Georgia's Duty of Reasonable Care in Premises Liability Cases

Georgia law requires commercial and private property owners to maintain safe properties for people who are legally on the premises. Most properties are subject to safety codes or regulations requiring the property owner or manager to prevent negligent exposure to harmful or injurious situations. Premises liability claims may hold these property owners or managers liable when someone is injured due to hazardous, unsafe or dangerous conditions.

If you have suffered a serious injury on someone else's property, a premises liability lawyer at Shane Smith Law can review your accident and injuries to determine if you have a reasonable case against the property owner involved.

Georgia law requires that homeowners and retailers exercise reasonable care to maintain safe properties for any "invitee" who is approaching, exiting or present on the property.

The duty to keep premises safe (the duty of reasonable care) includes all approaches to a property's premises. A property owner or occupier is legally obligated to keep sidewalks/walkways, driveways, ramps, stairs, curbs and parking lots properly maintained and repaired and in safe conditions. Landscaping, including undeveloped areas of the property, must also be kept safe. Additionally, Georgia courts have held that the duty of reasonable care may also include the obligation to provide adequate security and lighting to prevent criminal activity.

Stores can be held responsible for injuries that occur on their premises when the store owners do not protect patrons from injuries. Slip-and-fall victims should call Shane Smith Law to schedule a free legal consultation.