Between medical bills, time away from work, and other expenses – not to mention the physical and emotional strain of recovery – there’s a lot you have to deal with in the aftermath of a slip and fall accident.
Luckily, there are options available to help relieve that burden. At Kiefer & Kiefer, we have nearly 100 years of combined experience representing slip and fall victims in New Orleans. We can help you recover damages to compensate you for the losses you’ve suffered.
Between medical bills, time away from work, and other expenses – not to mention the physical and emotional strain of recovery – there’s a lot you have to deal with in the aftermath of a slip and fall accident.
Luckily, there are options available to help relieve that burden. At Kiefer & Kiefer, we have nearly 100 years of combined experience representing slip and fall victims in New Orleans. We can help you recover damages to compensate you for the losses you’ve suffered.
”“Megan Kiefer was my attorney in a case against one of the most powerful companies in the U.S. She made my experience the least traumatic as possible. I had a Slip and Fall case that caused me many painful sleepless nights. From the first to the last visit, Megan Kiefer was a wonderful listener and very clear in her explanations. She quickly the most important facts to build the case. I always felt good and convinced that she will win the case in my favor – and she did!”
~ Marie-Claude
A “slip and fall” accident is any accident where you slip, trip, and/or fall and are injured as a result. According to the National Safety Council, slip and falls are the most common nonfatal accidental injury, and the second-most common accidental cause of death.
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Under premises liability law, all property owners have a “duty of care” to anyone who legally enters their property. This means that they must take reasonable action to maintain their property and prevent it from causing any injuries.
If a property owner fails to meet this standard, they can be held liable for any damages caused by their property. This means that if you were injured on someone else’s property, and you can prove that they acted negligently, you can file a premises liability lawsuit against them to recover your damages.
Every accident is different, and there are countless ways that negligent property maintenance can result in a slip and fall.
However, here are some of the most common causes:
By presenting evidence of your injuries to a jury, we will do our best to get you a fair settlement that fully compensates you for all of your losses.
That’s why we go above and beyond what’s typically expected from a personal injury lawyer. We will help you file a lawsuit, negotiate with the at-fault party, and represent you in court. Our goal is to prevent others from experiencing the same accident, and to help you recover the full amount of compensation that you deserve for your losses.
But we don’t stop there. We will make sure you win the compensation you deserve, but we will also make sure you receive the help you need to make a full recovery from your accident.
As a trusted New Orleans, LA slip and fall lawyer knows, unsafe conditions are a primary contributing factor to slip and fall accidents, often resulting in injuries that range from minor bruises to severe fractures and head trauma. These accidents occur when individuals lose their balance due to various hazardous conditions in the environment, leading to potentially life-altering consequences. Understanding the range of unsafe conditions that can lead to slip and fall accidents is crucial for both individuals and property owners to promote safety and prevent such incidents. When you need help following your accident, get in contact with Kiefer & Kiefer for help with your claim.
One of the most common unsafe conditions is wet or slippery surfaces. Spills, leaks, rainwater, or recently cleaned floors that are not adequately dried or marked with warning signs can become treacherous hazards. In grocery stores, restaurants, and public facilities, liquids inadvertently spilled on tile or linoleum floors can quickly transform into slippery surfaces, causing unsuspecting pedestrians to lose their footing.
Uneven surfaces also pose a significant risk. Cracked sidewalks, damaged flooring, loose carpets, and potholes can catch individuals off guard, causing them to stumble or trip. This danger is particularly pronounced for the elderly, who may have reduced mobility and balance. Inadequate lighting exacerbates these dangers, as poorly lit areas obscure hazards and make it difficult for individuals to navigate safely.
Insufficient signage is another common contributor to slip and fall accidents, as a New Orleans slip and fall lawyer understands. Failure to properly mark areas undergoing maintenance, identify steps or changes in elevation, or warn of slippery surfaces can lead to accidents. For instance, construction sites or areas with ongoing repairs should be clearly delineated to prevent individuals from entering hazardous zones.
Loose or inadequate handrails are a potential danger, especially on staircases and ramps. When individuals rely on handrails for support and stability, a loose or broken rail can lead to a catastrophic fall. This risk is particularly high in public spaces, as poorly maintained or missing handrails can cause individuals to lose balance while ascending or descending stairs.
Inadequate maintenance practices can exacerbate unsafe conditions. Neglecting routine cleaning, repairs, and inspections increases the likelihood of hazards going unnoticed or unaddressed. Over time, minor issues can escalate into dangerous situations that lead to slip and fall accidents.
To mitigate these hazards, property owners, businesses, and individuals must prioritize safety. Regular maintenance and inspections are essential for identifying and rectifying potential dangers. Proper signage, appropriate lighting, and nonslip surfaces can significantly reduce the risk of slip and fall accidents. Additionally, individuals should remain vigilant, watching out for potential hazards and adjusting their behavior accordingly, such as walking cautiously on wet surfaces or using handrails when available.
Unsafe conditions play a significant role in causing slip and fall accidents. Wet or slippery surfaces, uneven ground, inadequate signage, poorly maintained handrails, inappropriate use of mats, weather-related hazards, and subpar maintenance practices all contribute to these incidents. Recognizing and addressing these factors is essential for promoting safety, preventing injuries, and creating environments that prioritize the well-being of all individuals. Contact Kiefer & Kiefer to see how our New Orleans slip and fall lawyer can help you today.
