In the state of Georgia, anyone who owns the property is required to maintain it, ensuring that there are no hazardous or dangerous conditions that could result in injuries. If a property owner failed to meet this obligation and you were injured as a result, contact our attorneys at the law office of John B. Jackson. They can help you seek financial compensation for the injuries you sustained. Give us a call at 770-988-6155 to set up an appointment to have your case reviewed for free. If you prefer, you can also reach out to us through the contact form on our website or via our live chat service.
Why Should You Hire A Slip And Fall Lawyer In Douglasville?
After an accident, insurance providers have one objective in mind: to reach a quick settlement for the lowest amount of money possible. They have a huge team of attorneys working to protect their bottom line. Without the help of a skilled lawyer, you could easily be taken advantage of. That is why it is so important to work with the experienced personal injury lawyers at the Law Office of John B. Jackson. Insurance adjusters usually contact victims directly after an accident occurs. Don’t make the mistake of talking to them without legal representation. Instead, speak with one of our lawyers before discussing your case with an insurance adjuster, the property owner, or anyone else associated with the insurance company.
What Factors Frequently Contribute To Slip And Fall Accidents?
In Georgia, slip and fall accidents occur for a number of different reasons. Some of the most common factors that lead to accidents like these include:
- Property that is poorly maintained or that is not structurally sound. Issues like these can include cracks in the sidewalk, potholes in parking lots and streets, uneven tiles on the floor, ripped carpeting, or uneven floors.
- Poorly lit walking areas
- Missing handrails or other maintenance problems involving stairways or escalators
- Water or other slick substances on the floor, stairs, or sidewalks
- Spills involving liquids or other substances that aren’t properly cleaned up in retail outlets, nursing homes, hospitals, or other public facilities.
- Yard waste, branches, or other debris that is left on the ground, creating unsafe conditions
- Ice, snow, or other conditions related to the weather that aren’t handled the right way
- Storm drains, gutters, or traction aids that are broken or improperly installed
- A lack of posted notices warning people of any dangers that exist
If you are injured in a fall on a property that doesn’t belong to you, you can file a slip and fall claim. Anyone who owns property has an obligation to ensure that it is safe. That includes business owners, homeowners, government entities, and any other property owner. When the person or entity that owns the property fails to meet that obligation, victims who are injured can take legal action to get financial compensation for their injuries. Not only does this help cover their expenses but it also ensures that no one else gets injured because of the unsafe conditions.
What Is The Value Of A Slip And Fall Case In Douglasville?
Several factors are taken into account when determining the value of a personal injury case. Those factors include:
- The cost of any medical expenses
- Any income that was lost because of the injuries
- Any pain and suffering that the victim endured
Calculating your medical expenses and your lost income is relatively straightforward. If you are pursuing compensation for pain and suffering, those numbers are a little bit more challenging to establish. After you have recovered, we will work with you to determine exactly how much money you are owed for your case, based on all of the expenses and suffering that you endured.
What Action Should You Take When A Slip And Fall Accident Occurs?
If you fall and sustain injuries in a public venue, take quick action to build a strong case. Some of the steps you should take include:
- Take as many pictures of the scene of the accident as you can
- Let the business owner or manager know what took place
- Ask anyone who witnessed the accident for their contact information
- Seek medical help right away if it is required
- Keep an eye on the hazard that caused your accident to see how long it takes for the property owner to address it
When investigating your accident, we may go with you to the scene where it occurred so that you can help us better understand what happened. We will also reach out to witnesses and will follow any other investigative leads. Your only task during the investigation is to focus on healing. That means keeping up with your doctor’s visits and following through with their treatment recommendations until you are fully healed.
How Does The State Of Georgia View Comparative Negligence In Slip And Fall Cases?
Negligence lies at the heart of any slip and fall case. If a person who owns property doesn’t properly maintain it, they are engaging in negligent behavior. They can be held responsible from a financial standpoint for any injuries that occur as a result of their negligence. In some cases, your own careless actions may contribute to the accident. For instance, if you were looking at your cell phone while walking or if you didn’t pay attention to a warning sign, you may not be awarded as much money. The total award will be lowered by your percentage of comparative fault.
Some of the questions that you may have to answer when filing a claim for a slip and fall accident include:
- Was there a valid reason for you to be on the property when the accident occurred?
- If someone had been behaving in a reasonably cautious manner (meaning that they weren’t distracted), would they have been able to avoid getting injured?
- Did the owner of the property provide adequate warnings about the hazardous circumstances or conditions that caused your accident to occur?
- Did any of your actions contribute to your accident or injuries?
The insurance company or the owner of the property will most likely ask you questions like these. Their goal is to determine if your personal negligence contributed to the accident. Your answers can significantly impact the value of your claim. That is why you should always work with an experienced attorney who specializes in slip and fall cases. If you try to answer the questions on your own, your chances of getting a high settlement are relatively slim.
How Do You Prove That The Owner Of The Property Was Negligent?
In Georgia, premise liability laws require victims to prove that accidents occurred as a result of the property owner’s negligence. To accomplish that, you need to establish these facts:
- The owner of the property knew that the dangerous condition existed or if they didn’t know, that they should have been aware of it.
- That the victim didn’t know the hazardous condition existed, whether that was because there weren’t adequate warning signs or they were unable to see it in time to react.
The law allows property owners a reasonable period to address dangerous conditions. While the danger still exists, property owners are required to put up warning signs and to take steps to keep people out of hazardous areas. The judge and jury determine exactly what the word “reasonable” means in relation to slip and fall cases.
Get Back On Track With The Assistance Of A Slip And Fall Attorney In Douglasville
If you or a person that you care about sustained an injury as a result of a slip and fall accident on another person’s property, reach out to the Law Office of John B. Jackson today. Based in Douglasville, our lawyers can put their experience to work for you to ensure that your rights are protected.
