Under Georgia law, those who suffer from slip and fall accidents due to negligence or unsafe conditions are entitled to seek compensation. At Deming Parker, our extensive experience in personal injury law -spanning over five decades in Georgia- will undoubtedly help you to confidently take legal action and fight for your right to compensation.

How an Atlanta Slip and Fall Accident Attorney Can Help You

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, falls, slips, and trips account for 27% of all occupational injuries. And when such accidents occur due to negligence, victims have the right to seek legal recourse. We know that a slip-and-fall accident can cause serious injuries, and it can be difficult to know what to do next. However, in this scenario, our team of personal injury attorneys in Atlanta can advocate for you in the following ways:

Detailed case analysis: First, we conduct a thorough review of your case, considering all aspects of the incident to assess the strength of your claim and the potential compensation amount we can get.
Legal guidance: We also offer advice on your legal rights and Georgia’s personal injury laws to help you make informed decisions in your case moving forward.
Evidence collection and case building: Our lawyers gather essential evidence and establish liability to build a compelling case that allows you to secure compensation.
Negotiations with insurance companies: Experienced in dealing with insurers, our attorneys negotiate to ensure you receive a settlement.
Court representation: If negotiations fail, we’ll represent you in court and advocate vigorously for your interests in front of a judge and jury.

After a slip-and-fall accident that caused injuries or other damages, our team of lawyers is equipped to guide and support you through this whole process.

Need expert legal advice? Our experienced team of injury attorneys are here to help. Call our personal injury lawyers in the state of Georgia at (404) 636-4900 or contact us online.

Negligence Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents in Atlanta

Georgia Code 51-3-1 clearly states the responsibility of property owners or occupiers to ensure the safety of their premises, mandating they exercise ordinary care in keeping their premises safe. At the same time, failure to comply results in negligence and legal liability for any injuries they cause. Here are some potential negligent parties in slip and fall accidents we commonly hear at our law firm:

Property Owners

Property owners are primarily responsible for maintaining safe conditions on their premises. This includes regular inspections, timely repairs, and adequate warnings about potential hazards.

Business Operators

In commercial settings, business operators must ensure their establishments are safe for customers and employees. This responsibility extends to addressing spillages, ensuring adequate lighting, and maintaining safe walkways.

Government Entities

Public spaces like sidewalks, parks, and government buildings must be maintained by the respective government entities. Neglect in upkeep leads to hazardous conditions which increases the possibility of slip and fall accidents.

Maintenance Companies

Companies contracted to maintain properties are responsible for ensuring their work doesn’t create unsafe conditions. This includes proper cleaning methods and notifying about potential hazards.

Landlords

Lastly, landlords must ensure rental properties are safe for tenants and visitors. This includes addressing structural issues and ensuring common areas are free of hazards.

Common Causes of Slip and Fall Injuries

Commonly, slip and fall injuries fall under the category of premises liability and are caused by:

Wet or uneven surfaces: Commonly due to spills, waxed floors, and loose floorboards.
Weather conditions: Ice, snow, and rain can make outdoor areas particularly hazardous.
Poor lighting: Insufficient lighting can prevent the identification of potential dangers.
Cluttered floors: Obstacles and debris increase the chance of tripping.

If this is unfortunately your case, we can help you determine the reasons behind your slip and fall accident in order to claim a fair amount of compensation to cover your losses.

Damages You Can Recover After a Slip and Fall Accident in Atlanta

The amount of compensation you may receive often correlates with the severity and impact of the injuries sustained, and includes:

Medical Expenses

Claiming compensation for all medical-related costs stemming from the accident encompasses a wide range of expenses, including but not limited to:

Immediate medical care and emergency room visits.
Ongoing medical treatments.
Costs of surgeries or medical procedures directly related to the injuries.
Future medical needs, including long-term care or rehabilitation.
Prescription medications and any necessary medical equipment.

Pain and Suffering

Compensation for pain and suffering addresses the non-economic impact of the accident, such as:

Physical pain and discomfort endured during and after the incident.
Emotional and psychological distress (including anxiety, depression, and trauma).
Decreased quality of life or disruption of daily activities.
Long-term suffering due to permanent injuries or chronic pain.

