Most people don’t think much about the conditions of sidewalks in Sandy Springs. However, property owners and cities must keep walkways maintained to prevent harm. If you or a loved one were injured because of a cracked, defective, or broken sidewalk, you might deserve compensation.
Poorly-maintained sidewalks can become hazardous over time, causing serious injuries if someone slips and falls. If you have injuries from a fall, our Sandy Springs slip and fall accident lawyers can help. We can determine if you have a valid claim for compensation.
John Foy & Associates has been helping slip and fall victims for over 20 years. We’re one of the largest injury law firms in Georgia, and we’re not afraid to fight for your rights. To get started with a free consultation, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
Common Sidewalk Slip and Fall Injuries
Sidewalks are for foot traffic in Sandy Springs. If a sidewalk is broken or cracked, it’s not safe for people to use. When the streets are busy, and many people are out, it can be impossible to notice hazardous sidewalks.
Examples of defective sidewalks include:
- Large cracks in the pavement
- Uneven pavement
- Vertical displacements
- Chipping or deterioration
- Sidewalk obstructions, such as trees or shrubs
- Water pooled up on an uneven walkway
- Fallen construction materials
Of course, injury victims have a duty to be careful, too, according to the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (OCGA) §51-11-7. A victim is only entitled to compensation if they couldn’t have avoided the slip and fall. The property owner or their insurance company will try to use this to deny liability.
Talk to a lawyer before discussing who caused your injuries with anyone else. You will need to gather evidence of your fall and the at-fault party’s responsibility. Be careful what you say to the other side. Talk to a slip and fall accident lawyer first.
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Premises Liability Law in Georgia
Property owners and occupiers in Georgia must maintain safe premises for those they invite onto their property. This responsibility includes keeping walkways and sidewalks safe. If an owner doesn’t maintain safe areas, they could be responsible for injuries.
As an injury victim, you must show that the owner or operator is at fault. Simply slipping and falling is not enough to win compensation. You’ll need to build a strong injury claim proving that:
- The property owner was responsible for keeping their property safe.
- The property owner caused, knew about, or failed to fix an unsafe condition that they were responsible for.
- The unsafe condition led to your slip and fall accident.
- You suffered injuries and other damages from the accident.
There also must have been enough time for the owner or business to know there was a hazard. For example, say that someone spills a beverage onto a store floor. It’s unlikely a store manager or employee can learn about the threat within seconds of it happening. However, the employees should regularly check for hazards and clean them up within a reasonable amount of time.
Cracked, defective, or broken sidewalks usually take time to form. It’s less likely for property owners to miss walkway-related hazards. If the owner fails to notice or fix an issue, they are likely liable.
Slip and fall accident cases are complicated. The law tends to favor property owners, so it’s important to build a strong claim. It’s best to seek help from an experienced Sandy Springs sidewalk accident lawyer. To talk about your rights during a free consultation, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
Steps to Take After a Slip and Fall Accident
Under the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (OCGA) §9-3-33, you typically have two years to take legal action for a slip and fall accident. There are situations where you have less time, and it’s best to get started as soon as possible.
You can begin building a claim by:
- Taking pictures or video of the broken or cracked sidewalk where you fell
- Getting the contact information for anyone who witnessed your fall or the defective sidewalk
- Calling 9-1-1 if you need emergency medical attention
- Finding the property owner to report your slip and fall accident
- Saving all medical bills and other receipts of your costs
- Talking to a Sandy Springs slip and fall accident lawyer as soon as possible
It’s best to consult with a lawyer who has premises liability experience. The lawyer will know how to best approach this type of case.
Property Owner Liability for a Slip and Fall
Property owners and businesses are responsible for the upkeep of their properties. That might include the sidewalks outside of the building. If so, you probably have a case against the owner or business.
When the City Is Responsible
A private property owner is not always responsible for a slip and fall on a sidewalk. Sometimes, a local government owns the walkway and is responsible for certain injuries. Talk to a lawyer immediately if this could be the case for your accident.
The deadline to bring a case against a government is short in Georgia. You must let the government know in writing that you plan to sue them. You must also file your lawsuit within six months of the accident. That doesn’t leave much time to build your case, so don’t wait to get started.
Talk to Sandy Springs Broken Sidewalks Accident Lawyer for Free
Slip and fall accidents on sidewalks can go any number of ways. If you were injured, we recommend contacting a lawyer who can review everything. You might deserve full compensation for your injuries and damages.
John Foy & Associates has been helping slip and fall accident victims for over 20 years. We are not afraid to fight for the money you deserve. Plus, our attorneys only work on contingency, which means:
- There are no upfront costs.
- We don’t charge you a fee unless we win your case.
- Any fees come from your settlement or court award—and you keep the rest.
The consultation is 100% free. We’ll review your accident and determine your legal options. From there, we can begin building a strong premises liability case.
Call us at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online for a free consultation.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
