What Is Premises Liability?

Accidents happen—but sometimes they happen because a property wasn’t kept safe. Maybe you slipped on a wet floor at a store, tripped over a broken step at a friend’s house, or got hurt in a poorly maintained parking lot. When that’s the case, Louisiana law calls it premises liability. 

It sounds like a heavy legal term, but at its core, it’s really about one basic idea:

Property owners should keep their spaces safe.

And if they don’t and someone gets hurt, they can be held responsible

Premises liability is a legal concept that holds property owners and managers responsible when someone is injured due to dangerous or poorly maintained conditions on their property. Louisiana law says property owners and managers have a responsibility to maintain their property and fix hazards that could hurt someone. If they know (or should have known) something’s dangerous and they ignore it, that’s where a premises liability claim can come in.

This type of case can happen almost anywhere: stores, restaurants, rental homes, parking lots, sidewalks, hotels, office buildings, or private residences.

You might be surprised by how many everyday situations fall under this category. Some of the most common include:

• Slip and Fall Accidents: These happen when someone slips on wet floors, loose rugs, spilled liquids, broken steps, or uneven surfaces. Slip and fall cases are some of the most frequent claims, especially in grocery stores and commercial properties.

• Trip and Fall Hazards: Cluttered walkways, damaged flooring, exposed wiring, holes in the ground, or cracked pavement can lead to serious injuries.

• Inadequate Security: If a business or apartment complex fails to provide reasonable security such as working lights, locked gates, or security personnel, and someone becomes a victim of a crime, the property owner may be liable.

• Dog Bites or Animal Attacks: Owners are responsible for ensuring their animals don’t cause harm. If a dog attacks someone on the property, it may fall under premises liability.

• Swimming Pool Accidents: Unfenced pools, lack of supervision, slippery decks, or missing safety equipment can create life-threatening situations.

• Falling Objects: Poorly stocked shelves, loose fixtures, or unstable displays can cause injuries when items fall onto customers or visitors. 
• Fire or Electrocution Incidents Faulty wiring, missing smoke detectors, or lack of routine maintenance can put visitors at serious risk.

To hold a property owner responsible, an injured person generally must show:

1. There was a dangerous condition on the property.
2. The owner knew or should have known about the hazard.
3. The owner failed to fix it or warn visitors.
4. The unsafe condition directly caused the injury.
5. The injured person suffered damages such as medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering.

Louisiana also has something called comparative fault. This means that if the injured person shares part of the blame by doing things such as ignoring warning signs or acting carelessly, the amount they can recover might be reduced. That’s why it’s important to gather evidence quickly and speak with an attorney who understands how these laws apply.

Injuries from unsafe property conditions can be serious and life-changing. Victims may face medical treatments, time away from work, long-term mobility issues, and ongoing pain. Premises liability laws are designed to protect everyday people from preventable injuries and to make sure property owners take safety seriously.

Dealing with an injury is stressful enough. Trying to figure out insurance claims, liability, or legal steps at the same time can feel overwhelming.

If you’ve been injured because of unsafe or poorly maintained property conditions, reach out to the Jack Bailey Law Corporation today. We’re here to help you get answers, get support, and get justice.