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Shreveport Premises Liability Lawyers

A routine shopping trip, a visit to a restaurant, or a day at work are all seemingly normal, fun activities — but, in an instant, an unsafe property condition can change your life forever. Accidents like tripping and falling are so sudden and shocking that it takes a minute to realize you’re hurt. Most of the time, the first thing you experience is embarrassment. But when the pain starts to set in, or you can’t get up because of your broken ankle, then you know you’re in trouble. 

At Rice & Kendig, we've seen how negligent property maintenance affects not just the injured person but entire families struggling with medical bills, lost income, and uncertain futures.

For over five decades, our Shreveport premises liability attorneys have fought for victims of property owner negligence. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll these accidents take, and we're here to help you rebuild your life.

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Cases

Results That Matter for Premises Liability Victims

See How We’ve Won for Others
$1,000,000

Premises Liability

The client was a passenger in a vehicle when the roadway suddenly collapsed, causing vertebral compression fractures and significant PTSD.

$2,150,000

Wrongful Death

The client suffered fatal injuries when the defendant ran a stop sign, causing a collision that resulted in multiple broken bones and severe head trauma.

$1,600,000

Truck Accidents

Former sheriff's deputy, age 72, was rear-ended by a heavy-duty work truck, aggravating a degenerative neck problem.

$1,275,000

Car Accidents

The client was a passenger when another driver ran a stop sign, causing a t-bone collision resulting in a broken femur requiring surgery.

$750,000

Truck Accidents

An 18-wheeler lost power and rolled back into the client's vehicle, aggravating a pre-existing lower back injury.

$4,000,000

Car Accidents

The client's pre-existing Chiari malformation was aggravated in a rear-end collision, requiring a posterior craniotomy.

$750,000

Civil Rights Violation

A 68-year-old client's 4th amendment rights were violated when police illegally entered his home and wrongfully arrested him.

$650,000

Car Accidents

The client was turning into a gas station when struck from behind by a distracted driver, resulting in neck injuries requiring a 2-level cervical fusion.

$465,000

Truck Accidents

An inattentive 18-wheeler driver made an improper turn, causing a collision that aggravated the client's pre-existing neck injury requiring surgery.

$1,000,000

Car Accidents

An 84-year-old client suffered multiple injuries when a vehicle turned left in front of her, causing a t-bone collision.

$2,500,000

Pedestrian Accidents

The client was helping a friend load car seats when struck by a driver who fell asleep at the wheel.

$987,525.93

18-Wheeler Collision

Logging truck’s failure to yield caused client to suffer fractures in the arm and leg, amputation of 3 toes, and shoulder injuries.

$1,000,000

Premises Liability

Fall at a hotel convention center caused hand, neck, and low back injuries resulting in a 7-year recovery period.

$500,000

Motor Vehicle Collision

Injuries to back, chest, shoulder, leg and spine requiring surgery.

$500,000

Motor Vehicle Collision

Client was rear-ended sustaining injuries to the neck, back, and knee.

$500,000

Wrongful Death/Motor Vehicle Collision

Client was struck and killed during daylight hours while retrieving an item from the highway.

$500,000

Motor Vehicle Collision

Client was t-boned by a city vehicle sustaining neck and back injuries, TMJ, and headaches that required physical therapy and multiple injections.

$504,150

Motor Vehicle Collision

Client was rear-ended causing injuries to the neck and right side of the body. Client’s neck injury required surgery.

$545,000

Cycling/Motor Vehicle Collision

Client on a bicycle was hit by a police patrol car causing brain damage, and injuries to the head, neck, legs, and arm.

$550,000

18-Wheeler Collision

Client was rear-ended by a big rig causing low back and neck pain; physical recovery and treatment included injections, physical therapy, and counseling.

$625,000

Motor Vehicle Collision

Head-on collision led to wrist and hand injuries that required surgery, seat belt injuries, pain in the neck, sternum, pelvis, abdomen, shoulder, and back, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

$650,000

18-Wheeler Collision

18-wheeler driver was rear-ended by another 18-wheeler causing headaches and neck injury.

