Trusted Slip and Fall Lawyer Atlanta: Protecting Your Rights

Key Highlights

• If you’re an injured victim, an established Atlanta slip and fall lawyer can assist in getting you the financial support you need from the negligent property owner.
• Slip and fall accidents in Atlanta are typically caused by preventable hazards located in public places such as retail stores, apartment buildings, restaurants, or parking lots.
• According to Georgia Law, if a property owner does not provide safe conditions for visitors, they are responsible for compensating the victim.
• Evans Injury Attorneys provides free consultations and does not charge their clients until compensation is awarded.

Many people do not consider the seriousness of slip and fall injuries. In Atlanta, many slip and fall accidents occur on a daily basis in grocery stores, apartment complexes, grocery stores, restaurants, parking garages, and office buildings. What may seem like a small accident can turn into broken bones, head trauma, absenteeism from work, and rising medical expenses.

If you were injured due to a property owner’s failure to maintain a safe environment, you may qualify to receive compensation. A qualified Atlanta slip and fall lawyer can help you understand your legal rights, navigate the insurance companies’ tactics, and obtain the maximum amount possible for your injuries.

Evans Injury Attorneys is a law firm representing emergency injured victims throughout the Atlanta area. We practice solely personal injury law and are dedicated to holding negligent property owners accountable and supporting our clients as they heal and move forward. Call now at (678) 792-0067 to book your complimentary consultation.

Why You Need an Atlanta Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer

Premise liability encompasses all types of “slip and fall” injuries; even though the injury may be severe, the property owner and the property owner’s insurance company will often try to disclaim any responsibility for the accident. 

There are several arguments that they will use to deny liability, such as the hazard being clearly visible, that the injured person was negligent in not paying enough attention to the surroundings, or that the injury was caused by something other than the slip and fall itself.

Many injured persons who do not retain an attorney will be pressured to settle for an unfair amount or to have their claim completely denied. Hiring a slip and fall lawyer in Atlanta who is knowledgeable will do more than just fill out forms; your lawyer will also:

• Find out what happened in the accident and why
• Find out who is responsible for the accident
• Make sure there is evidence that can show what happened in the accident
• Speak to the claims adjuster for you
• Find out how much you lost
• Negotiate aggressively for a settlement, or go to court if required

A slip and fall attorneys in Atlanta Georgia helps you level the playing field; therefore, your chance of getting back the full compensation you are owed is greatly improved.

What Is the Slip and Fall Law in Georgia?

According to premises liability law, a property owner must keep their property safe for guests, and if they do not, and someone gets injured on that property, the property owner will be liable for compensatory damages. 

To establish a slip and fall case, the following four things need to be proven:

1. There was a dangerous condition
2. The owner of the property either knew or should have known about the dangerous condition
3. The injured person did not know or did not reasonably expect to be aware of the danger 
4. The dangerous condition was the proximate cause of the injury

The term “superior knowledge” is commonly used in lawsuits against property owners who have superior knowledge (more information) about a dangerous situation and choose not to do anything to prevent the possibility of injury to a visitor.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Slip and Fall Accident?

Business Owners

Businesses in Atlanta should regularly check their premises for any dangerous conditions in order to eliminate the likelihood of injury to patrons. Business owners who fail to properly maintain their business properties will be held liable for any slip and fall injuries that occur due to negligence.

Property Management Companies

Property management companies are responsible for maintaining the common areas of a property including but not limited to the parking lot, sidewalks, and stairwells. An injury from a fall that arises out of their negligence can be attributed to the fact that the property management company failed to properly maintain the area or failed to respond to a complaint about the condition of the area.

Landlords

Landlords have a responsibility to exercise ordinary care in providing a safe environment for tenants, visitors, and other invited guests. This includes repairing all known hazards and ensuring that any code violations are corrected and keeping common/shared areas maintained. When landlords do not meet this obligation, they may be liable for injuries resulting from a tenant slipping and falling.

Homeowners

Homeowners can also be held liable when guests experience injuries due to unsafe conditions on their property. Although the standard of care differs for homeowners than for commercial property owners, homeowners can be found liable for injuries resulting from unsafe conditions if the homeowner knew or should have known about them and failed to remedy it.

Government Entities

If someone were injured on public property, such as a government building or roadside, the matter would typically involve the local, state, or federal government. Government slip-and-fall cases have specific jurisdictional rules and very short timeframes for bringing legal actions, so consulting with an Atlanta slip and fall injury lawyer is essential to protect your rights.

Common Slip and Fall Accidents in Atlanta

Each day throughout Atlanta, slip and fall incidents happen in places many individuals go on a routine basis without even thinking about the potential hazards. Slip & falls can happen at busy commercial sites and residential homes, and when there is a slip & fall, the majority of time it is due to a preventable hazard or unsafe condition. 

