Many of us have been there – rushing through the department store, grabbing dinner at your favorite Alpharetta restaurant or shopping at a supply store, and bam – you’re flat on your back after slipping and falling. These accidents are more than just embarrassing; they can cause serious injuries. But what happens next? How do you know if you have a case?
Proving liability after a slip-and-fall accident can be challenging, but with legal guidance and knowledge of the law, you can build a strong case for compensation.
What are owners responsible for?
In Georgia, property owners must keep their premises safe for visitors. Property owners are responsible for fixing any hazards they know about or should know about. The owners should also regularly inspect the property to find potentially dangerous conditions.
This responsibility extends to maintaining their property, including sidewalks, parking lots and floors and warning visitors of potential hazards. If they don’t, they can be held liable for any injuries that occur.
For example, if a store in Alpharetta has a wet floor and does not put up a sign to warn customers, and you slip and fall, the store can be liable for damages.
Here are some key points about property owner responsibilities:
- They must fix known hazards.
- They must inspect their property regularly.
- They must warn visitors of any potential dangers.
If property owners were negligent in their duties, they may be at fault for your accident. Proving this can mean collecting photos and videos of the scene, talking to witnesses, analyzing maintenance records and reviewing other facility data.
Damages victims can be eligible to receive
Slip-and-fall accidents can result in a range of injuries, from minor cuts and bruises to serious brain or spinal cord injuries. The severity of the injury will impact the type and amount of damages you can collect. These may include:
- Medical expenses, including hospital bills, doctor visits and physical therapy
- Lost wages if you’re unable to work due to your injuries
- Pain and suffering for the physical and emotional distress caused by the accident
- In some cases, punitive damages, if the owner’s negligence was reckless or intentional
If you’ve been injured in a slip-and-fall accident in Georgia, it’s essential to seek legal help as soon as possible. With legal guidance, you can navigate the legal process and collect the damages you deserve.