Premises Liability Attorney in Atlanta

Property owners in Atlanta must make their premises reasonably safe for visitors and guests. If you are hurt due to a property owner’s carelessness or recklessness, you could be entitled to damages such as lost wages, medical costs, pain and anguish, and more, but one thing is for certain: you should definitely work with a qualified Atlanta premises liability lawyer.

Morgan & Morgan knows that a significant injury can change everything and negatively impact your career, family, and life quality. We want you to get justice and adequate compensation if someone else is responsible. Our tenacious slip and fall lawyers represent victims who got hurt due to unsafe conditions on another’s property.

Contact us now for a free case evaluation to learn about your options for getting what you deserve.

What Is Premises Liability?

Premises liability law allows injured victims to recover damages if they suffer an injury on another’s property due to a hazardous condition. Poorly maintained properties can lead to various incidents that may give victims grounds to sue and seek compensation. Examples of premises liability claims include:

Slips and Falls

The most common examples of premises liability cases are slips and falls. If an Atlanta property owner failed to fix a hazard or neglected to put up a warning sign, and you suffered harm, they may be liable for your injuries. Hazardous conditions can include:

• Lack of lighting
• Uneven or cracked flooring
• Bulging carpets
• Loose mats and rugs
• Spillages on floors
• Missing steps
• Lack of handrails

A Morgan & Morgan slip and fall lawyer can assess your accident and determine whether you qualify for compensation.

Hotel Accidents

If you are staying in a hotel or resort in Atlanta, you should be able to expect comfort and a certain level of safety. Hotel owners and managers must have policies and procedures in place to keep guests safe from injuries. Unsafe conditions can include:

• Broken locks on doors and windows
• Dangerous or toxic materials in rooms
• Leaks in bathrooms causing slip hazards
• Icy and slippery entranceways
• Unsanitary conditions causing infections or food poisoning
• Negligent security causing thefts or assaults

If you or a family member got hurt at a hotel in Atlanta, contact Morgan & Morgan to determine your legal options. Under premises liability law, you could qualify for damages.

Swimming Pool Injuries

If a private, commercial, or public pool owner in Atlanta fails to take the proper precautions to keep guests and visitors safe, they could be liable. Georgia, like many other states, has swimming pool laws designed to protect children and vulnerable persons from injuries and drowning. State law, among other provisions, requires private and public pools to be fenced in. If a property owner fails to fence in their pool or leaves gates unlocked, they could be liable if a child suffers injuries or drowns in the pool.

Public pools must comply with further regulations relating to water quality, depth markings, lighting, and other issues. Visitors who suffered injuries due to a public pool hazard could have legal recourse.

Attacks and Assaults

When we visit a restaurant, bar, or retail store, we have the right to feel safe. However, when property owners neglect security measures, such as installing locks and security cameras, visitors could become victims of crimes. Negligent security incidents can include, among others:

• Violent robberies
• Sexual assaults
• Attacks
• Shootings and stabbings

Morgan & Morgan is here to help if you or a loved one got hurt in a negligent security incident in Atlanta.  

Other Common Premises Liability Claims

There can be many different types of premises liability claims. However, cases we commonly see in our practice include:

• Dog bites and attacks
• Injuries from falling objects
• Elevator and escalator accidents
• Exposure to toxic chemicals
• Construction site accidents
• Theme park accidents

The Time to File a Premises Liability Claim in Atlanta Is Limited

If you have a premises liability case, acting immediately can be beneficial for your claim. Premises liability generally falls under personal injury law. Georgia’s deadline for filing a personal injury claim, as per Georgia Code Section 9-3-33, is generally two years from the date of the injury or accident.

However, if you slipped and fell or came to harm in an incident on government property, your time window for filing a claim could be considerably shorter. To pursue a case against the state, county, or municipality, injured individuals must first file an “ante litem” notice with the responsible Atlanta government entity. Moreover, the process to file an ante litem notice is subject to a short time limit and must be followed in detail.

If you fail to complete the relevant paperwork correctly and send it to the proper individuals, your entire claim could be dismissed. Morgan & Morgan’s premises liability lawyers can ensure that your documents are filed correctly and on time, giving you the best chance for a successful compensation claim.

Compensation You Could Recover With a Premises Liability Claim

If you were injured in a slip and fall or another premises liability incident, your compensation would depend on the scope of your injuries and expenses. However, in general, you could receive:

Healthcare Expenses

Victims could recover all medical bills for their injuries, including:

• Medications
• Diagnostic testing
• Medical devices
• Surgeries
• Rehabilitation costs
• Future medical costs

If your injuries are severe or you suffered a permanent disability, you could qualify for a home health aide and funds to adjust your vehicle and home to your new requirements.

Loss of Income

If you suffered a significant injury or impairment, you might be unable to return to work for weeks, months, or longer. Therefore, you could be entitled to all the income you lost due to your injury, including future reduced earning potential.

Compensation for Pain and Anguish

Victims who suffer a severe or permanent personal injury not only have financial losses but could be impacted in all areas of their lives, including their relationships and emotional well-being. Depending on your injuries, you could be entitled to so-called non-economic damages, including:

• Physical pain and suffering
• Emotional trauma
• Reduced life enjoyment
• Permanent scarring
• Inconvenience
• Disability

You may also be entitled to damages in addition to those mentioned above.