Slip & Fall Attorney in Calcasieu Parish

Find Relief After a Slip & Fall: Start with Sudduth & Associates, LLC

If you suffered an injury from a slip and fall accident in Calcasieu Parish, you may feel overwhelmed by physical pain, unexpected bills, and confusion about what to do next. We understand the stress these incidents can cause because our team at Sudduth & Associates, LLC has helped families facing similar challenges for over a decade.

Many slip and fall accidents in Calcasieu Parish happen at commercial properties, such as grocery stores, parking lots, or apartment complexes, where property owners must maintain safe spaces for visitors. Local businesses and residents trust our slip and fall attorneys because we combine legal guidance with genuine compassion. 

We understand how local court expectations and insurance practices shape each case. That means you receive advice tailored to Calcasieu Parish’s unique character and the realities of regional property ownership. With every client, our priority is helping you feel seen, heard, and supported so you can move forward confidently.

If you suffered a serious injury in a slip and fall accident, don't delay—the deadline is approaching. Contact a slip and fall attorney in Calcasieu Parish immediately. Call (337) 282-9003 or reach out online to schedule a consultation.

Understanding Louisiana Slip and Fall Law

In Louisiana, most slip and fall accidents that occur on business premises are governed by La. R.S. 9:2800.6 (the Merchant Liability Statute). This statute places a specific, heavy burden of proof on the injured claimant to show the merchant was negligent.

The Three-Part Burden of Proof Against Merchants

To succeed with a slip and fall claim against a merchant (which includes retail stores, grocery stores, hotels, etc.), the injured person must prove all three of the following elements, in addition to suffering damages:

• Unreasonable Risk of Harm: The condition that caused the fall presented an unreasonable risk of harm that was reasonably foreseeable. (E.g., an unmarked spill, broken pavement, or uneven flooring).
• Actual or Constructive Notice: The merchant either created the condition or had actual or constructive notice of it prior to the occurrence.
  • Constructive Notice is critical: It means the condition existed for such a period of time that it would have been discovered if the merchant had exercised reasonable care. Proof of the "temporal element"—how long the hazard existed—is often the hardest part to prove.
• Failure of Reasonable Care: The merchant failed to exercise reasonable care to remedy the hazard or to warn customers about it.

As your Calcasieu Parish slip and fall lawyer, we understand the specific evidence (surveillance footage, internal cleanup logs, witness testimony) required to satisfy this demanding burden of proof.

Key Steps We Take as Your Slip and Fall Attorney in Calcasieu Parish

Insurance companies and property owners immediately launch their own defense, often attempting to blame the victim or destroy evidence. We act quickly to secure the facts necessary to meet the Louisiana burden of proof.

Our immediate action plan includes:

• Securing Evidence: We issue preservation letters to demand that the merchant retain all surveillance video (which often proves how long the hazard existed), cleaning logs, and incident reports.
• Investigating Notice: We interview employees and witnesses to establish whether the merchant had actual notice of the hazard. We look for evidence demonstrating the condition existed long enough for constructive notice to attach.
• Analyzing Fault: We work with experts, when necessary, to evaluate the scene and establish that the dangerous condition—not simple clumsiness—was the direct cause of the fall and the resulting injury.

The Statute of Limitations and Comparative Fault

Two major legal hurdles in every slip and fall case in Louisiana are the strict deadline for filing suit and the rule regarding shared fault.

The Two-Year Deadline

In Louisiana, the deadline (known as the "prescriptive period") for filing a personal injury lawsuit, including slip and fall accidents, is generally two years from the date of the injury. If your injury occurred before July 1, 2024, the deadline is generally one year. Missing this deadline means permanently forfeiting your right to seek compensation. As a dedicated slip and fall attorney in Calcasieu Parish, we prioritize meeting this crucial legal timeframe.

The Comparative Fault System

Louisiana follows a system of pure comparative fault. This means that if you are found to be partially at fault for your own fall (e.g., you were distracted or wearing inappropriate footwear), your total compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are awarded $100,000 but found 20% at fault, you recover $80,000. We fight aggressively to minimize your assigned percentage of fault.

Damages Recoverable in a Calcasieu Parish Slip and Fall Claim

Successful litigation by a Calcasieu Parish slip and fall lawyer can secure compensation for both financial and non-economic losses resulting from the property owner's negligence.

Compensable Damages

Economic Damages:

• Past and future medical expenses (hospital bills, rehabilitation, therapy, prescriptions).
• Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity.
• Costs for replacement services (housekeeping, childcare).

Non-Economic Damages:

• Pain and suffering (past and future).
• Emotional distress and mental anguish.
• Loss of enjoyment of life and physical disability.

Why Choose Our Slip & Fall Lawyer Team in Calcasieu Parish

People facing injuries from slip and fall accidents need more than advice. You need a responsive team that values communication and treats you like family. At Sudduth & Associates, LLC, our roots run deep in community service and personal attention. Every client receives respect, frequent updates, and honest answers throughout their slip and fall case.

Our firm brings together years of experience, approachable guidance, and a focus on complex cases with empathy. We offer bilingual consultations and same-day or urgent scheduling when timing matters. As a one-stop firm, we provide clear guidance across a range of personal injury and civil law needs, making recovery less stressful and more manageable.

We have developed long-term relationships throughout Lake Charles and Calcasieu Parish by delivering the respect and care we give our own families. Our office in a historic city location shows our commitment to this region. 

We know the legal responsibilities local property owners face and how Calcasieu Parish courts review liability claims. When you work with our slip and fall lawyer team, you benefit from the experience of a large firm and the individualized care of a family-driven practice.

How Our Slip & Fall Attorneys in Calcasieu Parish Guide You

• Personalized consultation: We meet with you to hear your story and concerns, with bilingual options available so you feel understood from the start.
• Honest assessment of your case: You receive straightforward feedback on your situation, including options under Louisiana’s premises liability laws and what factors may affect your claim.
• Clear explanation of the process: You get practical information about each phase, from gathering documents and medical records to what to expect if further legal steps are needed.
• Ongoing support and updates: We provide regular communication so you always know the status of your case, and we answer questions promptly.
• Respect for your needs: Your time, responsibilities, and priorities shape how we work with you, and we offer flexible scheduling as needed.

Our approach keeps the process simple and manageable, whether your slip and fall case settles or needs more involved support. Every action centers on practical advice, client dignity, and advocacy focused on your recovery.

Contact Our Slip & Fall Attorney Team in Calcasieu Parish Today

Take your first step toward answers by reaching out for a straightforward conversation. When you call Sudduth & Associates, LLC, you connect with a caring slip and fall attorney team who will listen, respond, and offer clear choices for your unique situation. We know how important timely, supportive communication is, especially for those facing uncertainty. 

Schedule your private consultation and see the difference a community-centered law firm can make for you. For guidance that treats you like family and puts your needs first, call (337) 282-9003 today.