The Audubon Zoo in New Orleans, a part of the Audubon Nature Institute, attracts over 800,000 visitors per year from all over the world. The zoo is one of the greatest attractions in New Orleans, a city already bursting at the seams with attractions. With all of the fun that the zoo has to offer, however, it is not a place that is immune to accidents and injuries.
Common Accidents at Zoos
Common zoo accidents include:
- Slip and fall accidents,
- Parking lot accidents,
- Food poisoning and food allergies,
- Animal-related injuries,
- Heat exhaustion (in the summer), and
- Child injuries.
In one recent year, a jaguar escaped its enclosure at Audubon Zoo and killed several other animals. Fortunately, no humans were hurt.
What To Do After an Injury at the Audubon Zoo
The burden of proof is on you to establish that you were injured, that your injury was the defendant’s fault, and that the amount of your claim is justified. Contact zoo security immediately after the accident and have them render first aid if necessary. Seek professional medical attention. Take photos of anything relevant.
From there, ask the zoo to prepare an accident report, and get a copy of it. Write down the details of the accident while they’re still fresh in your mind. You can also contact a personal injury lawyer at any stage in the process for a free consultation to learn about what to do next, given the unique facts of your case.
Waiver of Liability
Unfortunately, your zoo ticket contains fine print that could allow the zoo to escape liability for your injuries in some cases. This waiver of liability could function as a significant obstacle in a lawsuit or during settlement negotiations.
However, don’t lose hope just because of this. You may still have a valid claim, and it’s likely worth your time to get some legal advice about your options.
Premises Liability
Were you hurt by a dangerous condition on the zoo premises? You might have suffered a slip and fall accident on an uneven surface, for example. Premises liability allows you to claim damages if the negligence of the owner of the premises caused your accident.
The premises owner must not only warn of or repair any dangerous condition, they must also inspect for and repair or warn of any hidden dangerous conditions.
Who Is Liable for My Audubon Zoo Accident Injuries?
The Audubon Nature Institute, a nonprofit organization, owns the zoo itself. The City of New Orleans, however, owns much of the land and infrastructure. So, who do you sue for your injuries?
Ultimately, it depends on the facts of your case. You may be able to file a claim against either of these entities or possibly a third party (like a negligent motorist if you got into a car accident in the parking lot).
Who is liable can matter a great deal, as claims against the government have unique rules. You’ll also want to make sure that you’re set up to recover as much compensation as possible.
The Sooner You Seek Legal Representation, the Better Your Chances for Full Compensation
How serious is your injury? How much pain did it cause, and for how long? If your injury is serious enough, you might qualify for a large amount of non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering. Indeed, you might settle for a third or less of the amount your claim is worth and not even realize it.
The best way to avoid this fate is to hire an experienced personal injury lawyer to handle your claim from start to finish. Above all, remember that under the contingency fee arrangement that most personal injury lawyers use, you pay no attorney’s fees unless you win. Set up a free case review today.
Contact a New Orleans, LA Premises Liability Lawyer from Mansfield Melancon Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today
For more information, please contact Mansfield Melancon Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with a premises liability lawyer in New Orleans, LA today. We have three convenient locations in Louisiana, including Baton Rouge, New Orleans, and Lafayette.
We proudly serve East Baton Rouge Parish, Lafayette Parish, Orleans Parish, and its surrounding areas:
Mansfield Melancon Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers – Baton Rouge Office
404 Europe Street
Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 70124
(225) 263-4787
Mansfield Melancon Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers – New Orleans Office
318 Harrison Avenue Suite 107
New Orleans, Louisiana, 70802
(504) 294-3804
Mansfield Melancon Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers – Lafayette Office
1318 Camellia Boulevard Suite 206
Lafayette, Louisiana, 70508
(337) 473-2991