$663,000

Motor Vehicle Collision

Client was backed into while on the job at an oil field site. Collision resulted in numerous back and neck injuries requiring surgeries.

$665,000

Motor Vehicle Collision/Wrongful Death

Client went to the aid of a vehicle accident victim and was struck and killed by a passing vehicle.

$685,000

Premises Liability

Client sustained two broken legs from a fall over an unreasonably dangerous tripping hazard.

$800,000

Motor Vehicle Collision

Head-on collision that left client with back and neck injuries as well as seat belt injuries. Client’s recovery was lengthy and included physical therapy and injections.

$800,606.26

Motor Vehicle Collision

A defendant driver's unprotected left turn caused a collision, resulting in a severely broken leg requiring surgery, PTSD, loss of independence, and job loss for the client.

$950,000

18-Wheeler Collision

18-wheeler driver turned left, without the protection of a green arrow, in front of client. The collision caused injuries to the hand, neck, shoulder, low back, hip, foot, ankle, and eye.

$950,000

18-Wheeler Collision

Client was hit by a delivery truck and the vehicle rolled over. Client’s injuries included six broken ribs and a neck injury requiring extensive medical treatment.

$987,610.32

18-Wheeler Collision

Client was rear-ended multiple times by a big rig causing PTSD, spinal injuries requiring spinal fusion surgery, physical therapy, and counseling.

$1,000,000

Motor Vehicle Collision

Client was hit by a commercial vehicle that ran a stop sign. Injuries to the knee, neck, and back requiring interventional pain management.

$1,000,000

Insurance Bad Faith

Insurance company refused to pay for hail damage to a commercial property.

$1,000,000

18-Wheeler Collision

Client was rear-ended by a drunk driver of an 18-wheeler causing client to suffer short-term memory loss and injuries to the head, neck, shoulders, and back.

$1,151,000

Pedestrian/Motor Vehicle Collision

Client was struck by a vehicle in a gas station parking lot. Client suffered head and brain damage resulting in memory loss.

$1,250,000

Wrongful Death

Client’s husband died due to a logging truck running a red light.

$1,375,000

Pedestrian/Motor Vehicle Collision

Client sustained injuries to head, leg and wrist. Client’s broken leg required surgery. In addition, client sought treatment with a neurologist for his head injury and cognitive issues.

$5,100,000

Motor Vehicle Collision

Client’s motorcycle was hit by a car leaving him in the ICU with facial injuries, arm injuries, and amputation of one leg.

$1,996,460

Motor Vehicle Collision

Client was rear-ended while sitting at a stop sign. Neck and back injuries resulting in headaches and disability. Neck injury required surgery.

$1,855,500.8

Motor Vehicle Collision

Defendant driver’s failure to stop at a stop sign caused a collision injuring the client’s leg and ankle (required surgery), knee, hip, back, and chest. The airbags deployed, causing airbag injuries.

$1,500,000

Motor Vehicle Collision

Client was hit head-on by a delivery truck sustaining injuries to the knee, hand, neck, and back. Neck injury required surgery.

$1,400,000

Workplace Injury

A piece of loading equipment fell on client causing spinal injuries resulting in partial disability.

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Table of Contents

Types of Premises Liability Cases We Handle

Every day in Shreveport, people trust property owners to maintain safe conditions in stores, restaurants, office buildings, and other locations. Our premises liability attorneys handle a wide range of cases, each unique but all sharing one common thread: preventable injuries caused by property owner negligence.

  • Slip and Fall Accidents

    Whether in grocery stores, office buildings, or sidewalks, slip and fall accidents often result from property owners failing to address known hazards like wet floors, uneven surfaces, or poor lighting. We've helped hundreds of clients prove that these "accidents" were actually foreseeable incidents that proper maintenance and warning signs could have prevented.

