Property owners in Macon should make sure their properties are safe for visitors. But too often, owners and businesses are not as careful as they should be. People can suffer painful and costly injuries because of unsafe properties.
If you or a loved one suffered injuries on someone else’s property, you have rights. It’s best to speak with a Macon premises liability lawyer today. A lawyer can determine your legal rights and help you fight for compensation.
The law is on your side if someone else caused your injuries. At John Foy & Associates, we can help you build a strong claim for what you deserve. Contact us today for a free, no-risk consultation to learn your options. Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
Property Owner Duties in Macon
Property owners have a legal duty to keep their properties safe, according to the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (OCGA) §51-3-1. Businesses that rent out a property must also follow these laws.
If an owner or business isn’t careful, someone can become injured on their property. After an accident, the owner or company might be responsible for the costs.
Property owner duties include:
- Routine inspections for dangers on the property
- Cleaning up hazards within a reasonable amount of time
- Warning visitors about dangers until they’re fixed or cleaned up
- Fixing or cleaning up hazards within a fair amount of time
Owners must regularly check for potential dangers on their property. Even if an owner didn’t know about a hazard, they could still be responsible if it caused an accident.
For example, grocery store employees should routinely check for hazards like wet floors or fallen food items. If they do not, they might miss a dangerous condition that causes a slip and fall.
If a property owner denies responsibility, it doesn’t mean they’re not liable. They could be responsible for failing to see or prevent a hazardous condition.
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Common Premises Liability Accidents
Properties can contain many hazards at once. If an owner isn’t careful, injuries might happen at any time.
The consequences are often devastating. Victims can suffer severe injuries, costly medical bills, and much more. After your injuries, you’ll need to determine how the accident happened to prove fault.
Here are some of the most common types of premises liability accidents.
Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents are prevalent on public and private properties. A customer or visitor might fall because of:
- Wet and slippery floors
- Curled carpeting
- Spilled food or beverages
- Uneven walkways
- Poorly-lit halls
- Potholes
Slips or trips can easily lead to injuries. If you were hurt in a slip and fall, document whatever you can. Take a picture of the scene and your injuries. Also, report the accident to the property owner or manager.
Falling Items
Retail stores have many items stored throughout the property. Some things are heavy and can fall from high places.
If an item falls on a customer, it can be catastrophic. The victim might suffer from head injuries, lacerations, and more. A dropped object can also cause a trip or slip and fall in store aisles.
Owners and managers should be careful to avoid fallen items. If not, they could be responsible for a severe accident.
Poor Security on the Property
Safety is not just about cleaning up hazards. Security from criminal behavior is crucial. Property owners must know the risks of their area and maintain proper security.
Inadequate security can lead to physical assaults, abductions, and more. If you or a loved one were injured in this way, contact a lawyer immediately.
Our team at John Foy & Associates can help. No matter how your injuries happened, you have rights. Let us handle the legal details while you focus on healing. Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online today for a free consultation.
Fire Accidents
Businesses must follow the Safety Fire Commissioner rules under the OCGA §25-2-4. That includes details like:
- Smoke alarms
- Building safety codes
- Fire emergency exits
- Sprinkler systems
Not following fire safety rules puts everyone at risk. If something causes a fire, the owner could be at fault for the injuries. Even if the owner didn’t cause the fire, they must have the right safety measures in place.
Dog Bites or Animal Attacks
Property owners must control any animals they have. After a dog bite or attack, the owner is almost always responsible.
Our lawyers can help identify the dog’s owner and prove that they were careless.
Elevator or Escalator Accidents
Malfunctioning elevators or escalators can cause severe injuries or deaths. If you or a loved one suffered injuries, contact a lawyer today. You likely have a case against the property owner or business.
Swimming Pool Accidents
Injuries are very common at swimming pools. Adults or children might slip and fall or suffer near-drownings on the property. An owner should act in a way that prevents harm to pool visitors.
These are just a few examples. Premises liability cases can include many different situations.
Not sure if you have a case after your injury? Contact John Foy & Associates. We’ll examine your situation for free and determine your options.
Damages You Can Claim for Premises Liability
If someone else caused your injuries, you have a right to compensation. However, the burden is on you (as the victim) to bring a case. You’ll need to show that:
- The property owner was careless in keeping their property safe
- The owner’s carelessness led to your accident
- Your injuries and damages happened because of the owner’s carelessness
You’ll also need to outline all of your damages. Personal injury damages are the losses you have because of your injuries like:
- Medical bills
- Specialist visits
- Prescription medications
- Rehabilitation or physical therapy
- Medical equipment
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Some accidents result in death. If you lost a loved one, we are very sorry to hear about your loss. Our team approaches each case with sensitivity and compassion. We can let you know if you have a wrongful death claim to file on behalf of your loved one.
Talk to a Macon Premises Liability Lawyer for Free
An accident on someone else’s property can leave you feeling hurt, confused, and angry. But you do not have to handle the legal side alone.
At John Foy & Associates, we know how to handle premises liability cases. We have over 20 years of experience, and we’re not afraid to fight for your rights. We also will not charge a fee unless we win you money.
Contact us today for a free, no-risk consultation. Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online to get started.
478-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form