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Slip-And-Fall Injuries In Georgia

Slip and falls are a very common type of accident in the greater Atlanta area and statewide. They can happen on public or private property, in grocery stores, on sidewalks, the list goes on and on. These accidents can cause a variety of injuries that can come with acute financial stress. That’s why the slip-and-fall lawyers at The Ransom Firm remain committed to helping Georgians and forging a path toward justice.

What Are Common Causes Of Slip-And-Fall Accidents?

Walking areas may be unsafe for a number of reasons, though some may be easier to see than others.

  • Wet or uneven surfaces: Examples include a spill in a supermarket or uneven flooring in outdoor walkways.
  • Bad lighting: If it’s hard to see a hazard, it’s much easier to slip on or in it.
  • Loose rugs or mats: Rugs that pile up, slide out, curl up or do anything other than stay put can be a risk for foot traffic.
  • Negligent maintenance: If there is an issue that could cause a slip and fall, it is expected that it will be fixed in a timely manner. That’s not always the case.

No matter what caused it, a slip and fall often come as a painful shock. At The Ransom Firm, we work hard to investigate what hazard caused your accident and whether that hazard should’ve been dealt with already.

Legal Duty Of Property Owners

In Georgia, property owners are expected to ensure that their premises are safe. When they fail to meet that expectation, the risk of slip-and-fall injuries increases. However, the extent of this duty can change depending on who the visitor is.

  • Invitees: The grocery store example fits here. You’re invited onto the property for commercial purposes, and the property owner has a very high duty of care.
  • Licensees: Going onto someone’s property as a social guest fits the description for this. Owners are not under as much scrutiny, but they are expected to keep guests in the know about hazards around the property.
  • Trespassers: Clearly a property owner likely won’t feel obliged to talk to a trespasser about their property. The duty here is simply to not willfully harm a trespasser.

At The Ransom Firm, we work to hold property owners accountable for not paying enough attention to the safety of their guests.

Establishing Liability In Slip-And-Fall Cases

In a slip-and-fall case, to prove that a property owner neglected their duty, the following should be demonstrated:

  1. A hazard existed on the property
  2. The property owner either did know or should have known about it
  3. The property owner did not take care of the hazard, or warn others about it
  4. The hazard was the cause of the slip and fall

Property owners may push back against these allegations, which is why documentation is so important. Taking photos of the accident scene, getting witness statements and an accident report can all help your cause. It should be noted that simply showing that a hazard existed is not as compelling as some think it is. It is more important to show a timeline that indicates the property owner neglected their duty.

Types Of Compensation Available

If a property owner’s negligence caused your slip-and-fall injury, you have a right to seek compensation. Compensation can cover a number of damages:

  • Medical expenses: Rehabilitation costs, medication refills, etc.
  • Lost wages: You’re unable to return to work and make money to pay your bills.
  • Pain and suffering: Your injury took a toll on your body that you have to endure every day.

At The Ransom Firm, we know you want to move on from your injury and return to your normal life. We prioritize assembling evidence that tells the full story of the cost of your injury.

The Importance Of Legal Representation

Legal representation that has experience handling slip-and-fall cases can be invaluable. Property owners and insurance companies may be ready to fight back and throw accusations your way. An experienced legal professional can combine their knowledge of personal injury law with evidence gathered from your accident. That can be very beneficial when it comes to countering low settlement offers and other insurance tactics like it. What’s more, if a settlement cannot be agreed upon, your legal representative should be ready and prepared to take the fight into court.

If you or a loved one was involved in a slip-and-fall accident, don’t underestimate the long-term cost of recovery. At The Ransom Firm, we listen to the slip-and-fall stories of our clients and then advocate for their rightful compensation. You can reach one of our slip-and-fall lawyers by calling 404-882-3198 or by sending us an email through our contact form.