In Louisiana, property owners, including those who manage stores, apartment complexes, hotels, and other public establishments, have a legal duty to ensure their premises are safe for visitors. This responsibility falls under the concept of premises liability, which holds property owners accountable for injuries caused by hazardous conditions on their property.

If you’ve been injured on someone else’s property—whether through a slip and fall, an assault in a poorly lit parking lot, or a fire caused by negligence—you may be entitled to compensation. A Louisiana premises liability attorney can evaluate your case and guide you toward obtaining the recovery you deserve for medical bills, pain, emotional distress, and other damages.

What Is Premises Liability?

Premises liability is the legal principle that property owners or managers must take reasonable steps to maintain a safe environment for those lawfully entering their premises. This responsibility is heightened when the property is used for commercial purposes, such as businesses that invite customers to shop, dine, or stay overnight.

The obligation of property owners includes ensuring:

• Walkways and stairways are clear and well-lit
• Smoke detectors and fire safety equipment are functional
• Potential hazards, such as slippery floors or loose railings, are promptly addressed

While these obligations are most apparent in commercial settings, premises liability can apply to private homes and public spaces as well. If a property owner fails to uphold their duty of care, they may be liable for injuries sustained on their premises.

Where Do Premises Liability Cases Occur?

Premises liability claims can arise in various locations, including:

• Restaurants and bars
• Grocery stores and retail outlets
• Office buildings
• Hotels and motels
• Movie theaters
• Shopping malls
• Parks and recreational areas
• Apartment complexes and private homes

Even injuries sustained on public property may fall under premises liability, though cases involving government-owned properties often require prompt legal action to preserve your claim.

Legal Duties of Property Owners in Louisiana

Louisiana law imposes a duty of care on property owners to protect visitors from known hazards. This duty extends to the premises and adjoining areas, such as parking lots, sidewalks, and entryways. Property owners are expected to address unsafe conditions they know about—or should reasonably know about—and take precautions to prevent harm to visitors.

Failure to meet these standards may result in liability for injuries caused by:

• Poorly maintained property
• Lack of proper security measures
• Failure to warn about known hazards
• Neglecting fire safety or maintenance requirements

Negligent Security Claims

Property owners also have a responsibility to protect visitors from foreseeable criminal activity. This aspect of premises liability is known as negligent security. If you are assaulted, robbed, or otherwise harmed on someone else’s property due to inadequate security measures, the property owner may be held liable.

Examples of negligent security include:

• Insufficient lighting in parking lots or hallways
• Lack of security cameras or guards in high-risk areas
• Failure to repair or install locks on doors and windows
• Absence of fencing or gates in vulnerable areas

To establish a negligent security claim, your attorney must prove that the property owner should have foreseen the criminal activity and failed to take appropriate measures to prevent it.

Different Standards for Visitors

The level of care a property owner owes depends on the visitor’s status:

• Invitees: Customers and others invited onto the property for business purposes are owed the highest duty of care. Property owners must inspect and address potential hazards.
• Licensees: Guests entering the property for personal reasons, such as social visitors, are owed a lesser duty, but property owners must still warn them of known dangers.
• Trespassers: Property owners generally owe no duty to trespassers except to avoid intentional harm. However, special rules apply to child trespassers under the attractive nuisance doctrine, which covers features like swimming pools or trampolines.

Examples of Premises Liability Cases

Premises liability claims encompass a broad range of scenarios, such as:

• A shopper slipping on a wet floor in a grocery store
• A tenant injured in an apartment fire caused by a faulty smoke detector
• A visitor attacked in a poorly lit parking lot with no security cameras
• A child hurt by falling into an unfenced pool
• A customer struck by falling merchandise in a retail store

In each case, an experienced Louisiana premises liability attorney can investigate the circumstances, gather evidence, and determine whether the property owner’s negligence contributed to the injury.

Why You Need a Louisiana Premises Liability Attorney

Premises liability cases can be challenging to prove, especially when property owners and their insurance companies try to deny responsibility. An attorney with experience in premises liability law can:

• Investigate the accident and identify liable parties
• Gather evidence, such as maintenance records and security footage
• Work with experts to assess damages and demonstrate negligence
• Negotiate with insurance companies for a fair settlement
• Represent you in court if necessary

Contact Our Louisiana Premises Liability Attorneys

If you’ve been injured due to unsafe conditions on someone else’s property, don’t wait to seek legal help. Our dedicated Louisiana premises liability attorneys are here to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you need to recover.

Contact Us Today

Call 504.822.8250 or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation. Let us help you hold negligent property owners accountable and secure the resources you need to rebuild your life.