  • Negligent Security Cases

    When property owners fail to provide adequate security measures in areas with known crime risks, visitors become vulnerable to preventable attacks and robberies. Through careful investigation of security protocols, maintenance records, and prior incident reports, we've proven that many of these crimes could have been prevented with proper lighting, functional security cameras, and adequate patrol personnel.

  • Swimming Pool Accidents

    Louisiana's swimming pools become deadly hazards when owners neglect proper safety measures like adequate fencing, functioning gates, and proper supervision. Our firm has extensive experience handling cases involving both private and public pools, where inadequate barriers, broken safety equipment, or poor maintenance led to serious injuries or drowning incidents.

  • Building Code Violations

    Many serious injuries occur because property owners deliberately ignore building codes and safety regulations to save money. Our team works with expert inspectors to document violations like faulty wiring, inadequate fire exits, or structural defects, proving how these dangerous conditions directly led to our clients' injuries.

  • Retail Store Accidents

    Major retailers prioritize profits over safety, leading to dangerous conditions like unstable merchandise displays, cluttered aisles, and poorly maintained shopping carts. We've successfully proven negligence in numerous cases where stores failed to follow basic safety protocols, leading to serious customer injuries from falling merchandise or unstable displays.

Common Injuries in Premises Liability Cases

A property owner's negligence can cause devastating injuries that impact every aspect of your life. At Rice & Kendig, we've helped clients cope with a wide range of serious injuries, each requiring specialized medical care and often resulting in long-term complications.

  • Traumatic Brain Injuries: Falls on hard surfaces or being struck by falling objects can cause concussions and more severe brain trauma. These injuries often lead to memory problems, personality changes, and cognitive difficulties that affect every aspect of daily life.
  • Spinal Cord Injuries: Slip and falls or other accidents can damage the spinal cord, potentially resulting in partial or complete paralysis. These catastrophic injuries typically require lifetime care and significant lifestyle adjustments.
  • Multiple Fractures: Dangerous property conditions can cause complex breaks requiring surgery and lengthy rehabilitation. From broken hips in elderly slip and fall victims to compound fractures from falling merchandise, these injuries often lead to chronic pain and mobility issues.
  • Soft Tissue Injuries: While not always visible, tears to ligaments, tendons, and muscles can cause severe pain and limited mobility. These injuries frequently require extensive physical therapy and may lead to chronic conditions if not properly treated.
  • Burns and Electrocutions: Faulty wiring, poor maintenance, or inadequate fire safety measures can result in severe burns or electrical injuries. These particularly traumatic injuries often require specialized treatment and can leave permanent scarring.
  • Psychological Impact: Beyond physical injuries, premises liability accidents often leave deep emotional scars. From PTSD after security-related incidents to anxiety about returning to similar locations, these psychological impacts can be just as debilitating as physical injuries.

Whether you've suffered a serious physical injury or are dealing with the psychological aftermath of a premises liability accident, Rice & Kendig will fight to ensure you receive full compensation for all your injuries – both visible and invisible.

Don't Let a Property Owner's Negligence Cost You Thousands in Medical Bills!

While you're focused on healing, insurance companies are working to pay you as little as possible. Our premises liability team has recovered millions for injury victims by proving property owner negligence. Take the first step toward justice with a free consultation.

Write to Us

or Call Us

(318) 222-2772

What to Do After a Property Accident: Your Action Plan

The moments after an accident can feel overwhelming, but your actions can significantly impact your future legal case. Here's your essential guide to protecting your rights and health:

Prioritize Your Health

Even if you think you can "walk it off," get medical attention immediately. We've seen too many clients whose injuries seemed minor at first but developed into serious conditions. Proper medical documentation also creates a crucial record connecting your injuries to the accident.

Document Everything Possible

If you can, use your phone to photograph the hazard that caused your accident and the surrounding area. Get contact information from anyone who witnessed what happened. Keep your clothes, especially shoes, in slip and fall cases. These details often become critical evidence in proving property owner negligence.

Report the Incident

Make sure the property owner or manager knows about your accident. Request a written incident report and get a copy. Don't sign anything they give you without legal review — property owners often try to get quick statements or signatures that could harm your case later.

