Can I Sue For Slipping On Icy Sidewalks In Atlanta?
Recent snowstorms in Atlanta set historical records, wreaked havoc on local roads, and resulted in numerous school closures and cancellations. In the aftermath, hazardous conditions remain.
Icy, slick walkways make slip-and-fall accidents in Atlanta more likely to happen. Our Atlanta slip-fall lawyer explains how Georgia premises liability laws apply and when you can sue the property owner.
Premises Liability Laws in Georgia
Slip and fall accidents in Atlanta can leave victims suffering significant harm. Sprained or torn muscles, broken bones, and potentially severe head, back, or neck injuries are all common. Under Title 51 of the Georgia Code, property owners are liable when their negligence is to blame.
Property owners are legally required to provide maintenance. This includes sidewalks, especially when snow, ice, or other dangerous conditions create a foreseeable risk of harm to others. Key factors that influence liability include:
- Whether the property owner took steps to address hazardous conditions, such as clearing ice or posting warnings;
- Whether they could reasonably foresee that ice or snow on their property would create hazards for others;
- Whether the property owner had time to address the hazard, such as if you fell during recent snowfalls;
- Whether you were partially to blame, such as for not wearing the appropriate footwear or being in a blocked-off area.
Holding Property Owners Responsible For Winter Slip and Fall Accidents in Atlanta
Atlanta News First reports that after seeing as much as three inches of snow on January 10, 2025, the area got additional snow from a historic storm that swept through the Deep South on January 21.
Slips and falls have become common in the aftermath, often due to icy sidewalks. Property owners must provide certain types of maintenance, depending on the particular property involved. For example:
- Residential property owners are not required to maintain sidewalks unless considered a part of their property;
- Commercial property owners must clear ice and snow from areas where customers or employees are likely to walk, including sidewalks and parking lots;
- Local, state, and city governments are responsible for maintaining sidewalks in certain areas, but proving negligence in these cases can be challenging.
When holding property owners accountable for slip-and-fall accidents in Atlanta due to recent snow storms, you may be entitled to compensation for all medical costs, lost earnings, and other expenses. You can either file a claim through their property insurance or a premises liability lawsuit through the Gwinnett County Court.
Discuss Your Options With Our Experienced Atlanta Slip-Fall Lawyer
If you’ve slipped on an icy sidewalk in Atlanta and suffered injuries, you may be entitled to hold the property owner liable for your costs. Shiver Hamilton, LLC. protects your rights and fights to get you the compensation you are entitled to in a claim.
We have decades of experience representing clients in Savannah, St. Simons Island, Alpharetta, Decatur, Johns Creek, Jonesboro, Marietta, Roswell, Sandy Springs, and all of DeKalb, Fulton, and Gwinnett Counties. To discuss your options, request a consultation with our Atlanta slip-fall lawyer today.
Sources:
casetext.com/statute/code-of-georgia/title-51-torts/chapter-3-liability-of-owners-and-occupiers-of-land
atlantanewsfirst.com/2025/01/22/atlanta-sees-about-an-inch-snow-during-second-winter-storm-year-weather-officials-say/
