You slip on a patch of wet floor in a restaurant, fall, and hit your head. You realize there was no sign saying “Caution: Wet Floor.” You feel dizzy, and a doctor’s examination confirms a suspected injury. Now you’re looking up “slip and fall lawyers near me.”
If you believe that another party’s negligence led to your slip and fall injuries, you have the option of seeking compensation. Below, the experienced slip and fall lawyers of Greathouse Trial Law, LLC, list a few key points about slip and fall claims in Atlanta.
Who Is Responsible for Slip and Fall Accidents in Georgia?
Slip and fall accidents may occur for many reasons, such as spills, uneven flooring, or poor lighting. These cases typically fall under the category of law known as “premises liability,” and the liable party would be the person responsible for safety on the premises, such as:
- A restaurant manager.
- A commercial property owner.
- A landlord.
- A school principal.
Proving Fault
Every slip and fall case hinges on the following questions:
- Did the responsible party act reasonably and carefully to prevent a slip and fall accident?
- Did the victim make a reasonable effort to avoid the condition that led to their falling or tripping?
For instance, in the scenario of slipping on a restaurant’s wet floor, if the manager had put up a “Caution: Wet Floor” sign and the visitor walked around the sign and rushed through the wet area to get to their table, there’s a good chance a Georgia court would acquit the restaurant management in a premises liability case.
To build a successful slip and fall case, the plaintiff and their slip and fall lawyer must prove that:
- The responsible party knew of the hazard on the premises (e.g., wet floor, a broken handrail, a ripped carpet).
- The responsible party should have known that the hazard could cause slipping or tripping but neglected to address the dangerous condition.
- The hazard led to the accident victim’s injuries.
For example, if tenants in an apartment building repeatedly complained of poor lighting over a staircase but the landlord failed to address these complaints until someone tripped over the stairs, the landlord could be held liable for the victim’s injuries.
Comparative Negligence
Often, the liable party will try to push back on the accident victim’s claim by using the principle of comparative negligence, i.e., trying to prove that the injured person bore part of the responsibility for the accident.
For instance, the restaurant owner in the wet floor case could provide evidence that the victim was looking at their phone when they slipped. If the court decides that the injured person’s negligence contributed to the accident, the amount of compensation will be lower proportionally to the share of blame.
Time Frames for Slip and Fall Lawsuits in Georgia
Georgia’s statute of limitations declares that slip and fall accident victims have two years to file a personal injury lawsuit.
However, it is advisable to consult a slip and fall lawyer as soon as possible after the accident to evaluate whether you have grounds for a personal injury claim. Quick action makes it much easier to collect evidence, obtain witness testimonies, and gather relevant medical records. Also, the responsible party is more likely to offer a fair settlement if they know you have plenty of time to go to court.
You Need a Skilled Slip and Fall Attorney
Your choice of a slip and fall attorney may determine the outcome of your accident claim. A skilled and experienced lawyer can help you build a compelling case, gather relevant evidence, and negotiate a reasonable settlement.
Here is why Greathouse Trial Law is a great choice for slip and fall cases in Atlanta and across Georgia:
- Professionalism. We leverage our knowledge of Georgia personal injury law to navigate even the most complex slip and fall cases.
- Efficiency. We tackle every case with the utmost speed to gather evidence and promote your claim.
- Personal Approach. We care about our clients and give each case our undivided attention.
- Communication. We are available 24/7 and provide frequent progress updates of your case.
- No Upfront Costs. You only pay an attorney’s fee when we reach a settlement or win your case.
Greathouse Trial Law, LLC: Slip and Fall Attorneys Near Me
Are you looking for “slip and fall attorneys near me?” If you choose to pursue a personal injury claim, the slip and fall attorneys of Greathouse Trial Law can help you take legal action. We diligently fight on behalf of our clients to help them receive maximum compensation with minimum stress.
To schedule a free consultation with a slip and fall lawyer in Atlanta, GA, call (678) 310-2827 or fill out our online form.
Copyright © 2022. Greathouse Trial Law, LLC. All rights reserved.
The information in this blog post (“post”) is provided for general informational purposes only and may not reflect the current law in your jurisdiction. No information in this post should be construed as legal advice from the individual author or the law firm, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter. No reader of this post should act or refrain from acting based on any information included in or accessible through this post without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer licensed in the recipient’s state, country or other appropriate licensing jurisdiction.
Greathouse Trial Law, LLC
260 Peachtree Street NW
Suite 803
Atlanta, GA 30303
(678) 310-2827
https://atltriallaw.com/