Protect Your Rights

Property owners and their insurance companies often move quickly to minimize their liability. They may offer quick settlements that don't cover your full damages or try to blame you for the accident. Before giving any statements or accepting any offers, contact Rice & Kendig. Let us protect your rights while you focus on recovery.

Fighting for Full Compensation: What You Can Recover

A premises liability accident often results in substantial financial and personal losses that extend far beyond initial medical bills. Louisiana law recognizes several types of compensation you may be entitled to receive:

Medical Expenses

Medical costs after a premises liability accident can become overwhelming, especially for those with serious injuries. Compensation typically covers the full range of medical care, including emergency treatment, surgeries, hospital stays, rehabilitation, and physical therapy. It also includes necessary medical equipment, medications, and future medical procedures your injuries may require.

Lost Income and Economic Impact

When injuries prevent you from working, you're entitled to compensation for both immediate and long-term financial losses. This includes wages lost during recovery, reduced earning capacity if you can't return to your previous work, and any impact on your benefits or retirement plans. 

Pain and Suffering

Louisiana law recognizes that the personal impact of injuries deserves compensation beyond just medical bills and lost wages. This includes physical pain from your injuries, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment in daily activities, and changes to your personal relationships. The amount depends on factors like injury severity, recovery time, and long-term impact on your life. 

Understanding Louisiana Premises Liability Laws

Louisiana's premises liability laws are primarily governed by Civil Code Articles 2317 and 2317.1, establishing the fundamental principles of property owner liability. These laws are crucial to understanding your rights and the strength of your case.

Property Owner's Legal Duties (Louisiana Civil Code Article 2317)

Louisiana law requires property owners to exercise "reasonable care" in preventing hazardous conditions. Under Article 2317.1, property owners are liable for damages caused by defects in their property when:

  • They knew or should have known of the defect.
  • The damage could have been prevented with reasonable care.
  • They failed to exercise such reasonable care.

Visitor Classifications and Duties Owed

Louisiana courts recognize three categories of visitors under premises liability law, each with specific protections:

  • Invitees (Highest Protection): Under Louisiana Revised Statute § 9:2800.6, business owners owe the highest duty of care to customers and other business visitors. This includes regular property inspections and timely repair of hazards. Store owners must maintain safe premises and warn of dangerous conditions.
  • Licensees (Moderate Protection): Social guests are protected under Civil Code Article 2315. Property owners must warn them of known dangers and repair obviously dangerous conditions but aren't required to actively search for hazards.
  • Trespassers (Limited Protection): While trespassers have limited rights, property owners still cannot deliberately cause harm or ignore obvious dangers that could lead to severe injury. The "attractive nuisance" doctrine (Article 2317) requires securing features like pools that might attract children.

Critical Time Limits (Louisiana Civil Code Article 3492)

Recent legislative changes have modified Louisiana's prescription period (statute of limitations):

  • Pre-July 1, 2024 Accidents: One-year deadline from the date of injury (Act 271).
  • Post-July 1, 2024 Accidents: Two-year deadline under Louisiana's new tort reform laws.

Merchant Liability (La. R.S. 9:2800.6)

For accidents in retail establishments, Louisiana law sets specific requirements for proving fault:

  • The condition presented an unreasonable risk of harm.
  • The merchant either created or had actual/constructive notice of the condition.
  • The merchant failed to exercise reasonable care.
  • The damage was caused by the hazardous condition.

Comparative Fault (Louisiana Civil Code Article 2323)

Louisiana follows a pure comparative fault system under Article 2323, which means:

  • You can recover damages even if you are partially at fault.
  • Compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault.
  • No complete bar to recovery regardless of fault percentage.
  • Multiple parties can share liability.

Government Property Claims (Louisiana R.S. 13:5106)

Special rules apply when accidents occur on government property:

  • Notice requirements within 90 days
  • Damage caps on certain types of recovery
  • Different procedural requirements
  • Shorter time limits for filing claims

Struggling After Your Accident? We're Here to Help.

