Anyone who owns property has a responsibility to people who enter that property. That responsibility is to keep visitors from injuring themselves because of preventable hazards. Sometimes, though, property owners fail in this because of negligence. This can mean serious injury for customers, guests, patients, employees, or whoever uses the property.
If you were injured because a property owner failed to maintain their premises, you may be able to file a lawsuit. S. Burke Law can assist you in gathering evidence and building a case for compensation. Call us today for your free consultation with a team member at (404) 842-7838. We have a premises liability injury lawyer in South Fulton, Georgia, on staff who can stand with you in your fight for justice.
Georgia Premises Liability Law
In Georgia, anyone who is invited onto a property is owed a duty of care by the property owner, according to O.C.G.A. § 51-3-1. This can include guests of a homeowner, customers in a grocery store, patients at a health care facility, and other lawful visitors. Someone who enters the property unlawfully, however, is not afforded the same care. A person who trespasses on a property and injures themselves would most likely not collect damages from the property owner.
Premises liability can mean many things. We have all encountered “Wet Floor” signs and “Do Not Enter” barricades. These are both examples of the duty of care a property owner has. They keep visitors aware of potential hazards. Things that a visitor may not be aware of, such as repairing a broken floor tile or asbestos remediation in an office building, are also examples of a property owner carrying out their duty of care.
If your accident was caused by a preventable hazard, such as a wet floor or broken stair, you may have a case. A premises liability injury lawyer in South Fulton, Georgia from S. Burke Law can help you gather evidence, such as photos and videos from the scene, and speak with other parties to help you build a strong case for liability. We are prepared to handle common premises liability cases, such as slip and falls.
Remember that visitors and other lawful guests on a property have their own level of responsibility regarding liability. Suppose someone enters an area marked as dangerous or was looking at their phone rather than paying attention to what is in front of them. In that case, they may not be able to argue that the property owner was liable. The property owner would be able to argue that the person caused the accident through their own negligence.
Regardless of the circumstances surrounding your situation, you have the right to speak with a lawyer before making any decisions about your case. Call a member of our team today at (404) 842-7838 to discuss your accident and determine your best course of action.
Start Your Pursuit of Compensation Today
Once you are injured, the clock begins ticking on the statute of limitations, or how long you have to file a lawsuit for compensation. According to O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33, you have two years to file a personal injury lawsuit in Georgia. This same statute of limitations applies to wrongful death cases. If the statute of limitations runs out in your case, the court could dismiss your lawsuit. Do not wait any longer to get started.
Your costs began to accumulate as soon as you suffered your accident. These costs could be awarded back to you, either in full or in part, with a successful lawsuit. Some of the costs you could pursue include:
- Medical bills for doctor visits, hospital stays, surgeries, and other procedures or medications needed to recuperate from your injuries
- Lost wages for time missed at work after the accident
- Diminished earning capacity to cover you if your injuries will prevent you from earning the same salary in the future as you did before the accident
- Pain and suffering and other emotional costs such as anxiety, depression, sleeplessness, and humiliation
- Inconvenience from having to make and keep healthcare appointments and figure out accommodations for your injuries
A lawyer can explain the costs you have accumulated from the accident, and they can help determine a just value for your case based on the long-term effects you may suffer. They can also tell you about how the statute of limitations applies to your case and if you may fall into an exception.
It is possible that a premise liability accident caused the death of a loved one. In Georgia, a spouse or child can file a wrongful death lawsuit after losing a family member, according to G.A. Code § 51-4-2. A lawsuit for wrongful death could be filed to recover the costs listed above as well as funeral, burial, and loss of companionship damages.
Find Out How We Can Help You and Your Family
You have been made to live with the consequences of someone else’s irresponsible actions. Stop paying the price for their mistake and give us a call. A lawsuit could mean compensation for things like medical bills, property damage, lost wages, and more. You have options to try and recover these costs, and a lawyer can help you.
Call us today at (404) 842-7838 for a free consultation. You will not owe us anything unless we win your case. With a consultation, you can learn how the law may apply to your case and the costs for which you may be able to receive compensation. We have a premises liability injury lawyer in South Fulton, Georgia, at S. Burke Law who will be on your side throughout your case.