404-636-4900 When accidents on another’s property in Macon lead to injuries, the law says you are entitled to claim compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.
Our team of experienced attorneys at Deming Parker, who’ve been winning cases for residents all over Georgia since 1974, aims to secure justice for those injured due to negligence. Whether it was a slip and fall at a grocery store, a dog bite on a neighbor’s property, or a malfunctioning pool at an apartment complex, we’re here to fight for the compensation you deserve.
How Our Macon Premises Liability Lawyer Can Help
According to the National Safety Council, falls are the leading cause of preventable injury-related deaths in 5 states in the U.S. and the #3 cause in 21 states. A significant portion of falls occur on public and private property due to another’s negligence.
Facing the aftermath of such an accident can leave you feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about your next steps. However, our team of personal injury lawyers in Macon is equipped to guide you through every stage of your claim. Our approach includes:
- Conducting a thorough investigation to determine the cause of your accident and identify all liable parties.
- Gathering evidence, including medical records, accident reports, and witness statements, to build a strong case for compensation and support your claim.
- Negotiating aggressively with insurance companies to obtain the maximum compensation you deserve and counteract any insurers’ techniques to minimize payouts.
- Representing you in court if necessary to fight for your rights.
Obligations of Property Owners in Macon
According to Georgia Code § 51-3-1, property owners in Macon have a legal obligation to ensure their premises are safe for visitors, otherwise, they can be held liable for damages. This responsibility includes:
- Regular maintenance and keeping common areas free of hazards such as spills, uneven walkways, and malfunctioning equipment.
- Providing adequate lighting in all areas accessible to visitors.
- Conducting regular safety inspections and addressing potential dangers.
- Prompt repairs of known hazards.
- Warning visitors of dangers through signage or verbal communication.
When owners fail to meet these obligations, it can result in liability for any accidents and injuries that occur on their property.
What Is the Difference between Premises and Personal Injury?
While both premises and personal injury law aim to protect individuals from harm caused by others, they apply to different scenarios. Premises liability focuses specifically on injuries that occur due to unsafe conditions on someone’s property, whereas personal injury law covers a broader range of accidents and negligent acts.
For example, personal injury involves injuries like car accidents, workplace injuries, and product defects, regardless of where they occur.
What Is the Premises Liability Law in Georgia?
Premises liability law in Georgia governs the legal responsibilities of property owners and occupiers to prevent harm to visitors on their property, which is crucial for ensuring environments are safe for everyone.
As we’ve already stated, the core principle of premises liability is that property owners must maintain their property in a reasonably safe condition and warn of any hidden dangers. In Georgia, the duty of care a property owner owes depends on the visitor’s legal status, which is categorized into three main groups:
- Invitees: These are individuals who are invited onto the property for the benefit of the property owner or occupier, such as customers in a store. Property owners owe invitees the highest duty of care.
- Licensees: Licensees are people who enter the property for their own purposes but with the property owner’s permission, such as social guests.
- Trespassers: Trespassers are those who enter the property without permission. Property owners owe the least duty of care to trespassers, generally only required to refrain from willfully injuring them.
Georgia’s premises liability law also emphasizes the concept of comparative negligence, as outlined in Georgia Code § 51-12-33. This means that if the injured party is found to be partially at fault for their injuries, their compensation will be reduced proportionally to their degree of fault.
Our team of lawyers can help tremendously in these circumstances since they have the necessary knowledge to build a solid case that highlights the other party’s negligence. Thus, we can avoid unfair attempts to reduce compensation through the doctrine of comparative negligence.
The Statute of Limitations for Premises Liability in Georgia
It’s crucial to act quickly after a premises liability injury. According to the Georgia Code § 9-3-33, the statute of limitations for filing a claim is generally two years from the date of the injury. However, there may be exceptions to this statute depending on your case’s specific circumstances. The lawyers at Deming Parker will help you understand these time constraints and ensure you present your claim promptly to uphold your rights.
Your Legal Options After Suffering Injuries on Someone Else’s Property
If you’ve been injured on someone else’s property in Georgia, taking the right steps will significantly impact your ability to recover damages for your injuries, medical expenses, and lost wages.
At Deming Parker, we’ll help you make informed decisions and plan on the best legal strategy to pursue moving forward, according to your case’s specific circumstances. Overall, premises liability victims solve their cases by embarking on one or more of the following paths:
File a Personal Injury Lawsuit
Initiating a personal injury lawsuit enables you to seek compensation through the court system. This legal action requires proving the property owner’s negligence directly led to your injury.
The process begins with the injured party, known as the plaintiff, filing a complaint in a court that has jurisdiction over the location where the injury occurred. This document outlines the nature of the injury, how the property owner’s negligence contributed to the incident, and the specific damages you sought.
Negotiate a Settlement
Often, disputes are resolved outside of court through settlement negotiations. This process involves discussing a fair compensation amount with the property owner or their insurance company, aiming for a mutually agreeable resolution.
The process typically starts with the injured party or their attorney presenting a detailed demand letter to the property owner or their insurer that serves as the basis for negotiations, which can involve several rounds of discussions and counteroffers.
Pursue an Insurance Claim
Filing a claim with the property owner’s insurance generally requires filling out claim forms provided by the insurer, accompanied by all relevant evidence.
Once the claim is submitted, the insurance company will conduct its own investigation into the incident, and the insurance adjuster assigned to the case will then determine the insurer’s liability and the amount of compensation they’re willing to offer.
All of these different legal avenues to pursue compensation can be confusing, but the lawyers at Deming Parker will provide clarity on what’s the best course of action for your situation. As our case results show, we’ve secured millions in compensation for victims in Georgia (including a recent $500,000 settlement for a premises liability case!).
Contact Our Premises Liability Lawyers in Macon for Legal Representation
After being injured on someone else’s property in Macon, don’t let the burden of navigating the legal system hold you back. Our experienced premises liability lawyers are here to provide the legal representation you need to secure compensation and move forward.
Contact Deming Parker today to schedule a free consultation with our team in Macon, with no financial obligation to you—there are no fees unless we win your case.
