404-636-4900 At Deming Parker, we focus on helping you understand your rights under the law and guiding you through the process of claiming compensation for a slip and fall accident in Savannah. Our team, with 50+ years of experience in personal injury law, works to ensure you receive the support and advocacy necessary to address the legal challenges following an accident.
How our Team of Slip and Fall Attorney Can Assist You in Savannah
Falls are a significant public health issue, particularly among the elderly. According to the Georgia Department of Public Health, falls are the leading cause of unintentional injury death for those aged 65 and older, and the fifth leading cause for all ages.
When you suffer a slip and fall due to negligence (such as in scenarios involving unattended spills or uneven walkways), it’s important to know how to pursue legal action to get financially restored. Our team of slip and fall attorneys at Deming Parker can assist you with:
- Conducting an in-depth case analysis, where we thoroughly examine every aspect of your accident to determine the best approach for your claim.
- Meticulously gathering and assessing evidence to build a strong claim and clearly establish the other party’s liability.
- Handling negotiations with insurance companies or property owners, aiming for a fair settlement on your behalf.
- Representing you in court when negotiations don’t lead to a satisfactory outcome.
Our personal injury lawyers in Savannah understand the complexities of Georgia’s personal injury law and are committed to advocating for your rights. We’ll make a significant difference in the resolution of your claim, helping you to choose the best course of action and fighting for your best interests.
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.
Damages You Can Recover After a Slip and Fall Incident
Specifically, damages refer to the monetary compensation you have the right to recover to account for the losses and harm suffered due to an accident caused by someone else’s negligence. Overall, Georgia’s personal injury law allows you to recover the following damages:
Medical Expenses
You are entitled to recover all medical expenses related to your slip and fall injury. This includes immediate emergency care, ongoing treatments, rehabilitation costs, and any future medical needs linked to the accident.
Pain and Suffering
Compensation for pain and suffering addresses the non-economic impact of your accident, including the physical discomfort and emotional distress you have endured. Recognizing these impacts are as significant as any physical injury, you can recover compensation for your pain, mental anguish, trauma, and more.
Lost Wages
If your injury has impacted your ability to work, you can recover lost wages, including any potential future earnings lost due to the long-term impacts of the injury.
At Deming Parker, we meticulously calculate damages to ensure comprehensive coverage of all medical expenses, lost wages, and other non-economic losses. To achieve this, we work by gathering all relevant evidence, accurately establishing liability, and working with experts to assess the full extent of your injuries. Our track record of case results speaks for itself —we recently secured a $500,000.00 settlement in a premises liability case.
Hold the Responsible Accountable – Who Is at Fault After a Slip and Fall?
Determining who is at fault in a slip and fall accident is a critical step for a successful claim. Georgia Code 51-3-1 mandates property owners to maintain safe premises, and failure to do so leads to legal liability. We manage your case by identifying and proving negligence to hold the responsible accountable and secure your financial restitution. Here are some of the most common negligent parties in slip and fall accidents we handle:
Business Owners
Business owners must ensure their premises are safe for both customers and employees, which includes promptly addressing spillages, ensuring walkways are clear, and maintaining overall safety standards.
Private Property Owners
Additionally, private property owners are responsible for keeping their property safe for visitors. This includes fixing known hazards and adequately warning visitors of potential dangers to avoid accidents.
Municipal Entities
Lastly, municipal entities are also responsible for the proper upkeep of public spaces like sidewalks and parks. Their duty includes regular maintenance and addressing known hazards to prevent accidents.
Proving Liability for a Slip and Fall Accident
When pursuing a slip and fall claim, proving liability is crucial to securing compensation. This involves demonstrating that the property owner or responsible party was negligent in maintaining safe conditions. To establish liability, several key factors must be considered, and each plays a critical role in the success of your claim.
- Duty of care: The property owner must have had a legal duty to ensure the premises were safe for visitors. This means they are obligated to regularly inspect the property, address potential hazards, and ensure that visitors are not exposed to dangerous conditions.
- Breach of duty: It must be shown that the property owner failed to meet their duty by not maintaining a safe environment. Examples include failing to clean up spills, repairing broken stairs, or providing adequate lighting. This breach of duty is a fundamental component of proving negligence.
- Causation: There must be a direct link between the breach of duty and the injury sustained. This means demonstrating that the unsafe condition directly caused the slip and fall accident and that the injury would not have occurred if the property had been properly maintained.
