Most people assume slip and fall accidents in Loganville are not that big of a deal—but the truth is, slipping and falling can lead to serious injuries, painful surgeries or other treatments, and even disabilities. If you were hurt from a slip and fall caused by someone else, you are likely entitled to seek compensation for your costs. Finding the right slip and fall and premises liability lawyer in Loganville can give you the best chance at full financial recovery.
John Foy & Associates is here to help after a slip and fall accident. We have been helping injury victims win the money they need to cover their damages for over 20 years. Our slip and fall lawyers understand the pain and financial uncertainty that results from these types of accidents—and they are passionate about making sure your rights are upheld.
To schedule a FREE consultation with the best attorney for your case, call us at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online now.
Two Questions to Ask About Your Loganville Slip and Fall Accident
Before you file a claim for compensation, there are two main factors to get clear on after a slip and fall accident.
1. Where did the Slip and Fall Happen?
If your slip and fall accident happened anywhere besides your own personal property, there’s a good chance another person or a company is responsible for your injuries.
In Georgia, anyone who has property and invites others onto it (like any business) can be responsible for damages if an injury occurs. The owner or occupier of land must “exercise ordinary care” in keeping their premises safe. If they do not, they are liable for damages (Georgia Code section 51-3-1).
A slip and fall accident can happen anywhere on someone else’s property. Some of the most common types of slip and falls we see happen at locations like:
- Stores
- Shopping malls
- Offices
- Parking lots or sidewalks
- Parks
- Someone’s private property
If you are unsure whether the location of your slip and fall qualifies, you’ll need to answer the second question.
2. Who Was Negligent in Your Accident?
To have a valid slip and fall accident claim, someone must have been negligent in your accident. Negligence is basically a legal term for “carelessness.” Every person or company has a legal duty to act in a way that prevents harm to others. If the person or party fails to uphold this duty and it results in an injury accident, they have been negligent.
In order to seek compensation, you will need to demonstrate how the at-fault party was negligent in your accident. Many accident victims are quick to blame themselves, but there is often someone else who has failed to exercise enough caution, leading to the accident.
Examples of how someone could be negligent in a slip and fall accident include:
- Failing to mark wet floors as they’re being cleaned or after a spill
- Not cleaning up a spilled beverage or other liquid
- Leaving cluttered items in a walking area
- Not marking a step up or down
- Failing to fix broken steps, stairways, or pavement
- Not installing handrails on stairs
- Failing to mark or cover holes
The key to negligence in premises liability is that the property owner must have known about the hazard, but have failed to fix or remedy it within a reasonable amount of time. This can be difficult to prove on your own, so it’s best to contact a trusted Loganville slip and fall and premises liability lawyer who can help.
Get the strong arm
Your Legal Rights in a Slip and Fall Claim
If your accident fits the legal requirements mentioned above, you have the right to recover money for your damages and other costs. That includes:
- Medical bills, doctor visits, tests, prescription medications, and other medical expenses
- Future treatment for the slip and fall injuries, such as surgeries or physical therapy
- Lost wages from missed work time
- Any property damage you suffered from the accident, such as a broken watch
- Pain and suffering damages, such as emotional trauma or loss of enjoyment of life resulting from your physical injuries
As an injury victim, you should not have to cover any of the costs of the accident.
The problem is that most insurance companies do not like to pay much on slip and fall claims. So, once you file a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company, they may offer you a settlement much lower than what will actually cover your damages. In some situations, they may deny your claim altogether or take a long time to answer, hoping you will give up on trying.
If the insurance company is less-than-cooperative after your slip and fall—or if they try to get you to make a statement or sign anything—contact a Loganville slip and fall lawyer right away. Insurance companies will try to use anything you do or say against you, so it’s best to protect yourself and get a lawyer on your side as soon as possible.
What to Do After a Slip and Fall Accident in Loganville
Besides talking to a lawyer, there are ways you can protect your rights after a slip and fall accident happens. The key is to begin documenting the accident and gathering evidence of the property owner’s or business’s negligence right away.
Here are some things you should try to do after a slip and fall accident in Loganville.
Take Pictures
Document the scene by using your phone or a camera to take pictures of the hazard or dangerous condition that led to your accident, any visible injuries or property damage (such as torn clothing), and the entire accident scene.
Talk to Witnesses
If you feel in a busy place, it’s likely other people saw what happened or notice the hazard that caused you to fall. Talk to any witnesses, ask what they saw, that get their names and contact information.
Report the Accident
Tell the person in charge that you feel on their property and were hurt. In most cases, this is a manager or owner. Make sure an employee takes you to this person if they aren’t nearby.
If they try to blame you for the accident or minimize what happened, stand firm. Avoid apologizing or admitting any blame, even if you feel like the accident may have been partially your fault. Wait until you have all the facts—and remember that people don’t fall for no reason.
Talk to a Lawyer
Call a slip and fall lawyer as soon as you can after the accident. They can go over the details of your case and help you make the best decisions as you seek full compensation for your damages.
Talk to a Loganville Slip And Fall And Premises Liability for Free
John Foy & Associates is here to help after a slip and fall accident in Loganville. With more than 20 years of experience helping injury victims win the compensation they deserve, we know what it takes to win cases. Call us today at (404) 400-4000 to set up a FREE consultation with one of our slip and fall accident lawyers and go over your options.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form