Georgia’s residents visit places where they can experience injuries, even at places you would not normally think to be dangerous. For example, wet floors in a supermarket can cause slip-and-fall accidents, or a faulty escalator can result in broken bones. That is why it is essential to understand what to do if you end up injured in this type of situation.
Georgia’s code states that property owners are responsible for exercising reasonable care to keep their premises safe for their visitors. This applies to public spaces, like malls and restaurants, and private places, like a home or vacation rental. Generally, owners can be liable for injuries caused by their neglect in failing to exercise ordinary care for their property or visitors.
Furthermore, there are other situations in which the owner can be liable for damages. For example, if a landlord knowingly ignores safety regulations and a tenant suffers an injury. This can also happen in hotels, swimming pools, restaurants, amusement parks and other public places.
Likewise, property owners could be liable for crimes that happen on their property. For instance, when someone unfortunately experiences sexual assault in a hotel, the owners could be liable for failing to provide security and safety measures that could have deterred or prevented the crime from occurring. Failing to do provide such measures might be grounds for legal action.
Collecting evidence
The first step after suffering an injury is seeking medical attention. Then, you can take further action. Collecting evidence of the event, such as photographs and videos of safety violations, can be helpful later.
Additionally, keep any medical records or police reports related to your injury. Also, if you have other relevant documents, such as a lease or online reservation, it is best to safeguard them. Collecting evidence can be helpful to prove that the event was caused by negligence.
Choosing a lawyer
Despite the complexity of your case, a premises liability lawyer can guide you through the process. When choosing a lawyer, it is essential to research if they have taken on similar cases before and the results of those proceedings. This way, you can ensure they are familiar with federal and state laws and know how to help you.
An attorney will be able to evaluate the viability of your case and provide legal counseling when needed. They can work on the legal nuances of your case while you focus on recovery. During your initial consultation, state your needs and expectations to ensure they can adequately defend your interests.