Every property owner in Louisiana is responsible for maintaining safe conditions for visitors, tenants, and customers. When that responsibility is ignored, whether through poor maintenance, unsafe design, or lack of warning, people can suffer serious injuries that disrupt their health, income, and independence.
The Gertler Law Firm represents individuals throughout New Orleans and surrounding parishes who have been injured because of dangerous property conditions. Our attorneys work to hold negligent owners, businesses, and management companies accountable when preventable hazards cause harm.
What Qualifies as a Premises Liability Case
Premises liability law applies when an injury occurs because a property owner or occupier failed to repair, inspect, or warn about a hazardous condition. These incidents can happen anywhere residential properties, commercial spaces, hotels, or public walkways.
Common examples include:
- Slippery floors or unmarked spills in stores and restaurants
- Broken stairs, missing handrails, or uneven flooring
- Inadequate lighting in hallways or parking lots
- Falling objects or unsecured merchandise
- Poorly maintained walkways, sidewalks, or entrances
- Negligent security leading to assaults or theft
Whether the danger stems from neglect or cost-cutting, Louisiana law allows victims to pursue compensation when property owners fail to act responsibly.
How Louisiana Law Defines Property Owner Liability
Louisiana Civil Code Article 2317.1 states that owners and custodians are responsible for damages caused by defective or dangerous conditions under their control.
To establish liability, our attorneys demonstrate that:
- The owner or manager was aware of or should have been aware of the hazard.
- The condition posed an unreasonable risk of harm.
- Reasonable steps to fix or warn were not taken in time.
Louisiana’s pure comparative fault rule also applies, meaning even if the injured person shares part of the blame, they can still recover damages reduced by their percentage of responsibility.
Injuries That Commonly Occur on Unsafe Property
A fall or accident on poorly maintained property can cause more than minor bruises. Victims often face:
- Fractured bones and dislocated joints
- Back and spinal injuries
- Traumatic brain injury or concussion
- Shoulder, hip, or knee damage
- Severe lacerations or burns
These injuries often require hospital care, therapy, and time away from work. Our firm ensures that the full physical, emotional, and financial toll is documented and presented clearly during settlement or trial.
Proving Negligence and Building a Strong Case
Evidence is crucial in premises liability cases. The Gertler Law Firm acts quickly to investigate, document, and preserve proof before it disappears. We:
- Secure surveillance footage and incident reports
- Photograph or inspect the scene for unsafe conditions
- Interview witnesses and employees
- Review maintenance logs and safety policies
- Consult building and safety experts when structural issues are involved
Our methodical preparation ensures no detail is overlooked. This disciplined approach gives clients a competitive edge when negotiating with insurers and property owners.
Compensation Available to Louisiana Injury Victims
Victims of property-related accidents may recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses and future treatment
- Lost wages or reduced earning ability
- Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Loss of companionship in fatal injury cases
Each case is evaluated individually to ensure the recovery reflects the true impact of the injury and the long-term cost of care.
How Gertler Law Firm Represents Premises Liability Victims
Our attorneys handle every stage of the process from investigation to litigation with precision and care. We keep clients informed, prepare each case for trial, and pursue results through negotiation or verdict.
Josh Gertler brings experience in unsafe property and civil liability cases, while Leah R. Rhodes contributes a deep understanding of insurance coverage and injury claims. Together, they provide strong, steady advocacy for Louisiana clients seeking justice after preventable accidents.
Frequently Asked Questions About Premises Liability in Louisiana
What should I do immediately after being injured on someone else’s property?
Report the incident, take photographs if possible, collect witness names, and seek medical attention right away. Then contact an attorney to protect your rights.
Can I still recover damages if I was partially at fault?
Yes. Under Louisiana’s comparative fault rule, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault, but you can still recover.
What if the property owner repaired the hazard after my injury?
Subsequent repairs may still help prove negligence. Our firm documents these changes as part of the evidence.
How long do I have to file a premises liability lawsuit?
Most claims must be filed within one year of the incident. Acting quickly helps preserve crucial proof.
Are landlords responsible for unsafe rental properties?
Yes. Landlords, business owners, and managers all share legal responsibility to keep premises safe for tenants and guests.
Do I have to pay attorney fees up front?
No. We represent injury victims on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney’s fees unless we recover compensation for you.
Speak With a New Orleans Premises Liability Lawyer
If you were hurt because of unsafe property conditions, the Gertler Law Firm can help. Our attorneys represent clients throughout Louisiana who have suffered serious injuries due to negligent maintenance, inadequate security, or hazardous design.
Call our New Orleans office or contact us online for a confidential consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your options, and take immediate steps to secure the compensation you deserve.