Best Slip and Fall Lawyers in Louisiana
Chad Dudley
Personal Injury Lawyer
Chad Dudley joined Dudley DeBosier in May 2007 as the law firm’s chief operating officer. Born in Los Angeles, Chad moved to Louisiana and attended Louisiana State University, where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in marketing in 1996 and his Juris Doctorate in 2000.
Chad continuously fights for injured people and brings a vast knowledge of automobile accidents, personal injuries, toxic torts, securities litigation, and class action lawsuits to the legal team. His management and leadership skills help make Dudley DeBosier operate efficiently, allowing us to maintain our focus on our clients.
In 2012, Chad was selected for inclusion in Louisiana Super Lawyers.
DAVID P. VICKNAIR
Personal Injury Lawyer
I practice in the areas of personal injury litigation, maritime injury litigation, property damage and casualty loss litigation against insurance companies, represent individuals and small businesses in class action litigation, construction and business litigation, and I also handle general litigation matters on behalf of both individuals and small businesses. Most of my focus is on our business systems, marketing efforts, and ensuring as our firm grows, that our core values and mission statement are continually prioritized. Our goal is to ensure every client knows we will fight for the win on their case, no matter the size.
I have been able to argue appeals at various Louisiana Courts of Appeal and the Louisiana Supreme Court, as well as the Federal United States Fifth Circuit Court of Appeal in business litigation, personal injury, multidistrict litigation, and property casualty claims. I also was named as class counsel in multiple consumer-based class actions and have been involved in numerous multi-district litigation class actions in Louisiana, including the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill, In re: Xarelto, In re: Taxotere, and Chinese Drywall. I serve on the Louisiana State Bar Association’s Professionalism Committee and have regularly given seminars and continuing education presentations to attorneys and real estate professionals.
I have been a supporter and advocate for Volunteers of America since graduating from law school. VOA provides an amazing variety of services to the Southern Louisiana community. Their dedication to our military veterans, providing services to those with substance abuse problems, dedication to providing affordable and safe housing, development of workforce re-entry programs for those who are incarcerated, and adoption services (which are only a fraction of the services they provide Southern Louisiana) are making a positive impact on many lives every day. I am honored to serve on their Board of Directors and be a small part of that effort. I serve as an advisory board member of the Colonel Athletic Association, the chief fundraising arm for Nicholls State University Athletics, and am a proud supporter of my alma mater, Nicholls State University.
FRANK TOMENY III
Pesonal Injury Lawyer
After over 35 years of practicing law, Frank Tomeny III still prides himself on working directly with clients, giving each client the personal attention they deserve.
“What sets me apart is that I’m involved personally in your case,” he said. “I like helping people as opposed to playing the corporate insurance game.”
Frank also believes that this level of individualized, compassionate representation should be available to every victim of a personal injury, no matter their ability to pay.
“I work on a contingency basis. I don’t do any billable work at all,” he said. “I represent individuals who otherwise wouldn’t have representation.”
Because of this commitment to justice for all, Frank works with clients without charging any upfront fees. His clients only pay attorney fees if the firm recovers compensation in their case. This allows injured people to pursue justice at no risk, without worrying about whether they can afford an attorney.
A native of White Castle in Louisiana’s Iberville Parish, Frank attended Louisiana State University for his bachelor’s degree before graduating in 1987 from Mississippi College School of Law in Jackson, Mississippi.
Studying law appealed to him because of his passion for learning and persuasiveness. He remembers how he peppered his dad, a sugarcane farmer, with questions about all sorts of topics, such as the difference between velocity and speed. “I treated him like he was Google,” he said.
Frank established his personal injury law firm in 1989. He is now a member of the Baton Rouge Bar Association, the Louisiana State Bar Association, the Texas State Bar Association, and the American Bar Association.
ABBY ROBERTS
Personal Injury Lawyer
Ms. Abby Roberts joined Morris Bart, LLC, as an associate in October 2009. Since then, she has successfully negotiated hundreds of settlements, tried several cases to verdict, and successfully resolved pretrial issues at the district court level in summary judgment and on appeal.
She graduated from Loyola University New Orleans in 2006 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and a minor in Philosophy, and received her Juris Doctor from Loyola College of Law in 2009. She is a member of the Louisiana Association for Justice, Saint Thomas More Inn of Court, and New Orleans Bar Association. Prior to joining Morris Bart, LLC, Ms. Roberts clerked with plaintiff and defense firms in several areas including insurance law, tax law and medical malpractice. As a student, she clerked for Judge Fredericka Homberg Wicker on the Louisiana Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals.
