Slip & Fall Attorney in New Orleans

Louisiana Premises Liability Representation Since 1916

A sudden fall on a wet grocery aisle, a broken stair in an older building, or a slick sidewalk in a busy part of the city can leave you in pain and unsure of what to do next. You may be wondering whether the property owner should have prevented the hazard, how you’ll pay your medical bills, and whether you need a slip and fall attorney in New Orleans. It can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re also missing work or caring for a family.

At Talley Anthony Hughes & Knight, our attorneys were born and raised in Louisiana, and our firm has represented injured people here since 1916. Our New Orleans slip and fall lawyers handle claims involving grocery stores, hotels, apartment complexes, public sidewalks, and other properties.

Request your free consultation or call (985) 313-8146. Our team is available 24/7 and can meet with you virtually or in person.

What to Do After a Slip & Fall Accident in New Orleans

You may not be able to follow every suggestion, especially if your injuries are severe, but the steps below can protect your health and preserve information relevant to a potential claim.

Steps to take after a slip and fall include:

1. Call 911: If you’re badly hurt, call 911 or ask someone nearby to do so.
2. Seek medical care: Even if you feel that your injuries are minor, it’s wise to see a doctor as soon as you can.
3. Report the incident: Notify the property owner, manager, or landlord. If possible, request a written incident report and obtain a copy.
4. Document the scene: If you’re able to do so safely, or if a friend or family member can assist, take photographs of the hazard that caused your fall. Capture the surrounding area, any warning signs, the absence of warnings, and your shoes.
5. Gather witness information: Collect names and phone numbers of any witnesses present.

After your medical needs are addressed, contacting our firm promptly can help preserve evidence and give you answers before you make decisions that could affect your claim. When you reach out to Talley Anthony Hughes & Knight, our New Orleans slip and fall attorneys can listen to what happened, explain how Louisiana premises liability law may apply, and discuss next steps.

Common Slip & Fall Hazards & Injuries in New Orleans

Property owners generally have a duty to keep premises reasonably safe, address known hazards, and warn visitors of dangers they can’t fix right away. When they fail to do so and someone is injured, premises liability laws may allow the injured person to seek compensation.

Common types of slip and fall hazards include:

• Spills and wet floors without posted warnings
• Loose or damaged handrails
• Loose carpeting and uneven flooring
• Broken or uneven pavement and sidewalks
• Poor lighting in stairways and walkways
• Debris, cords, or obstructions in walking areas
• Damaged stairs in older commercial or residential buildings

These conditions appear across all kinds of settings: grocery stores, restaurants, hotels, apartment complexes, parking lots, and public buildings throughout the city. The injuries that follow can range from painful but treatable to life-altering. Broken wrists, ankles, or hips are common. Back and neck injuries can occur when the spine is jolted. Head injuries, including concussions or traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), may happen if a person strikes the floor or a nearby object. Soft-tissue injuries, such as torn ligaments or severe bruising, can also limit mobility and require extended therapy.

Even when a fall seems minor at first, symptoms can develop or worsen in the days that follow. Prompt medical evaluation can address your health needs and document the connection between the hazard and your injuries.

How Louisiana Law Applies to Slip & Fall Claims

Louisiana premises liability law distinguishes between different types of properties and different categories of responsible parties. For claims involving a merchant, such as a grocery store, restaurant, or retail shop, Louisiana law requires proof that an unreasonable risk of harm existed on the premises, that the merchant had actual or constructive notice of the condition, and that the merchant failed to exercise reasonable care. Constructive notice means the condition existed long enough that a reasonable inspection would have discovered it.

Claims involving non-merchant property, such as a private residence, apartment building, or parking structure, follow a different framework. Liability may depend on who owned, occupied, maintained, repaired, or otherwise controlled the area where the fall occurred. In some cases, the responsible party isn’t immediately obvious. A property owner, tenant, property manager, maintenance contractor, or other custodian may each bear some degree of responsibility depending on the specific facts.

Louisiana also applies comparative fault rules, meaning a person’s own contribution to the fall can reduce or eliminate recovery. Under Louisiana’s modified comparative fault system, which took effect January 1, 2026, a person found to be 51% or more at fault is barred from recovering any compensation. Understanding how fault is allocated to each party requires a careful review of the facts, the location, and the parties involved.

Evidence in a New Orleans Slip & Fall Claim

Building a slip and fall claim means connecting the dangerous condition, the responsible party, and the resulting injuries through credible evidence. We approach that process strategically rather than rushing toward a quick settlement, and we prepare cases for litigation when necessary.

Evidence relevant to a New Orleans slip and fall claim may include:

• Photographs and video of the hazard, the scene, and visible injuries
• Surveillance footage from the property or nearby cameras
• Incident reports filed with the property owner or manager
• Maintenance logs, cleaning records, inspection reports, and repair history
• Records of prior complaints about the same condition
• Witness accounts of what happened and what conditions existed
• Medical records documenting treatment, diagnoses, and recovery
• Wage records reflecting lost income during recovery
• New Orleans property records, permit filings, or code-enforcement records where relevant

Evidence can show what caused the fall, how long the condition existed, who controlled the area, and how the injuries affected your life. Physical conditions change, surveillance footage is overwritten, and records can disappear. Early involvement can allow us to identify and preserve relevant evidence. When litigation is appropriate, personal injury claims in New Orleans may be filed through the Civil Division of the Orleans Parish Civil District Court.

Local Insight, Thorough Preparation, & Direct Access

Talley Anthony Hughes & Knight was founded in 1916, and our attorneys were born and raised in Louisiana. We combine more than a century of legal history and local knowledge with the resources to investigate premises liability claims and prepare for litigation when necessary.

Choose our New Orleans slip and fall team for:

• Large firm resources with personal attention: We combine the capabilities of a large firm with the individualized care of a smaller practice.
• Thorough case investigation: We investigate hazards, review evidence, and examine medical records to understand the full scope of your injuries.
• Client-focused approach: We take the time to evaluate the evidence and explain their options.
• Trial-ready preparation: We prepare cases for litigation when it becomes necessary.

Free consultations are available virtually or in person, and you can reach us 24/7.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Have a Slip & Fall Case?

You may have a slip and fall case if a dangerous condition on someone else’s property contributed to your injuries and the property owner or manager failed to take reasonable steps to fix the hazard or warn about it. A case-specific evaluation depends on the facts of the fall, your injuries, the responsible parties, and the available evidence.

What Compensation Can I Pursue in a Slip & Fall Case?

When a claim is successful, available compensation can include categories such as medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. The specific amounts depend on factors that include the severity of the injuries, the length of recovery, and how the fall affects your ability to work and live as you did before.

What Evidence Is Important for Slip & Fall Claims?

Important evidence in a slip and fall claim includes photos and videos of the scene, clothing and shoes worn at the time, maintenance logs, surveillance footage, witness statements, incident reports, medical records, and expert opinions. This evidence can show how the fall occurred, who may be responsible, and the extent of your injuries.

Discuss Your New Orleans Slip & Fall with Us Today

A free consultation gives you the opportunity to share what happened and get a clear-eyed review of whether your situation warrants further legal action. We meet with clients virtually and in person, and we’re available 24/7. There’s no obligation.

Contact Talley Anthony Hughes & Knight at (985) 313-8146 to schedule your free consultation with a slip and fall attorney in New Orleans.