Premises Liability Lawyer Georgia

Slip and Fall - Person tripping over a cord

When property owners fail to maintain a safe environment, serious accidents can happen. If you were injured on someone else’s property, Lampariello Law can help. As a skilled premises liability lawyer serving Georgia, Attorney Lampariello holds negligent property owners accountable for unsafe conditions that lead to injury. From slips and falls to structural hazards, we investigate thoroughly and pursue fair compensation for your losses. Call us today at 404-609-0597 for a free consultation to discuss your case and protect your legal rights after a premises-related injury.

Understanding Premises Liability and How It Applies in Georgia

Premises liability is a legal concept that holds property owners responsible for injuries that happen on their property under certain conditions. In Georgia, these laws protect individuals who are harmed due to unsafe or dangerous conditions on someone else’s property. If you have been injured on another person’s property, it’s important to understand what premises liability means, how it works, and what steps you can take to protect your rights.

What Premises Liability Means

At its core, premises liability is about responsibility. Property owners have a duty to keep their property reasonably safe for visitors. This duty can vary depending on the visitor’s status and the type of property involved.

If the owner fails to maintain the property or warn visitors about hazards, and someone gets injured as a result, the owner may be legally responsible. Premises liability covers many situations, such as slip and fall accidents, dog bites, inadequate security, or defective conditions like broken stairs or poor lighting.

Who Is Protected Under Premises Liability

In Georgia, premises liability law applies to anyone who is lawfully on the property. There are three categories of visitors, and each category affects the property owner’s responsibilities.

Invitees
Invitees are people who enter the property for the benefit of the owner. This usually includes customers, clients, or anyone invited for business purposes. Property owners owe invitees the highest duty of care. They must regularly inspect the property, fix hazards, and warn of any dangers.
Licensees
Licensees enter the property with permission but not for business purposes. Social guests are a common example. Property owners must warn licensees about known dangers but are not required to inspect or fix problems as thoroughly as for invitees.
Trespassers
Trespassers enter the property without permission. In general, property owners owe trespassers the least duty. However, there are exceptions, such as when a trespasser is a child. Under the “attractive nuisance” doctrine, owners must take extra care to protect children from hazards that might attract them.

Common Types of Premises Liability Cases

Premises liability covers a wide range of accidents. Some of the most frequent types in Georgia include:

Slip and fall injuries caused by wet floors, uneven surfaces, or icy sidewalks
Injuries from falling objects or collapsing structures
Dog bites or animal attacks on the property
Inadequate security leading to assaults or criminal acts
Defective stairs, railings, or elevators
Swimming pool accidents due to lack of safety measures

Each case has unique facts, but all involve some failure on the property owner’s part to keep the premises safe.

How Premises Liability Claims Work in Georgia

If you are injured due to a dangerous condition on someone else’s property, you may have grounds to file a premises liability claim. The goal is to recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain, and suffering caused by the injury.

To succeed in a premises liability claim in Georgia, you generally need to prove these elements:

Duty of Care
Show that the property owner owed you a legal duty to keep the premises safe based on your visitor status.
Breach of Duty
Demonstrate that the owner failed to meet this duty. This could be a failure to repair, warn, or inspect for dangers.
Causation
Prove that this breach directly caused your injury.
Damages
Provide evidence of actual harm, such as medical expenses or lost income.

Georgia law requires careful proof of each element. Evidence like photos, medical records, witness statements, and expert opinions can support your case.

Georgia’s Comparative Fault Rule

Georgia follows a “modified comparative fault” system. This means if you are partly responsible for the accident, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. However, if you are found to be more than 50% at fault, you may not recover any damages.

For example, if you slipped on a wet floor but were texting and not paying attention, your compensation might be reduced. Understanding how fault is determined is important when pursuing a premises liability claim.

Time Limits for Filing a Premises Liability Case

In Georgia, there is a time limit called the statute of limitations for filing personal injury claims, including premises liability. Generally, you have two years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit.

Missing this deadline can prevent you from recovering any compensation, so acting promptly is crucial. Even if you are unsure whether you have a claim, consulting with a lawyer early can protect your rights.

Steps to Take A

If you are hurt on someone else’s property, there are important steps to follow:

Seek Medical Attention
Your health is the priority. Even minor injuries should be evaluated to document your condition.
Report the Incident
Notify the property owner or manager and request an incident report. Keep a copy for your records.
Document the Scene
Take photos or videos of the hazard and your injuries as soon as possible.
Gather Witness Information
Get contact details of anyone who saw the accident.
Keep Records
Save medical bills, repair estimates, and any communication related to the injury.
Consult an Attorney
An experienced premises liability lawyer can assess your case, advise you on your options, and handle negotiations or litigation.

How a Lawyer Can Help

Premises liability cases can be complex. Property owners and insurance companies often try to minimize their responsibility. An attorney can protect your interests by:

Investigating the accident thoroughly
Collecting and preserving evidence
Handling communications with insurance companies
Advising you on settlement offers
Representing you in court if necessary

Hiring a skilled lawyer can increase your chances of receiving fair compensation for your injuries and losses.

Call a Knowledgeable Premises Liability Attorney

Unsafe properties can lead to devastating injuries, but you don’t have to deal with the consequences alone. At Lampariello Law, our premises liability attorney works hard to ensure property owners are held responsible for dangerous conditions. Whether you slipped in a store or were injured due to poor maintenance, we’re here to help you seek justice. Our team is dedicated to securing compensation for your pain, suffering, and losses. Call 404-609-0597 today to schedule a free consultation with a premises liability attorney who will fight for your rights.