If a property owner does not complete timely inspections of their property or respond promptly to maintenance requests, visitors run the risk of suffering severe injury due to unsafe conditions. By contacting an Atlanta slip and fall accident lawyer, you can determine what role negligence played in the slip/fall.

Slip and Fall Examples We Commonly See

Many different types of slip and fall incidents occur and certain types of hazards are more frequent than others. The following list includes common examples:

• Wet or freshly mopped floors without warning signs, including in grocery stores, hotels and office buildings
• Liquid spills or dropped items on grocery store aisles that have not been cleaned up for a prolonged period of time
• Uneven sidewalks, broken pavement or potholes, especially in older neighborhoods of Atlanta and in parking areas
• Poor lighting in stairwells, hallways and parking garages, which results in difficulty seeing steps or elevation changes
• Unstable rugs, curled mats or unsecured carpets in entryways, reception areas, or entrances to buildings
• Broken stairwells, steps, or staircases that do not conform to and/or violate building code safety requirements
• Leaking roofs, plumbing problems or water infiltration that can be found in apartment complexes and businesses.

Hazards like these become increasingly hazardous when a property owner ignores prior complaints, fails to repair the hazard, or fails to perform routine safety inspections.

Common Locations for Slip and Fall Accidents in Atlanta

Slip and fall injuries can occur at any location; however, several sites typically experience greater incidences of these types of injuries. We represent many clients who have sustained slip & fall injuries at:

• Grocery and retail stores in the nearby regions of Atlanta & metro Atlanta
• Restaurants, bars, and cafés; spills and slick surfaces are common in many of these establishments
• Rental properties such as apartments and even within many multi-family complexes, stairwells, and shared hallways
• Hotels; common areas, pools, entrances, and elevators not tended to properly
• Office buildings and other places of business – commercial property is typically maintained by outsourcing that function; therefore, there is no guarantee of maintenance options.
• Parking garage facilities; the risk of injuries increases due to potholes, oil spills, and insufficient or poorly lit areas.

If you have been injured due to a slip & fall accident in either a commercial or residential facility, an experienced slip and fall accident lawyer in Atlanta GA can evaluate your circumstances, provide advice and counsel on who you may sue and will help you understand your rights for recovering damages due to your injury.

Injuries Caused by Slip and Fall Accidents

People can incur serious injuries when they fall and slip. Even if an older adult falls from a standing position, it could lead to a lifetime of medical care, chronic pain, and continuing limitations.

Broken Bones and Fractures

Slip and fall injuries are among the most common ways individuals suffer fractures. Most victims of falls attempt to reach out to catch themselves while falling, resulting in broken wrists, arms, ankles, and hips. Nearly all broken bones require surgical treatment, followed by rehabilitation and long recovery process.

Back and Spinal Cord Injuries

A slip or fall is a considerable cause of back pain for most people. A significant portion of back injuries are due to a fall or slip, and they typically range from muscle strain to damage to the spinal cord or both. Back injuries can lead to persistent pain, reduced range of movement, and damage to the nerve roots, and severe cases may cause partial or total paralysis.

Herniated or Bulging Discs

Injuries can develop as a result of a fall or other sudden compression of the spinal column that adds pressure to the discs in between vertebrae. Herniated or bulging discs can lead to continued pain, weakness in the affected nerves, numbness, and the possibility of needing physical therapy or injections to treat them, or even needing spinal surgery to correct the issue.

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)

A TBI occurs when someone suffers a blow to the head from falling to the ground or hitting another object or surface. TBIs may result in a number of different problems including loss of memory, failure to think clearly, changes to one’s mood, or the possibility of long-term neurological issues that will require specialized medical assistance.

Soft Tissue Injuries

Soft tissue injuries consist of damage to muscle, ligament, or tendon. It is common for these injuries to be viewed as “not very severe” by many people; however, they can have a serious impact on everyday functioning due to their duration of pain, swelling, and limitation of movement if they are not treated appropriately. 

Knee and Shoulder Injuries

Knee and Shoulder Injuries: Slip and fall accidents commonly injure knees and shoulders because of the twisting motion and impact when someone falls. In some cases, these injuries will involve ruptured ligaments, tears to the rotator cuff, or instability within the joint that prevents the injured individual from working and performing daily activities.

What Evidence Helps a Slip and Fall Claim?

The strongest advantage to winning a slip and fall lawsuit is strong evidence. The most important forms of evidence are at the site of the accident; therefore, it is imperative to act quickly in order to obtain it.

The following forms of evidence may be useful:

• Photographs or videos of the unsafe condition(s)
• Police report or incident report
• Witnesses’ names and phone numbers
• Security camera footage
• Records for maintenance and inspection
• Medical records and/or doctor statement (if applicable)
• Proof of lost wages

An attorney for slip and fall injury knows how to obtain and maintain this type of evidence prior to it becoming inaccessible or unusable.

