Aggressive Attorneys Holding Negligent Property Owners Accountable For Injuries On Their Premises
Georgia law requires property owners to use reasonable care in maintaining their premises, including the duty to avoid exposing visitors and guests to unreasonable risk of harm. A property owner must inspect the property for dangerous conditions and either repair any hazardous conditions found or provide adequate warning of them.
When guests and visitors are injured due to unaddressed hazards, property owners can be held accountable in a premises liability lawsuit. At The McGarity Group, our attorneys focus on helping you obtain full and fair compensation for your injuries and the damages you have suffered.
Common Hazards Leading To Premises Liability Claims
The list of possible property hazards is seemingly endless. However, some hazardous conditions that commonly lead to premises liability claims include:
- Cracked and broken sidewalks: Patches of ice or crumbling concrete on a sidewalk surrounding a building can cause trip and fall accidents.
- Unsafe stairways or ramps: If there are stairs or ramps on a piece of property, the property owner has a duty to make them reasonably safe, including providing adequate railings and slip-resistant materials.
- Slippery surfaces: Liquid spilled on a floor or freshly waxed surfaces can cause a slip and fall injury.
- Tripping hazards: Boxes left on the floor, uneven flooring and loose carpeting are all examples of easily preventable hazards that commonly lead to injuries.
- Exposed electrical wiring: Electric shock from improperly maintained electrical wiring can also cause a serious injury.
- Failure to restrain aggressive dogs: Dog bites and attacks commonly happen on the dog owner’s property. However, they are still actionable even if they occur elsewhere.
- Malfunctioning elevators and escalators: Accidents involving escalators and elevators can occur In any commercial, residential or government building.
- Unguarded pools: Young children are at risk of drowning if they wander into a pool area that is not properly fenced off or otherwise secured.
Because premises liability law can be confusing, it’s in your best interests to seek guidance from a premises liability attorney who knows the law, can help determine who’s at fault and is experienced with how to obtain the maximum amount of monetary recovery for you.
Injuries Caused By Negligent Security
On commercial property such as retail stores and apartment buildings, property owners and managers typically have a duty to take reasonable measures to deter criminal activity and protect residents, visitors and guests. Sadly, it is common for people in apartment complexes to be injured by criminal activity because landlords failed to install security cameras, repair broken locks in a timely manner, hire security guards and take other basic steps to safeguard the property. If you or a loved one were victimized by criminals due to negligent security, we invite you to discuss your legal options with our experienced and caring attorneys.
What Should You Do If Injured On Another Person’s Property?
If you are injured on somebody else’s property, it is important to take certain actions and avoid certain other actions. Below are a few tips to consider:
- Seek medical treatment for your injuries because the severity of injuries is not always immediately apparent.
- Collect evidence, such as taking pictures with a camera or your cell phone. Also, gather the names and contact information of any witnesses to your injury or of anyone who has knowledge of the dangerous condition.
- If you are injured at a business and an injury report is completed, be sure to obtain a copy of it before you leave (but do not sign it).
- Avoid providing any statements to the owner of the premises and do not sign anything. It is especially important that you do not say anything that would imply fault on your part.
- Contact a personal injury attorney and do not settle your claim without speaking to a lawyer first.
If you were injured on a friend’s property, you likely don’t want to sour the relationship by suing them directly. It is still worth exploring your options with us, however. In many cases, a claim we brought would be against the property insurance company, not the property owner. You may have options for taking legal action that don’t threaten an existing relationship.
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Answering Your Questions About Premises Liability And Negligent Security
Our personal injury attorneys are unwaveringly dedicated to providing clients with information about their premises liability claims. Here are answers to some common questions we receive.
What is a premises liability claim?
A premises liability claim is a legal case brought by an individual who sustains injuries on another person’s property due to negligent and unsafe conditions. Premises liability claims are often related to hazards like slippery surfaces, poor maintenance, poor lighting or inadequate security, all of which can lead to someone getting injured. Property owners can be held accountable for injuries when their negligence is proven.
What kind of accidents can lead to a premises liability claim?
Various accidents can prompt a premises liability claim. Common scenarios include slip-and-falls on wet surfaces in stores and injuries caused by uneven flooring or malfunctioning elevators. Injuries from assaults in parking lots and parking garages may also qualify. Dog bites due to inadequate control of a property owner’s pets can also fall into this category. Any injury resulting from unsafe property conditions may warrant a premises liability claim.
What do I need to prove in a premises liability claim?
To succeed, you generally need to prove that the property owner was negligent. This involves demonstrating that a hazardous condition existed; that the owner knew or should have known about it; that they failed to address the issue; and this negligence caused your injury. An experienced personal injury lawyer can provide guidance tailored to your situation.
Who can be held liable in a premises liability claim?
Liability in these claims extends to various parties, including property owners, occupiers or those responsible for the property’s maintenance. The key factor is demonstrating control or possession of the property. If negligence is proven, anyone in control may be held responsible for your injuries caused by unsafe conditions.
Do You Have A Case? Contact Us To Discuss Your Options.
If you were hurt on dangerous property in the greater Atlanta area or anywhere else in Georgia, contact our experienced attorneys at The McGarity Group to schedule a free initial consultation. You can reach out online or call our Buford office at 770-692-9877.