Working with a New Orleans, LA slip and fall lawyer is essential after a major fall caused by another party’s negligence. Your safety is the top priority immediately after the incident, and understanding your legal rights is crucial. At Kiefer & Kiefer, we’re here to provide guidance, support, and answers to your most pressing questions. With extensive experience in handling slip and fall cases in New Orleans, we specialize in seeking justice for our clients. In this FAQ, we aim to address common inquiries to help you navigate the complexities of slip and fall claims. From what to do after an accident to the types of compensation you can pursue, our goal is to offer you the information you need to make informed decisions.
After a slip and fall accident in New Orleans, your safety is paramount. Ensure you seek immediate medical attention if injured. If possible, document the scene by taking photographs, gather contact information from any witnesses, and report the incident to the property owner or management. A New Orleans slip and fall lawyer from Kiefer & Kiefer can assess your case and determine potential liability.
A slip and fall lawyer can possess extensive experience and knowledge to help support you in or outside the courtroom. They will investigate the incident, collect evidence, and identify responsible parties. Lawyers at Kiefer & Kiefer are skilled in negotiating with insurance companies to secure fair compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain, and suffering.
Slip and fall accident victims can seek compensation for various losses. These may include medical expenses, physical therapy, property damage, lost income, and emotional distress. In cases involving severe negligence, punitive damages might also be sought.
For most slip and fall claims in New Orleans, LA, the statute of limitations is generally a year following an incident. However, it’s crucial to seek legal advice as soon as possible, as evidence can deteriorate over time. Consulting a slip and fall lawyer at Kiefer & Kiefer promptly can help protect your rights.
Kiefer & Kiefer stands out in New Orleans, LA, due to its extensive experience in handling slip and fall cases. Our legal team possesses a deep understanding of slip and fall law and is committed to delivering personalized, compassionate, and effective legal representation. We’re dedicated to helping victims seek justice and obtain the compensation they deserve.
If you’ve experienced a slip and fall accident in New Orleans, LA, don’t hesitate to contact Kiefer & Kiefer for expert legal guidance. We’re here to help you navigate the legal process, protect your rights, and secure the compensation you’re entitled to. Reach out to our team today to work with a New Orleans slip and fall lawyer.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 4.5 million people are injured in slip and fall accidents each year in the U.S. Of these, about 300,000 people are hospitalized, and 35,000 die. Although many comedy shows use slip and fall accidents to get laughs, these numbers reveal just how serious these accidents can be. Contact a slip and fall lawyer for legal assistance if you’ve been injured.
Slip and fall incidents can happen in many places, from grocery stores to parking lots, but not everyone who experiences a fall realizes they may have a valid legal claim with a slip and fall lawyer . Often, people assume it was simply an accident or believe the conditions were their fault. However, certain circumstances point to negligence on the part of a property owner or manager, which could mean you are entitled to compensation. Kiefer & Kiefer has 60 years of experience working with personal injury cases and knows the ins and outs of the Louisiana laws. We will work hard to try to get all of the money you have lost back.
One common scenario is when poor property maintenance creates unsafe conditions. For example, if a store fails to clean up a spill in a timely manner, or if a parking lot is left with large potholes, these hazards can lead to serious falls. Property owners are responsible for ensuring their spaces are reasonably safe for visitors. If they neglect these duties and you get hurt as a result, they may be held accountable.
Sometimes, slip and fall cases involve hazards that are not immediately visible. Uneven flooring that looks flat or an unmarked wet area can catch you off guard. Even something as seemingly minor as a loose step or an icy walkway without warning signs can lead to severe injuries. In such cases, the lack of visible warning or proper maintenance can support your claim.
Slip and fall incidents in public or shared spaces like apartment complexes, parks, or office buildings often leave victims questioning who is at fault. If the property owner or manager was aware—or should have been aware—of the unsafe conditions and failed to take action, they could be liable. For example, a tenant reporting a broken staircase that goes unrepaired for months could support a case if an injury occurs. Experienced slip and fall attorneys understand what kind of evidence you may need for a case like this.
Special events like weddings, concerts, or community fairs often take place in rented or temporary venues. These setups can sometimes result in unsafe conditions, such as poorly constructed walkways or slippery floors after food and drinks are spilled. If the event organizer or venue management neglected their duty to provide a safe environment, they could be held responsible for injuries.
In some cases, it’s not immediately clear who is responsible for maintaining a safe property. For example, in a shopping mall, is it the store manager or the mall owner who should have addressed the slippery entrance? While this can seem complicated, legal expertise can help determine where liability lies, ensuring you pursue the right party.
Many people hesitate to explore their options after a fall, worrying they’ll be blamed or that their injuries aren’t severe enough. However, it’s crucial to remember that property owners and managers have a legal responsibility to ensure safety. If their negligence caused your injuries, seeking legal advice can help you recover the costs of medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
If you’ve experienced a slip and fall, don’t dismiss it as a simple mishap. Understanding your legal rights is the first step toward getting the help you need. Contact Kiefer & Kiefer today for a free consultation. We’ll review your situation, determine if you have a case, and guide you through the process with care and expertise. Don’t wait—let one of our slip and fall attorneys help you take the next steps toward justice and recovery.
1100 Poydras Street., Suite 1300 New Orleans, LA 70163