What to Do After a Slip and Fall Accident in Atlanta

It is important to take the proper steps as soon as possible, after an accident occurs, to ensure both your safety and your legal rights. By taking fast action, you also increase the chances of a successful claim, and will ultimately receive more compensation.

Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Injuries are often not apparent at first, so it is crucial to seek medical evaluation promptly. Seeking medical treatment early helps create documentation of your injuries and ensures that the injuries are treated early, reducing the likelihood of future complications.

Report the Incident to the Property Owner or Manager

Notify the property owner or manager of the incident immediately after it happens. Creating an “official record” of the accident with the property owner or manager creates a formal document that supports your claim for damages from the fall.

Take Photos or Videos of the Scene

Take pictures or videos of the hazard, surrounding area, as well as any injuries sustained. The visual documentation will help confirm your claim by proving that there was a hazard present at the time of your incident.

Gather Witness Information

Gather names and contact information for anyone who witnessed the incident. The testimony of witnesses gives credibility to your description of what happened during the incident.

Avoid Giving Recorded Statements to Insurance Companies

You may receive a request for a recorded statement from an insurance adjustor; it is advisable to avoid giving a recorded statement until you have spoken with your slip and fall accident attorney. If you provide an inaccurate recorded statement, this can jeopardize your rights and result in misrepresentation of the event.

Contact a Slip and Fall Lawyer Near Me as Soon as Possible

If you have experienced a slip & fall incident, it is important to contact an Atlanta slip and fall lawyer as soon as possible. An experienced attorney can assist you with reviewing your case, investigating the accident site, preserving evidence, and representing you in dealing with the insurance company.

How Much Can I Claim for a Slip and Fall in Atlanta?

What Is the Average Slip and Fall Settlement in Georgia?

Average settlement amounts are determined by the unique circumstances of the individual case and the incident that caused injuries to the victim.

There are many factors that influence the final compensation amount in personal injury settlements including:

• The severity of injuries
• The costs of past and continuing medical treatment
• Lost wages and earning potential due to the accident
• Long-term disability as a result of the accident
• Pain and suffering from the injury

While minor injury cases typically are settled for thousands of dollars, serious injury cases often result in larger settlement amounts.

Types of Compensation Available

Here are the types of damages you may be eligible to after a successful claim:

Economic Damages

Economic damage is a monetary amount that can easily be quantified.

• Bills for medical care

• Future costs for medical treatment
• Wages that you have lost
• The amount of money you can earn over a period when you are unable to work 

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages compensate for intangible losses, such as emotional distress, pain and suffering, and decrease in quality of life.

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of your life
• Permanent disability

Punitive Damages

They are very rarely awarded, but can be awarded for extremely egregious misconduct.

The best slip and fall lawyer Atlanta GA will use their knowledge to accurately calculate the damages your case is likely to recover and pursue the maximum amount possible.

Why Choose Evans Injury Attorneys as Your Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer Atlanta GA

Clients select Evans Injury Attorneys due to our:

• Successful track record of handling premises liability cases in Atlanta
• Customized legal strategies
• Open and truthful communication
• We will not charge you anything unless we win your case

We have built a solid reputation for fighting the big insurance companies and are proud to be one of the top rated slip and fall attorneys in the Atlanta area.

Atlanta Slip & Fall Lawyer Near Me – Free Consultation

If you or someone close to you has suffered an injury because of unsafe property conditions, know that you do not have to go through this alone. Getting in touch with an experienced Atlanta slip and fall lawyer will provide you with insight, peace of mind, and direction for moving forward.

There is no cost for your initial consultation with Evans Injury Attorneys and there is no obligation to take any further action if you choose not to. Contact us today at (678) 792-0067 for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer and take the first step toward justice and recovery.

Atlanta Slip and Fall Lawyers FAQs

How long does a slip and fall lawsuit take?

The majority of slip and fall lawsuits settle within 6 months. However, if a claim is complicated, it could take longer like years due to protracted negotiations, litigation or trial.

How much can I claim for slip and fall injuries?

The value of the claim will be dependent upon the severity of the injuries, the amount of medical care required, lost wages and the future medical care needed as well as how the injury may affect your future quality of life.

Do I need a lawyer for a slip and fall?

 If you have experienced injury or financial loss as the result of a slip and fall, it’s essential to consult with an attorney so that they may assist in protecting your rights and preventing the insurance companies from underestimating your claim.

When should you hire a slip and fall lawyer in Atlanta?

After an accident, you should contact an attorney slip and fall injury immediately if the injury is serious, if the insurance company is disputing liability, or if the insurance company is pressuring you to settle your claim quickly.

Are slip and fall cases hard to win?

A slip and fall case is usually winnable if you have good evidence and expert testimony. You can win your case even if the jury believes that you have some responsibility for the accident under Georgia’s comparative negligence laws.

How long after a slip and fall can you sue in Georgia?

Under Georgia law, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit; however, if you are making a claim for injuries sustained while on government property, the notice and time limitation for filing will likely be shorter.