In 2014, Ms. Roberts completed the Trial Skills certification course from the National Institute for Trial Advocacy. She is licensed to practice law in all Arkansas state courts and all Louisiana state and federal courts.
Practice Areas
- Car Accidents
- Personal Injury
Education
- B.A., Loyola University, Program in Political Science
- J.D., Loyola College of Law
Professional Affiliations & Memberships
- Louisiana Association for Justice
- New Orleans Bar Association
- Saint Thomas More Inn of Court
Admitted to Practice
- Louisiana
- United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana
- United States District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana
- United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana
- Arkansas
Edward J. Womac
Personal Injury Lawyer
Edward J. Womac, Jr. is the founder of The Womac Law Firm. He is a graduate of Louisiana State University Law School and has been practicing law since 1983.
The Womac Law Firm has represented over 40,000 personal injury victims. Ed Womac practices in the area of civil litigation with a concentration in the areas of catastrophic personal injury, 18 wheeler accidents, company car accidents, slip and falls, maritime personal injury, and property damage claims.
Ed Womac is on the Board of Trustees for LSU Law School and is on the Visiting Committee for Loyola Law School. He is a member of the Louisiana Association for Justice, the American Bar Association, the American Association for Justice, and the Jefferson Bar Association.
Mr. Womac is a member of America’s Top 100 Personal Injury Attorneys as well as The National Trial Lawyer’s Top 100.
The Womac Law Firm has been recognized by the American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys as one of the 10 Best Law Firms for Client Satisfaction.
Personal
- Admitted to the Louisiana Bar 1983
Education
- The University of New Orleans, B.A. in Accounting, 1980
- Louisiana State University Law School, J.D. 1983
Charles E. Lavis Jr.
Personal Injury Lawyer
Charles Lavis is the founder and managing shareholder of Lavis Law Firm – Personal Injury & Accident Attorney, APLC. He was born in New Orleans and has practiced law since opening his first office in 1995.
Practice Areas
Throughout his legal career, Charles has represented workers, consumers, homeowners, and business owners against insurance companies and corporations. He represents clients in matters involving Job Injuries, Accidents, Products Liability, Hurricane Insurance Claims, Personal Injury, Premises Liability, Wrongful Death and Survival Actions, Insurance Bad Faith, and workers compensation.
Education
In 1987, Charles graduated from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, where he earned a Bachelor’s in Business Administration. In 1994, he received his law degree from Loyola University New Orleans.
Court Admissions & Professional Memberships
Charles is admitted to practice before all Federal and State Courts in Louisiana, including the Louisiana Supreme Court. He is a member of the New Orleans Bar Association, Louisiana State Bar Association, Louisiana Association for Justice, The American Association for Justice, and the Workers Injury & Advocacy Group.
Special Skills & Training
Charles has been named an Advocate by the American Association for Justice National College of Advocacy. He has received a diploma in Trial Advocacy Skills from the National Institute for Trial Advocacy and has graduated from courses in the Essentials of Civil Litigation (Reno, Nevada) and Deposition College (New Orleans, Louisiana).
DAVID LABORDE
Personal Injury Lawyer
David has spent his entire career successfully representing injured individuals in complex personal injury cases. “Initially, I thought I wanted to go to school to be a doctor, but soon realized I really wanted to be a lawyer like my father,” David says. “In the legal world, my father, a lawyer and a judge, is my hero.” Upon graduating from LSU in 1988 and Tulane Law School in 1991, David worked for the Honorable Juan Torruella of the United States First Circuit Court of Appeals in Boston. Upon completing his clerkship, David returned home to Louisiana and entered private practice in Lafayette, founding Laborde Law Firm in 1995. “I’ve lived out of the country and in other parts of the country, and there’s nothing like living in Louisiana, from the people to the culture to the food,” he says. David has served a diverse client base.
He’s fluent in Spanish and has represented Native American Indians before various Native American, state and federal tribunals and agencies. “It’s very satisfying to know you that you made a difference in someone’s life and helped them during a time they were really in need,” says David. David is rated as a distinguished personal injury lawyer by his peers and upholds the highest ethical standards. He is recognized as a top trial lawyer and is a life member of the Multi–Million Dollar Advocates Forum. He is a member of the Louisiana Association for Justice, the Louisiana Bar Association, the Lafayette Parish Bar Association and other local and civic organizations. “I’ve represented young people who have suffered some horrific injuries,” he recalls. “One young lady was paralyzed and having spent many hours with her through recovery, though adjusting to a new lifestyle, it made me appreciate how important it is that we can make a person’s life more comfortable in a terrible situation.” David has represented individuals in all facets of litigation, from filing the initial claim in state and federal courts, through trial, through courts of appeal and through the Louisiana Supreme Court. He has been admitted to practice in Louisiana State District Courts, Louisiana Appellate Courts, the Louisiana Supreme Court and in federal courts, including the Western, Middle and Eastern District of Louisiana, the Southern District of Texas and the United States Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals.
