When you walk into a public building in the Atlanta area, whether it is a store, movie theater, or restaurant, the last thing on your mind is watching out for tripping hazards. You have an expectation, conscious or not, that you will be safe as you cross the floor, climb the stairs, or walk down the sidewalk.
Although you should walk with care and avoid obvious hazards, there are some dangers you may not see that could trip you up along the way.
When this happens, the property owner may be liable for compensating you for any injuries you suffer. An Atlanta premises liability lawyer can help with your legal needs in this situation.
The Atlanta personal injury lawyers at Shane Smith Law can tell you whether you have a case and how to proceed if you do. We have over 100 years of combined legal experience, and we’re ready to take charge of your legal claim.
Why Hire a Premises Liability Lawyer in Atlanta, GA?
Getting legal help after you sustain injuries due to someone else’s negligence can improve your chances of securing fair compensation for all the losses you sustained in an accident. Our team knows how to handle premises liability claims, and we focus on the best interests of our clients.
Depending on your situation, we may have a chance to bring you compensation for your:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and emotional distress
- Mental suffering
We’re here and ready to help injury victims, so reach out now.
Types of Premises Liability Claims We Handle
Our legal team can help with claims associated with:
- Objects falling from shelves
- Swimming pool accidents and drownings
- Dog bites or animal attacks
- Fire or toxic fume exposure
- Negligent security leading to an assault and other violent encounters
- Structural collapses
- Defective elevator or escalator accidents
- Slip and fall accidents
- Staircases with broken steps or poor lighting
- Faulty or missing stair rails and balcony railing
- Inadequate lighting
- Uneven ground or cracked sidewalks
- Slippery surfaces, wet floors, or spilled liquids
We can take on insurance companies to bring you the compensation you deserve or even assist with a lawsuit against the at-fault party. You can get personalized help from a premises liability attorney in Atlanta.
For a free legal consultation with a premises liability lawyer serving Atlanta, call (980) 246-2656
The Duty of Property Owners in Atlanta
When a property owner or possessor of the property knows about a hazardous condition—or should have known about the danger—and fails to act appropriately to make sure no one gets injured, the owner could be liable for the injuries or fatalities that result.
In fact, Georgia law requires property owners to keep their buildings and surrounding land safe. Therefore, property owners have a duty to maintain their property so that those who visit, live, or work there can be on the property without being at risk of harm.
Essentially, if unsafe conditions lead to an individual slipping and falling, the owner may be held financially responsible for any resulting injuries.
Atlanta Premises Liability Lawyer Near Me (980) 246-2656
Parties That Can Be Held Responsible for Premises Liability
Property owners may not be the only ones liable. Other responsible parties may include:
- Possessors of property
- Landlords
- Property management companies
We may also need to build a claim against someone who leases or rents a property. We’ll carefully review your situation to determine who needs to cover your losses.
Liable Parties May Try to Defend Themselves
The party responsible for your accidental injury may try to use a defense strategy to avoid covering your losses. For example, a property owner could claim that you entered a restricted area before sustaining an injury, or that you caused your accident by engaging in risky activity.
A premises liability lawyer from our team can help you counter these claims.
Click to contact our Atlanta Personal Injury Lawyers today
Where Do Premises Liability Accidents Happen?
Common locations for premises liability injuries can include:
- Office buildings
- Apartment complexes
- Amusement parks
- Hotels
- Retail establishments
- Supermarkets
- Bars and restaurants
We can discuss the specifics of your situation when you contact us for help. We’re ready to fight to get the funds you need to cover your medical bills, lost pay, pain and suffering, and other losses.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
Do Property Owners Owe a Duty of Care to Everyone Who Comes on Their Property?
Based on Georgia law, premises owners have a duty of care to some, but not all, individuals on their property.
Invitees
The first class of individuals owed a duty of care is an “invitee.” These individuals are “invited” by the premises owner explicitly or implicitly for any purpose allowed by law.
Trespassers
Premises owners have limited, if any, liability for trespassers. Individuals in this class are owed no duty of care by the premises owner because there is no permission or expectation of the trespasser entering their premises and/or adjoining property.
Licensees
A “licensee” is another protected class of individuals under Georgia’s premises liability law. According to the law, for an individual to be considered a licensee, all of the following must apply:
- Cannot be a trespasser, servant, or customer of the premises owner
- Is not a party to any contract related to the premises owner or the premises itself
- Is allowed on the party, directly or indirectly, for their own self-interest.
Premises owners may be liable to licensees for wanton or willful injuries only. A prime example of this class of people would be a social guest who visits a friend or family member’s home.
What to Do After a Premises Liability Accident
Your first steps after one of these types of accidents should be to:
- Call the police to report the accident
- Ask for paramedics to come if you are injured and seek medical attention
- Report the accident to the property owner, store manager, or landlord
- Take photographs of the accident scene and your injuries
- Gather evidence, including names and numbers of all witnesses
- Take notes about how the accident occurred, what shoes you were wearing if you fell, and what you can remember about the accident
- Keep all clothing that may have evidence of your injury
- Talk with a skilled premises liability attorney to find out about your rights
We’re here and ready to help with your personal injury claim, so don’t hesitate to reach out.
Talk to Us After a Premises Liability Accident
An attorney skilled in Georgia premises liability law will know how to present your case, know how much your case should be worth, and know how to get you the compensation you deserve. We can also explain the elements of a premises liability claim.
After suffering injuries on someone else’s property, don’t suffer the financial consequences as well. Talk with an Atlanta premises liability attorney from Shane Smith Law to discuss your case and find out your rights.
Call or text (980) 246-2656 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