At Rice & Kendig, our Shreveport car accident lawyers have more than 40 years of experience helping clients receive the justice and compensation they deserve. Get your free case review now!

No Fee Unless We Win For You

Free Consultation

or Call Us

(318) 222-2772
TESTIMONIALS

Real Stories from

‍Premises Liability Victims

  • I knew that they would take care of us, and I would definitely recommend them to anybody.

  • Rice & Kendig are very good at seeing what the weakness in our case is and what the strength is and developing both sides of the case.

  • They take great care of you. They care, and they make sure that you get what you need, they make sure that you're okay.

  • I suggest Rice & Kendig if you want someone who cares about you and your situation.

  • They did such a good job fighting for us and not dragging it on... Thanks to Rice & Kendig, the matter was over within a year.

  • He called me every day, made sure I was okay... he was just perfect. You couldn't ask for a better attorney.

  • They took care of us right away. They were loving.

BENEFITS

Why Trust Rice &

Kendig with Your Premises Liability Case?

For over five decades, Rice & Kendig has been more than just a law firm – we've been a trusted ally for Shreveport families facing their toughest challenges.

  • Your Hometown Advocates
    For over 50 years, we've built lasting relationships with local judges, medical professionals, other lawyers, and community leaders. When you're up against a large corporate property owner or insurance company, this deep local connection becomes your powerful advantage.
  • Hands-On Care from Day One Tactics
    Ever feel lost in the shuffle at a big law firm? You’re not just a case number here where you’re always passed off to staff. When you call with questions or concerns, you get honest answers from the same attorney handling your case – not a different person every time. 
  • Focus on Healing, Not Bills
    Worried about affording quality legal representation while medical bills pile up? We believe your focus should be on recovery, not legal fees. That's why we take all the financial risk — you pay absolutely no fees unless we win your case.
  • Proven Track Record of Success
    Justice shouldn’t have a language barrier. Our bilingual team ensures that Spanish-speaking clients receive the same clear communication, effective advocacy, and dedicated support.
  • Speaking Your Language
    Justice shouldn't depend on what language you speak. Our bilingual team ensures that Spanish-speaking clients receive the same powerful representation without missing a single detail. 
Your Local Advocates:

Serving Premises Liability Victims Across Northern Louisiana

From Shreveport's busy shopping centers to small-town businesses, our team brings proven premises liability experience right to your doorstep. Here are the parishes we serve:

Office Address

912 Kings Highway Shreveport, Louisiana 71104

Don't Face This Alone —

Let Us Fight for Your Future Together!

Property owners and their insurance companies are already building their defense — but you don't have to face them by yourself. For over 50 years, Rice & Kendig has been standing up for Shreveport families just like yours, turning moments of crisis into stories of triumph.

Ready to take the first step? Call us now at (318)222-2772 for a free, no-pressure consultation. Let's sit down together, talk about what happened, and create a plan to get your life back on track.

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FAQ

Your Questions Answered:

Premises Liability FAQ

  • Establishing property owner knowledge requires thorough investigation and evidence gathering. Our team examines maintenance records, security camera footage, and employee testimony. Building inspection records and witness statements often reveal how long a hazard existed and whether the owner knew or should have known about it.

  • Louisiana's pure comparative fault system protects your right to recover damages even if you share some responsibility. Your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of your fault. For example, if you're found 20% responsible, you can still recover 80% of your damages.

  • Most premises liability cases settle within 6-12 months, though complex cases may take longer. The timeline depends on factors like injury severity, insurance company cooperation, and whether we need to go to trial to secure fair compensation.

  • Never sign any documents without legal review. Store incident reports often contain language that could harm your case. You can report the accident but politely decline to sign anything until you've consulted with an attorney.

  • Claims against government entities have special requirements and shorter deadlines. You must file specific notices within 90 days, and different liability rules may apply. It's crucial to contact an attorney quickly to protect your rights.