Taking a Tumble: Understanding Slip and Fall Accidents, Their Impact, and Why You Need a Lawyer
Slip and fall accidents are a surprisingly common occurrence, often resulting in a bruised ego and a sore backside. However, these seemingly innocuous incidents can sometimes lead to serious injuries and significant consequences. This comprehensive guide delves into the world of slip and fall accidents, exploring common causes, potential legal ramifications, and the crucial role a skilled lawyer can play in securing fair compensation.
A Landscape of Liability: Unveiling the Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents can occur anywhere, from grocery stores to public sidewalks. Here’s a breakdown of some frequent causes:
- Uneven Surfaces: Broken pavement, uneven sidewalks, or poorly maintained walking areas can pose a tripping hazard, especially for those with mobility limitations or visual impairments.
- Slippery Substances: Spilled liquids, ice patches, or cleaning products left unattended can create hazardous walking conditions, leading to dangerous slips.
- Poor Lighting: Dim or inadequate lighting in stairwells, parking lots, or hallways can obscure potential hazards, increasing the risk of falls.
- Defective Flooring: Loose carpeting, broken tiles, or damaged stairs can cause unexpected falls for unsuspecting pedestrians.
- Negligent Maintenance: Failure to repair known hazards, clean up spills promptly, or address safety concerns in a timely manner can lead to preventable accidents.
Beyond the Bump and Bruise: The Ripple Effect of Slip and Fall Injuries
While some slip and fall accidents result in minor injuries, others can have a life-altering impact. Here’s a glimpse into the potential consequences:
- Physical Injuries: Depending on the severity of the fall, injuries can range from sprains and bruises to broken bones, head trauma, and spinal cord injuries. These injuries can require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term care.
- Lost Wages: Serious injuries sustained in a slip and fall accident can leave you unable to work, resulting in lost wages and financial hardship.
- Emotional Distress: The physical trauma can be compounded by emotional distress, including anxiety, fear of falling again, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Property Damage: The fall itself or the resulting injuries might damage your personal belongings, adding to the financial burden.
The Legal Landscape: Understanding Slip and Fall Liability
Premises liability laws dictate who is responsible for injuries sustained on someone else’s property. Here’s a breakdown of some key concepts:
- Duty of Care: Property owners have a legal duty to take reasonable steps to maintain a safe environment for visitors and guests. This includes regular inspections, prompt repairs of known hazards, and appropriate warning signs for potential dangers.
- Negligence: To establish liability in a slip and fall case, you need to prove that the property owner was negligent in maintaining their property, and that this negligence caused your fall and subsequent injuries.
- Comparative Negligence: Many states adhere to a comparative negligence system. This means that if you were partially responsible for the accident (e.g., not paying attention while walking), your compensation award could be reduced by the percentage deemed your fault.
Why You Need a Skilled Lawyer After a Slip and Fall Accident
Facing a slip and fall injury can be overwhelming. Here’s why retaining a skilled personal injury lawyer can make a significant difference:
- Understanding Complex Legalities: Premises liability laws can be intricate, and the burden of proof often falls on the injured party. A lawyer can navigate the legalities, determine the liable party, and gather evidence to support your claim.
- Investigating the Incident: A lawyer with experience in slip and fall cases will meticulously investigate the accident scene, interview witnesses, collect property maintenance records, and document the cause of the fall.
- Compiling Evidence: Your lawyer will compile strong evidence, including medical records, photos of the accident scene, and witness testimonies, to demonstrate the severity of your injuries and the property owner’s negligence.
- Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Slip and fall claims often involve dealing with the property owner’s insurance company. An experienced lawyer knows how to negotiate effectively with insurance adjusters to secure the compensation you deserve for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and potential future medical needs.
- Understanding Complexities of Medical Care: Slip and fall injuries can lead to significant medical costs. A lawyer can work with your medical providers to ensure your medical needs are accounted for in any settlement or court award.
- Maximizing Compensation: A lawyer can fight to ensure you receive full compensation for all your damages, both current and future.