Lost Wages

Lastly, you can also seek compensation for financial losses if the injury caused inability to work, which includes:

Lost income from missed work days following the accident.
Loss of earning capacity if the injury leads to long-term or permanent inability to work.
Potential future earnings lost due to the injury’s impact on the victim’s career.

At Deming Parker, our lawyers work to maximize your damages and ensure you receive the highest compensation amount available for your case. You can schedule an initial consultation with a personal injury lawyer to discuss case result amounts and evaluate your legal options.

The Most Common Slip and Fall Accidents

In Atlanta, we have seen how several places such as grocery stores, public sidewalks, shopping malls, office buildings, and even private homes are common sites for slip and fall accidents. As personal injury lawyers, understanding the specific conditions that often lead to these accidents can help us identify when negligence may be at play and when you might have a valid legal claim.

Overall, these are the factors we consider:

Wet or uneven surfaces: Often found in grocery stores or restaurants, spills or freshly mopped floors without proper signage can cause serious falls.
Weather conditions: Outdoor surfaces like sidewalks, parking lots, and building entrances can become treacherous with rain, snow, or ice.
Poor lighting: Inadequate lighting in parking lots, stairwells, or hallways can prevent you from seeing potential hazards.
Cluttered floors: Objects left in walkways, such as boxes, tools, or other debris, can create tripping hazards.
Stairs and escalators: Broken steps, loose handrails, or malfunctioning escalators in both residential and commercial buildings can lead to accidents.
Defective sidewalks and walkways: Cracked, uneven, or poorly maintained pavements can cause falls, especially in busy areas.

We offer a free consultation where you can discuss every facet of your accident. Our team is here to listen and provide unbiased advice on the most effective legal courses to take.

What Types of Injuries Justify a Slip and Fall Lawsuit in Atlanta?

Slip and fall accidents can lead to various injuries, some of which can have long-lasting impacts on your health and well-being. Knowing which injuries can justify a lawsuit is essential for understanding your legal options and pursuing compensation. Overall, these are the most common injuries we see in the claims we assist:

Fractures and broken bones: Common in wrists, arms, hips, and ankles, these injuries can require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
Head injuries: Ranging from mild concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries, these can have significant long-term effects.
Spinal cord injuries: These can result in partial or complete paralysis, chronic pain, and other severe complications.
Sprains and strains: These injuries, often affecting the ankles, knees, and wrists, can cause significant pain and limit mobility.
Cuts and abrasions: While sometimes minor, these injuries can lead to infections and require medical attention.
Soft tissue injuries: Damage to muscles, ligaments, and tendons can result in long-term pain and necessitate physical therapy.

At Deming Parker, our commitment to justice and restitution stands on its own. We have secured millionaire settlements for our injured clients and invite you to discuss case results related to your situation. No matter your situation, we can help.

Did You Share Fault for the Slip and Fall Near You?

Georgia’s comparative negligence law allows for the possibility that both the property owner and the injured party may share some degree of fault for a slip and fall accident. This law can impact the amount of compensation you receive. If you are found to be partially at fault, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are deemed 30% at fault, your compensation will be reduced by 30%.

At Deming Parker, we thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding your accident to minimize your degree of fault and maximize your potential compensation.

What Are Your Legal Options After a Slip and Fall Accident?

After a slip-and-fall accident, you have several avenues to pursue legal action in Atlanta. Here are the most common ones, which are often the ones chosen by our clients:

Filing a Premises Liability Claim

Premises liability claims arise when property owners fail to maintain safe conditions, leading to injuries. If you’re injured due to such negligence, this claim seeks to hold the property owner legally accountable.

However, it’s essential to act promptly when building your case, since Georgia has a strict statute of limitations for personal injury cases. According to Georgia Code 9-3-33, you have a two-year window to file a premises liability claim, after which you’ll lose your right to compensation.

Negotiating with Property Owners or Insurers

Often, we can negotiate a fair settlement without resorting to court proceedings. Our attorneys are skilled in negotiating with property owners and their insurance companies, which involves presenting a strong case backed by evidence to ensure you receive a settlement that adequately covers your damages.

Litigation

In situations where negotiations don’t yield a satisfactory outcome, litigation becomes a necessary step. We are prepared to represent you in court, which involves presenting your case before a judge or jury. We’ll argue on your behalf, demonstrating how the negligence of the property owner led to your injuries and the resulting damages, to advocate for your right to compensation.