Louisiana’s Old State Capitol in Baton Rouge is a majestic building that once housed Louisiana’s State Legislature for decades. Built in the mid-19th century, Louisiana’s Old Capitol stands as a testament to the state’s rich and colorful history. Thousands of visitors walk the building’s historic halls every year to learn about Louisiana history and the building itself.
With the volume of visitors to Louisiana’s Old State Capitol comes the risk of accident and injury at the site. If you were hurt on the Old State Capitol grounds, a Baton Rouge personal injury lawyer can help you learn what to do next.
Common Accidents At Museums
Museums and historical sites are large complexes with different exhibits, attractions, and features. A large historical museum such as the Old State Capitol is meant to be safe for all visitors. However, it can be difficult for facility managers to keep the site free from all hazards at all times.
Accidents can happen, even with safety procedures in place. However, When an accident happens that could have been prevented, a victim could have legal rights to compensation for their injuries. Some injuries that can occur at a historical museum can include:
Slip and Fall Accidents
When a spill is left unattended on a floor, or when a freshly mopped floor lacks a “wet floor” warning sign, slips and falls can happen. Sometimes, even a seemingly minor slip can lead to a serious injury. If negligence by museum staff led to the slip and fall, the museum could be liable for your injuries.
Falls on Stairways
Large museums like the Louisiana Old State Capitol rely on stairways for guests to move around. In fact, the Old Capitol was built when vast sets of stairs were the primary way to get from one floor to another. Stairways and large crowds don’t mix well, and accidents can happen.
Even without a crowd, issues with a stairwell can cause catastrophic injuries. Stairways open to the public should be well-lit, clearly marked, and have handrails along the sides. If any unusual feature with the stairs leads to injury, the building’s owner can be liable in a premises liability claim.
Walkway and Parking Lot Defects
A historical museum must maintain safe walkways – indoors and outdoors – and within their parking areas. Pavement cracks, potholes, and similar hazards can create the potential for serious injuries if the issues are ignored by management.
What Is Premises Liability?
To prove negligence, the plaintiff needs to prove:
- Duty. That the building owner had a responsibility to keep guests safe from foreseeable problems.
- Breach of Duty. That the owner didn’t follow their duty of care to visitors.
- Causation. That the owner’s breach of duty caused the plaintiff’s injuries, and there was no intervening cause for the damages.
- Damages. That the victim was actually damaged as a result. This can be shown through evidence such as medical bills, lost wages, and other costs.
Premises liability is the legal theory that when a building owner is negligent in their care of a business and that negligence leads to an injury, the premises owner can be liable for a victim’s damages.
Steps to Take After an Injury At Louisiana’s Old State Capitol
If you were hurt at Louisiana’s Old State Capitol in Baton Rouge, you should take the following steps:
- Seek immediate medical treatment. Even if your injuries don’t seem serious at first, problems can develop later. Obtaining timely medical help can provide documentation for a personal injury claim later.
- Get away from the crowd. If you were injured in a crowd, try to get to a safe and quiet area of the building to get help.
- Capture photos and video of the scene. Photo and video images can be powerful evidence in a personal injury claim.
- Talk to witnesses. Get the names and contact information of witnesses to the scene whenever you can.
- Report the incident. Contact police or security when possible.
You should also contact a Baton Rouge personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after being injured at Louisiana’s Old State Capitol.
A Baton Rouge Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help if You Were Injured At Louisiana’s Old State Capitol
If you or a loved one were injured at Louisiana’s Old State Capitol, you could receive compensation for your injuries. A Baton Rouge personal injury lawyer can evaluate your situation and determine the best strategy moving forward.
Contact a Baton Rouge Personal Injury Attorney 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 personal injury lawyer in Baton Rouge, 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