident—evidence from surveillance cameras, maintenance reports, accident reports, eyewitness testimony, and other sources can prove crucial
Build a strong case designed to place maximum pressure on the opposing party
Represent you in settlement negotiations
Stand up for your rights in court

When you consider who you are up against—likely a business or insurance company with considerable money and power—the need for a strong legal ally becomes paramount.

Douglas & London has the experience and resources to stand up to the toughest legal competition. Our record of success speaks for itself. We have won billions for injury victims, including many who were injured due to the negligence of property owners in New Orleans and throughout Louisiana.

See How a Premises Liability Attorney Can Help

If an injury caused by dangerous property conditions in New Orleans has upended your life, the premises liability lawyers at Douglas & London are here for you. We understand you are dealing with a lot right now.

Our attorneys and staff are here to make the legal process as straightforward and stress-free as possible. Contact us for a free and confidential consultation.