Slip and Fall Attorney in Georgia

Slip-and-fall accidents are among the most common unexpected incidents that cause injuries. They can occur in any indoor or outdoor setting, from restaurants and sports arenas to hotels and hospitals. While some people avoid severe injuries after a trip-and-fall or slip-and-fall accident, others have to deal with intense pain, expensive medical bills, and deep emotional distress. Thankfully, if you suffered injuries in a slip-and-fall accident due to someone else’s carelessness, you may be able to pursue compensation from negligent property owners. The key is to work with an experienced, compassionate slip-and-fall accident law firm.

As lawyers with over 50 years of combined experience, the team at Bayuk Pratt has what it takes to help you recover maximum compensation for a slip-and-fall accident. We have recovered over $300 million for our clients and won’t rest until we hold the liable parties accountable for your injuries. As former insurance company defense lawyers, we know how insurers deny people like you the money they need for a full recovery. We can build a compelling case for compensation and handle all the legal details of a slip-and-fall claim.

Call us today or complete our contact form for a free consultation with a Georgia slip-and-fall lawyer.

Why You Should Hire a Georgia Slip-and-Fall Attorney

Attempting to handle a slip-and-fall case on your own can be overwhelming if you’re already struggling with severe injuries. You face complex legal procedures, stubborn insurance companies, and tight deadlines. Hiring a Georgia slip-and-fall attorney from Bayuk Pratt can make a substantial difference in your case. An experienced lawyer knows the Georgia legal system and can guide you through every step. They can gather evidence to support your claim, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if needed.

Working with former insurance company lawyers like those at Bayuk Pratt gives you an edge in a slip-and-fall lawsuit. Our knowledge allows us to anticipate the at-fault party’s moves and build a robust case on your behalf. With our help, you have a better chance of getting fair compensation for your injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Trying to handle a slip-and-fall claim without legal representation can be risky. You might miss important case filing deadlines, fail to gather crucial evidence, or undervalue your losses. Insurance companies often take advantage of individuals without legal representation by offering low settlements or denying their claims altogether. By hiring a skilled slip-and-fall lawyer in Georgia, you can protect your rights and increase your chances of a successful outcome.

What Kinds of Damages Can I Pursue in a Slip-and-Fall Case?

If you sustained a slip-and-fall injury on someone else’s property, you may have the right to various types of compensation. Depending on your injuries and other factors, your slip-and-fall compensation could include money for the following:

• Medical Expenses – You can seek compensation for all medical costs related to your injury. This includes hospital bills, doctor visits, medication, physical therapy, and any future medical expenses.
• Lost Wages – If your injury caused you to miss work, you can claim compensation for your lost income. This includes any future wages if you cannot return to work right away or at all.
• Pain and Suffering – Slip-and-fall accidents can cause significant physical pain and emotional distress. You can pursue damages for the pain and suffering you’ve endured as a result of the accident.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life – Injuries from a slip-and-fall can impact your ability to enjoy daily activities and hobbies. You can seek compensation for this loss of enjoyment.
• Punitive Damages – In cases involving particularly egregious negligence, you might be able to pursue punitive damages. These are meant to punish the responsible party and deter similarly negligent behavior in the future.
• Property Damage – If any of your personal belongings were damaged in the accident, you can seek compensation to repair or replace them.

Who Is Responsible for an Injury in a Slip-and-Fall Case?

Property owners in Georgia owe different levels of care to people on their property, depending on their status and whether they have permission to be on the premises. Invitees are people invited onto the property for business purposes, like customers in a store. Property owners owe invitees the highest duty of care, meaning they must regularly inspect the property, fix any known hazards, and warn visitors of potential dangers on the grounds.

Licensees are social guests or people allowed on a property for non-business reasons. Owners must warn licensees of known dangers but don’t have to inspect the property for hazards. Trespassers are those who enter the property without permission. Property owners owe the lowest duty of care to trespassers, generally only needing to avoid willfully causing them harm.

