In Lithia Springs, slip and fall accidents can happen at someone’s home, in restaurants, at grocery stores, or anywhere else where you are a visitor or customer. You should not ignore the consequences of a slip and fall injury, as the property owner or business might be liable for all (or at least some) of your damages. To seek the compensation you’re entitled to, call a Lithia Springs slip and fall and premises liability lawyer today.
John Foy & Associates can provide the legal expertise you need. We have more than 20 years of experience helping slip and fall accident victims win the mone they need and deserve. If you have medical expenses, lost wages, or other costs from your accident, call us today so we can discuss your options. For a FREE consultation, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online today.
How to Determine Who Was Responsible for Your Slip and Fall in Lithia Springs
Under Georgia Code § 51-3-1, property owners in Lithia Springs have a legal duty to keep their premises safe. If they breach that legal duty and it leads to injuries, the property owner is liable for the damages.
The property owner, manager, or employee (also known as the defendant) may be responsible for your accident if the following statements apply:
- There was a dangerous or unsafe condition on the property.
- The defendant either knew about the unsafe condition or should have known about it.
- The defendant did not remove, clean up, or fix the unsafe condition. (Or, if they couldn’t fix the condition, they did not warn you about it.)
- Your injuries and damages directly resulted from the unsafe condition.
If these elements exist, the defendant was likely negligent in your accident. If they had been more careful, your accident and injuries probably wouldn’t have happened.
In some situations, there may be more than one party who was negligent in the accident. If you are worried you were partially at fault for what happened, contact a lawyer before you accept or assume any blame in the slip and fall accident. If it turns out you are partially at fault, you may still be able to recover damages if you were less than 50% at fault.
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Six Ways to Build a Strong Premises Liability Case in Lithia Springs
Personal injury laws in Georgia are typically on the side of victims. However, the burden is still on you to file your claim, prove that the defendant was at fault, and demonstrate your damages. It’s best to begin doing this as soon as possible.
When you file your claim, the property owner’s or business’s insurance company will ultimately be responsible for responding. Since insurance companies do not like to pay out much on insurance claims, they will look for ways to reduce their liability. To legally protect yourself, you should gather evidence to support your case.
Here are some of the best ways you can begin building your case after your accident.
1. Take Pictures
Picture evidence helps preserve the scene of the accident even if it is changed or cleaned up later. If you can, take pictures of:
- The scene where your slip and fall accident happened
- Your injuries
- The hazard or dangerous condition that caused your accident
2. Talk to Witnesses
Look around and see if there are other people around who saw your fall or noticed the hazard that led to your fall. Ask for their name and contact information. Your lawyer may reach out to them for statements later.
3. Report the Slip and Fall Accident
After the accident, make sure you tell the store manager or property owner what happened. Get their contact information, as well, so you can follow up.
4. Do Not Admit Any Fault
It’s human nature to be polite and not want to cause any trouble. You might also be tempted to blame yourself, apologize, or make comments like “I was just being clumsy” after the accident. It’s very important that you avoid admitting any fault, though.
Anything you say after your accident may be used against you later. You should especially be careful to avoid speaking with the defendant’s insurance company or saying anything that they could use to reduce your claim later. It’s best to speak with a slip and fall accident lawyer before you discuss the accident details with anyone else.
5. Get Medical Attention
You should see a doctor as soon as you can after a slip and fall accident in Lithia Springs because:
- Injuries can worsen with time or be more serious than you initially thought
- Waiting too long to get medical treatment could reduce the value of your claim
- Seeing a doctor will help you know what to expect when it comes to your current and future medical costs
Remember, the insurance company will be looking for ways to reduce your claim. If you don’t see a doctor right away, they might say that you weren’t hurt as badly as you say or that your treatment costs were related to an unrelated condition.
6. Talk to Slip and Fall Lawyer in Lithia Springs
Premises liability claims can be incredibly complicated, and dealing with the insurance company can make your head spin. To make sure your legal rights are protected and that you’re seeking the fullest compensation possible, it’s best to consult a Lithia Springs slip and fall lawyer.
Know the Statute of Limitations for Premises Liability Claims in Georgia
Keep in mind that the statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Georgia is two years from the date of your accident. If you wait too long, you could miss out on any chance of compensation for your injuries. Get started today so you can plenty of time to recover from your injuries and build a strong claim.
Talk to a Slip and Fall and Premises Liability Lawyer in Lithia Springs for Free Today
There’s a lot that goes into a successful slip and fall and premises liability case. At John Foy & Associates, we can handle all of the details for you. To get started today with a FREE consultation, call us at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form