Tripping or slipping and falling is common and impossible to avoid altogether. Most accidents may leave the person a little stunned or embarrassed, but not severely injured. There are also falling accidents that leave people with severe injuries, and that is particularly true when the individual is older and more likely to break bones.
When those accidents happen because a property owner failed to protect visitors from avoidable risks, there may be cause to pursue legal action. A practiced Lithia Springs slip and fall lawyer could provide you with more information or help with a claim. Call one of our skilled personal injury attorneys today to discuss your claim.
Property Owner Legal Obligations Under Premises Liability Law
Property owners in Lithia Springs have specific legal obligations under premises liability laws to keep their property safe and protect visitors from unnecessary risks and harm. Under the advisement of Georgia Code Annotated § 51-3-1, property owners and possessors should conduct regular premises inspections to search for hazards that could present risks to those who enter and fix them as quickly as possible. They must also warn visitors of health risks that are not obvious until the repair is complete.
The property owner has a specific duty to keep the area safe to protect those they invite onto the premises. They are most obligated to protect the invitees that enter for business purposes, such as shopping malls. A Lithia Springs slip and fall attorney could review the applicable statutes and answer your specific questions during a consultation.
Causes of Tripping Accidents
Falls from slipping or heights can happen anywhere and at any time. However, when you are on someone else’s property, they must protect you by discovering and fixing hazards that put your safety at risk. Some of the most typical causes of the accidents include:
- Poorly lit stairwells
- Loose or frayed rugs
- Broken stairs or railings
- Cracked or uneven sidewalks
- Lack of warning signs to alert visitors of spills or steps
- Wet and slippery floors
The case must show the accident occurred because of a property defect, and the landowner knew or should have known of the risk to visitors they invited to enter the property. A Lithia Springs lawyer experienced in slip and fall cases could conduct an extensive investigation and evidence analysis to determine the cause and whether there is proof to establish liability.
Proving Negligence
The lawsuit must prove specific elements to establish negligence and collect a settlement, and those include:
- The landowner must protect you while on the premises
- A breach or violation of legal responsibilities
- The owner’s negligence caused the damages
- You suffered established damages and losses, such as physical, financial, or psychological injuries.
If the civil court jury reviews the evidence and finds that any of the components are unsatisfied, they must deny a reward and side with the defendant.
Speak to a Skilled Slip and Fall Attorney in Lithia Springs
While state laws protect you from negligent property owners and allow you to pursue damages when accidents occur because of carelessness, the cases are complex. Civil action must establish that the defendant failed to meet their legal obligations and that each element of negligence exists.
Therefore, the cases require extensive investigation, careful preparation, negotiations, and litigation. A seasoned Lithia Springs slip and fall lawyer could take the legal work off your hands so you can center your attention on medical care and rest to recover from your injuries. Call one of our hard-working attorneys today to review your case, questions, and options to determine the appropriate action to collect compensation.
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