- Damages: The injured party must have suffered actual damages, such as medical expenses, lost wages, or pain and suffering. These damages must be documented with medical records, bills, and other evidence to show the extent of the financial and emotional impact of the injury.
Proving these elements requires thorough evidence collection, including photographs of the accident scene, witness statements, and medical records. Our team at Deming Parker is experienced in gathering and presenting this evidence to build a compelling case for our clients.
What Happens After Filing a Slip and Fall Claim?
Once we file your slip and fall claim, the at-fault party will typically respond in one of two ways:
- Denial of Responsibility: The at-fault party may deny causing the accident. If this occurs, our slip and fall attorneys in Savannah will proceed with formal litigation, using our extensive courtroom experience to build a strong case and hold them accountable.
- Low Settlement Offer: The at-fault party might accept some responsibility but offer a low settlement. This is a common tactic. Our skilled negotiators will reject insufficient offers and fight for a settlement that truly reflects the extent of your injuries and losses.
Rest assured, whether through negotiation or litigation, our team is committed to securing the compensation you deserve.
What If I am Partially At-Fault for My Injury?
In Georgia, the concept of comparative negligence applies to slip and fall cases, as outlined in Georgia Code Section 51-12-33. This means that if you are partially at fault for your injury, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault, your compensation will be reduced by 20%. It’s important to work with an experienced attorney at Deming Parker who can minimize your perceived fault and maximize your compensation.
Our team will thoroughly investigate your case to determine the extent of fault and fight to ensure you receive fair compensation.
How Long Do I Have to File a Slip and Fall Claim?
In Georgia, the statute of limitations for filing a slip and fall claim is typically two years from the date of the accident, according to Georgia Code Section 9-3-33. This means you have a two-year window to file your claim; otherwise, you may lose your right to seek compensation. Acting promptly is crucial to ensure that all necessary evidence, such as witness statements and accident scene documentation, is collected while it’s still available.
Delaying your claim can make it harder to connect your injuries to the accident and may weaken your case. By seeking legal assistance quickly, you allow your attorneys ample time to build a strong case, negotiate with insurers, and ensure that all legal procedures are properly followed.
If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident, don’t wait—contact us as soon as possible to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.
Types of Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents generally fall into three main categories:
- Trip and Fall: This occurs when you trip over an object or obstruction in your path, causing you to fall. Common causes include uneven flooring, misplaced items, or loose wires.
- Step and Fall: In a step and fall, you encounter an unexpected drop, such as a hole, step, or other hazard in your walking path, leading to a fall.
- Slip and Fall: This type of accident happens when you lose your footing due to a slick or wet surface, such as a spill, ice, or recently mopped floor.
Common Hazards Leading to Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents can result from various hazards, including:
- Wet or slick surfaces
- Uneven or cracked flooring
- Cluttered walkways
- Torn or loose carpeting
- Broken sidewalks or potholes
- Exposed cords or wiring
- Poor lighting or visibility
- Snow, ice, or rain accumulation
These hazards often stem from inadequate maintenance or negligence, making it important to address them promptly to prevent accidents.
Common Slip and Fall Injuries
With decades of experience, we have seen how slip and fall accidents result in various injuries, some of which are severe and life-altering. Common injuries you can sustain in such accidents may include:
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Broken bones
- Severe lacerations and bruising
- Wrongful death
The CDC highlights that victims of falls incur worrying costs to take care of their injuries, with medical expenses exceeding $50 billion in 2015 alone. That’s why it is important for victims to properly address the issue by taking legal action promptly. But remember that you don’t have to shoulder the costs of someone else’s negligence: there are several options in Georgia to recover compensation.
If you have a case, we invite you to schedule a free consultation to evaluate your situation and discuss the best options available to claim compensation. Our goal is to make sure your rights are well represented and you are not subjected to lowball settlement offers.
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.
Our Attorneys Can Help You Maximize Compensation for Your Slip and Fall Case in Savannah – No Fee Unless We Win
At Deming Parker, we offer more than just legal representation: we can be your attorneys for life, and we already are for many residents in Savannah. With over 50 years of experience under our belt, our team is equipped to handle your case with the utmost professionalism, no matter its complexity.
We operate on a contingency fee basis, which means there are no fees unless we win your case. So, if you’re ready to take legal action, contact us today to schedule a free initial consultation and assess the merits of your case with our team.
