Georgia Premises Liability Lawyer
You have certain legal rights when you set foot on someone’s property or are in someone’s home or building. You have the right to expect that the owner of the property or the renter in control of the space has taken care of the property and hasn’t neglected a dangerous condition that could result in an injury.
Unfortunately, some property owners fail to live up to their obligations and visitors suffer serious injuries or even death. If this happens, you may be able to take legal action under laws related to premises liability in Georgia. These laws allow for victims injured in a slip-and-fall, dog bite incidents, swimming pool accident or other accident on property to pursue legal action. The laws can be complex, though, so it is helpful to have a Georgia premises liability lawyer representing you. At Stokes & Kopitsky, P.A., our attorneys have extensive experience representing clients injured on property and we can put our legal knowledge to work to help you pursue the money you deserve.
Understanding Premises Liability Laws in Georgia
Georgia law imposes a specific obligation or legal duty on every property owner and/or individual or company in control of property. The owner/occupier has the duty to maintain the property in a reasonably safe way for guests. This rule applies to public spaces, stores, restaurants, hotels, and even private homes.
The specific obligations of a property owner can vary depending upon who is coming into the property and the property’s purpose. For example:
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Store and restaurant owners and others who do business with the public owe the highest duty of care to their patrons. Property owners are expected to inspect their properties regularly, identify any risks or dangers, and then either correct those hazards or warn patrons about them.
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Property owners/occupiers who invite casual guests, friends or acquaintances over are also expected to correct hazards and risks or to warn their guests about them. However, in this case, there is no obligation to regularly inspect the premises. Instead, these property owners have to only fix or warn guests about risks on the property that the owners are aware of or that they reasonably ought to be aware of.
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Even trespassers get some protections, as property owners cannot set traps for them and property owners need to warn trespassers about serious dangers if the owners know the trespassers use the property.
The first step in any lawsuit against a property owner is to establish why you were on the property and what obligation the owner has to you. You can then show the owner broke that obligation and thus needs to compensate you for your injuries. A Georgia premises liability lawyer can help you gather evidence and prove the legal arguments necessary to make your case.
There are many situations in Georgia that lead to lawsuits or claims being made under premises liability law. For example, some scenarios where you might sue a property owner or occupier include:
- Slip and fall accidents
- Dog bites
- Swimming pool accidents
- Sports accidents
- Accidents caused by negligent security
- Accidents caused by dangers on property
As an injured victim, you have the legal burden of showing the property owner let you down in some way by exposing you to a danger and/or failing to protect you from risks on their premises. A Georgia premises liability attorney will evaluate your case, help you understand if the property owner did something wrong, and work with you to prove it.
Free Consultation with a Georgia Premises Liability Attorney
At Stokes & Kopitsky, P.A., our lawyers have helped many clients make successful claims for compensation after being injured on property. We can assist you in pursuing payment for your medical bills and costs; lost wages; pain and suffering; emotional distress; or the wrongful death of a loved one.
Call 404-892-0011 or contact one of our experienced Georgia premises liability attorneys to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can assist you.