When determining liability in a slip-and-fall case, it’s vital to understand who is responsible for maintaining the property. Several parties could be liable for your injuries.

• Property Owner – The person who owns the property is often responsible for keeping it safe. If they knew about a hazard and didn’t fix it, they might be liable for your injuries.
• Business Owner – If the slip-and-fall injury happened at a business, the business owner could be responsible. They must keep the premises safe for customers and other visitors.
• Property Manager – Sometimes, property owners hire someone else to oversee the premises. If the property manager failed to address a known hazard, they could be liable for your injuries.
• Tenant – Tenants are sometimes responsible for maintaining certain areas of a rented property. If your slip-and-fall accident occurred in one of these areas, the tenant could be liable.
• Government Entity – If your slip-and-fall happened on public property, a government entity might be responsible. These cases are often more complex due to different rules and procedures for suing the government.

How Long Do I Have to File a Slip-and-Fall Lawsuit in Georgia?

For the slip-and-fall lawsuit timeline in Georgia, in general you have two years from the date of the accident to file. However, there are instances where you might have to act more quickly, such as in cases involving government agencies. It’s critical to talk to a premises liability lawyer from Bayuk Pratt as soon as possible after a slip-and-fall accident to avoid missing any crucial deadlines. Your attorney can make sure you file the necessary paperwork in time to protect your rights.

What Are Common Types of Slip-and-Fall Accidents?

Slip-and-fall accidents can happen in many different ways. Some common types of slip-and-fall accidents involve individuals tripping or slipping due to:

• Wet or Slippery Floors – Spills, leaks, or recently mopped floors can create slippery surfaces. These hazards can cause you to lose your balance and fall.
• Uneven Surfaces – Cracked sidewalks, potholes, or uneven flooring create a dangerous hazard. These uneven surfaces are common in both outdoor and indoor areas.
• Loose or Torn Carpets – Rugs or carpets not properly secured to the floor can create tripping hazards. Loose edges or torn sections can easily catch your foot and cause a fall.
• Poor Lighting – Insufficient lighting can make it hard to see obstacles or changes in the floor level. Poor lighting can increase the risk of slipping or tripping.
• Cluttered Walkways – Items left in walkways or aisles, such as boxes or cords, can create tripping hazards. These obstacles can be especially dangerous in tight or crowded areas.
• Stairs with Missing or Broken Handrails – Stairs that lack proper handrails can be hazardous. Without a sturdy handrail for support, you are more likely to fall if you lose your balance.
• Snow and Ice – In cold weather, snow and ice can accumulate on walkways and stairs. These slippery conditions can cause dangerous falls if not properly cleared.

What Are Common Places Where Slip-and-Fall Accidents Occur?

Slip-and-fall accidents can happen almost anywhere, but certain places are more prone to these incidents. Some familiar places where slip-and-fall accidents occur in Georgia include:

Being aware of these common locations can help you stay alert and avoid potential trip-and-fall hazards. If you do experience a slip-and-fall accident in any of these places, you may have grounds for a claim.

What Are Common Injuries Someone Can Sustain in a Slip-and-Fall Accident?

Slip-and-fall accidents in Georgia often cause devastating injuries, including:

• Bruises and Contusions – These are common in slip-and-fall accidents and occur when you hit a hard surface.
• Sprains and Strains – These injuries involve overstretching or tearing ligaments and muscles. They often happen when you twist or fall awkwardly.
• Fractures – Broken bones are common after a slip-and-fall or trip-and-fall, especially in the wrists, arms, ankles, and hips. A slip-and-fall can cause you to land hard on a bone, leading to a fracture.
• Head Injuries – These occur when you hit your head, either on the floor or on another object, and can range from relatively minor concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries.
• Back and Spinal Injuries – Slipping and falling can cause serious back and spinal injuries, including herniated discs and spinal cord damage. These injuries can lead to long-term pain and disability, including paralysis in some cases.
• Cuts and Abrasions – Sharp edges or rough surfaces can cause cuts and abrasions during a fall. These injuries may require stitches or other medical treatment.