No one walks onto a property in St. Mary’s thinking they’re going to slip, fall, and get seriously injured—but it happens very often. If property owners and businesses are not careful to keep their premises safe for visitors, accidents can occur at any time. If you were injured in this type of fall, you’ll want to consult with a slip and fall lawyer in St. Mary’s as soon as possible.
At John Foy & Associates, we have been helping slip and fall victims win the compensation they need and deserve for over 20 years. We have grown to become one of the largest and most respected law firms in Georgia because we are not afraid to fight for what’s right. Plus, we provide a risk-free situation for you because you only pay us if we win money in your case.
To schedule a FREE consultation and get matched with the best slip and fall lawyer for your case, call us at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online today. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to take your call.
How to Identify a Valid Slip and Fall Case on Property in St. Mary’s
Many victims of slip and fall accidents will question whether or not they have a valid case. The business or their insurance company might have made the victim feel like they caused their fall, or they might be too embarrassed to truly consider seeking compensation. However, we find that clients are often surprised to find they have a very valid case and that we can help them.
The following elements must exist in a slip and fall injury case:
- The property owner or business owed you a duty of care.
- There was a hazard or dangerous condition that caused your slip and fall.
- The property owner or business employees either knew or should have known about the hazard but did not fix it within a reasonable amount of time, thus breaching their duty of care.
- Your slip and fall accident happened because of the breach of duty.
- As a result of the accident, you suffered damages.
Under Georgia law, owners and occupiers of land that invite others onto their premises have a duty of care to keep the premises safe. If they fail to keep their premises and approaches safe and someone gets injured as a result, the owner or occupier is liable for the damages.
So, if you were injured in this manner and suffered damages like medical costs, lost wages, and more, you have the right to file a slip and fall claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company. This is typically the first step towards seeking compensation for your damages.
While most injury claims are resolved through a settlement agreement between the victim and the insurance company, some cases lead the victim to file a lawsuit if an agreement cannot be reached.
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Common Slip and Fall Hazards in St. Mary’s
There are many different types of hazards and dangerous conditions that can cause slip and fall accidents in St. Mary’s. Some of the most common ones we see include:
- Unmarked wet floors
- Uneven or broken pavement
- Electrical cords left across the floors
- Poor or insufficient lighting
- Merchandise left out in aisles and
- Spilled food or beverage items
Property owners and store employees must regularly watch for and remedy these types of hazards on the property. They must be careful to not create them, as well. If they fail to do so, someone can become seriously injured at no fault of their own.
How to Began Building Your Slip and Fall Case Today
If you were hurt in a slip and fall accident, you may be able to file a personal injury claim to seek compensation for your damages. However, you should be forewarned that insurance companies are often prepared to fight back. They do not like to pay much on injury claims, and they will look for ways to reduce the value of yours.
The insurance company might try to:
- Blame you for the accident
- Say your injuries were not as serious as you’re claiming
- Intimidate you into accepting a much lower settlement than you deserve
- Ask you to give a recorded statement that could be used against you later and/or
- Say you should have been able to avoid the hazard on your own
Under Georgia Code section 51-11-7, an injury victim is not entitled to recover damages if they could have avoided the consequences of the defendant’s (the person you are bringing the case against) actions through ordinary care. The insurance company may try to use this against you by saying the hazard could have been avoided if you’d been more careful—but don’t let this get into your head.
An experienced slip and fall lawyer in St. Mary’s can help you build a strong claim to show what happened and how the property owner or business was responsible for your fall. Even if you were partially at fault for the accident, you may still be able to recover if you were less than 50% at fault.
Here are some ways you can help your lawyer build your case:
- Take pictures of your injuries, the hazard or dangerous condition that caused your fall, and the entire accident scene.
- Report the accident to the property owner or store manager.
- Get the names and contact information for any eyewitnesses to your accident.
- Get checked out by a doctor as soon as possible, even if you feel okay.
- Do not speak to the at-fault party’s insurance company or accept anything from them before talking to a slip and fall lawyer.
Speak with a Slip and Fall and Premises Liability Lawyer in St. Mary’s, GA for Free Today
Don’t get stuck paying for costs from an accident you didn’t cause. At John Foy & Associates, we can help you fight for your right to compensation. We do not charge a fee unless we win money for you, so there’s no risk to contact or work with us.
Call us at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online today to get started with your FREE consultation.
912-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
