Sandy Springs Slip and Fall Lawyer
Slip and fall accidents can lead to very serious injuries. In cases in which an unsafe condition on the premises contributed to the accident, the property owner may be held liable for the harm they caused. If you were injured in a slip and fall accident, it is important that you seek any necessary medical treatment as soon as possible. You may also wish to consult a Sandy Springs slip and fall lawyer. A well-versed personal injury attorney could help you gain information regarding any claims that you might have, defenses that you might face, and compensation you might receive.
Unsafe Conditions That Contribute to Slip and Fall Accidents
A variety of hazards may contribute to falls on private or commercial properties. The Official Code of Georgia Annotated addresses the duties property owners have to those they have invited onto their property.
Under O.C.G.A. § 51-3-1, property owners have a duty to exercise ordinary care in keeping the property safe. Failure to exercise ordinary care may subject them to liability for injuries sustained due to their negligence. Common hazardous conditions that can lead to a slip and fall accident may include:
- Puddles or pools of liquid;
- Holes;
- Uneven or defective stairs or walkways;
- Poor lighting; and
- Black ice.
Individuals who were injured in slip and fall accidents caused the negligence of a property owner, may benefit from consultation with a Sandy Springs slip and fall lawyer. An attorney could help them determine the cause of their injuries and their rights as visitors to another’s property.
Liability for Sandy Springs Property Owners
There are three important inquiries in a typical slip and fall case. The first is the knowledge the property owner had or should have had regarding the hazardous condition. The second is the knowledge the injured individual had or should have had regarding the hazardous condition. The third and final involves the reason the injured party was on the land. These inquiries are central to the determination of fault, as both property owners and individuals invited onto the property have a duty to exercise ordinary care.
If an injured individual files a claim against a property owner, the property owner may argue that the injuries could have been avoided if the injured individual had exercised ordinary care themselves. Under O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33, the injured party cannot recover if they are 50 percent or more at fault. Determinations of fault can be complex in slip and fall cases.
The other factor is why the person was on the land. Depending on the injured party’s reasons for being on the land, the property owner’s obligations to them may change. For example, licensees or people on another’s land for business purposes are owed a much greater duty of care than trespassers on the land illegally.
A Sandy Springs slip and fall attorney could help injured individuals build a strong claim. They could work to avoid allowing the negligent property owner shift any of the blame onto the injured party.
A Sandy Springs Slip and Fall Lawyer is Here to Help
You should not have to shoulder the burden of medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering caused by the negligence of a property owner. The issues of liability and evidence may be confusing in the wake of an accident but an attorney could help you understand them and how they apply to your case.
Do not delay in contacting a Sandy Springs slip and fall lawyer. They could work with you each step of the way to make sure you are deftly navigating the complexities of slip and fall law. Call today to set up a consultation to discuss your injuries.
