Atlanta Slip & Fall Accident Attorneys
Slipped & Fell on Someone Else's Property in Atlanta, GA?
Slip-and-fall accidents are among the most common causes of injuries in Georgia. They occur when an individual slips or trips on another party's property due to hazardous conditions, such as wet floors, uneven surfaces, poorly maintained walkways, or inadequate warning signs. These accidents can result in severe injuries, including fractures, head injuries, spinal cord damage, and more.
At Cunningham Bounds, we recognize the complexities involved in these cases. Our team of experienced Atlanta slip-and-fall accident lawyers possesses a deep understanding of Georgia premises liability laws. We leverage this knowledge to meticulously investigate the circumstances surrounding your accident, identify liable parties, and maximize your entitled compensation.
Contact us today at (404) 609-1081 to schedule a free consultation with our team.
What is a Slip & Fall Accident?
A slip-and-fall accident is a type of premises liability and personal injury claim that is based on the theory of negligence. In order to have a valid slip and fall claim, you must be able to prove that the property owner or occupier was negligent in some way and that this negligence caused your injuries.
There are three main elements to a slip-and-fall claim:
- The property owner or occupier owed you a duty of care
- This duty of care was breached in some way
- You were injured as a result of this breach
Property owners and occupiers have a duty to keep their premises reasonably safe for guests, customers, and other visitors. This means that they must take certain precautions to prevent slip-and-fall accidents and other types of injuries. When they fail to do so, they can be held liable for any resulting damages.
Common Causes of Slip & Fall Accidents
Slip-and-fall accidents can happen for a variety of reasons. In some cases, they are caused by the victim’s own carelessness. However, in many cases, they are caused by the negligence of the property owner or occupier.
Some of the most common causes of slip-and-fall accidents include:
- Wet or slippery floors
- Uneven or broken flooring
- Loose or broken handrails
- Insufficient lighting
- Cluttered walkways
- Debris in walkways
- Electrical cords
- Unmarked steps
- Unmarked changes in elevation
- And more
When a property owner or occupier fails to take reasonable precautions to prevent slip-and-fall accidents, they can be held liable for any resulting injuries. This includes property owners and occupiers of private homes, as well as commercial property owners and occupiers.
Common Slip and Fall Injuries
Slip-and-fall accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, some of which can be quite severe. Slip and fall accidents are a leading cause of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and other catastrophic injuries.
Some of the most common injuries caused by slip-and-fall accidents include:
- Broken bones
- Soft tissue injuries
- Back and neck injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Head injuries
- Concussions
- Contusions
- Internal organ damage
- Paralysis
- And more
Slip-and-fall accident can also cause emotional trauma, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). If you have been injured in a slip-and-fall accident, you must seek medical attention right away. Even if you do not think you were seriously injured, you should still see a doctor. Some injuries, such as TBIs, may not be immediately apparent.
Who is Liable for a Slip and Fall Accident?
In Georgia, liability for a slip-and-fall accident typically depends on various factors and circumstances surrounding the incident. Determining who can be held responsible involves evaluating the property owner's duty of care and their negligence in maintaining safe premises.
Here are potential parties that could be held liable:
- Property Owners or Occupiers: These individuals or entities, such as businesses or homeowners, must maintain their property in a reasonably safe condition. If they knew or should have known about a hazardous condition but failed to address it or provide warnings, they might be held liable.
- Business Establishments: Stores, restaurants, malls, and other commercial properties owe a duty of care to their customers. They are responsible for regularly inspecting their premises, promptly addressing hazards like wet floors, loose rugs, or debris, and providing adequate warnings to prevent accidents.
- Property Managers or Landlords: If the property is managed by a separate entity or individual, they might share responsibility for maintaining safe conditions. This could include regular inspections, repairs, and addressing reported hazards.
- Maintenance Companies: Sometimes, property owners hire third-party maintenance companies or contractors. If their negligence in maintaining the property directly contributed to the hazardous conditions leading to the slip-and-fall, they could be held accountable.
- Government Entities: In cases involving public property or premises owned by government entities, liability might exist if the injury resulted from negligence in maintaining public areas, such as sidewalks, parks, or government buildings.
Proving liability in a slip-and-fall case often involves demonstrating that the responsible party knew or should have known about the dangerous condition and failed to take reasonable steps to rectify it or warn visitors.
It's important to note that Georgia follows a comparative negligence rule. This means that if the injured person shares some responsibility for the accident—for instance, by ignoring warning signs or being in an area they were not supposed to be—their compensation may be reduced based on their percentage of fault.
How Our Firm Can Help
At Cunningham Bounds, we understand how devastating a slip-and-fall accident can be. We know that these accidents can cause serious, life-altering injuries, and we are committed to helping you recover the compensation you are owed.
When you choose our firm, you can expect:
- Compassionate, one-on-one guidance
- Aggressive representation from a team of skilled attorneys
- Customized legal strategies tailored to your unique needs
- Open and honest communication throughout the process
- Access to our entire team of legal professionals
- And more
Our Atlanta slip-and-fall attorneys have been representing the injured since 1958. We have a proven track record of success, having recovered billions on behalf of our clients. We are prepared to put our extensive experience and resources to work for you.
Call (404) 609-1081 or contact us online to get started with a free, no-obligation consultation.