Slip and Fall Accidents in Georgia: Who’s Liable?

Slip and fall accidents can happen in an instant but leave lasting injuries. If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall incident in Georgia, determining who’s liable is key to recovering compensation for your injuries. At Benton & Benton, we specialize in personal injury cases and are here to help you understand your rights.

Understanding Premises Liability

In Georgia, property owners have a legal duty to keep their premises safe for visitors. When someone is injured on their property due to negligence, the owner may be held liable under what’s known as “premises liability.” This includes slip and fall accidents caused by unsafe conditions like wet floors, uneven surfaces, or poorly lit areas.

Who’s Liable for a Slip and Fall Accident?

Determining liability in a slip and fall case depends on several factors:

• The Property Owner’s Duty of Care: Property owners are expected to maintain safe conditions and address hazards in a timely manner. If they knew about a dangerous condition but failed to fix it, they could be held liable.
• Your Status on the Property: Georgia law considers whether you were an invitee (such as a customer in a store), a licensee (a guest on private property), or a trespasser. Invitees are owed the highest duty of care, while property owners owe limited duties to licensees and trespassers.
• Contributory Negligence: Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means that if you are partially at fault for your accident, your compensation could be reduced. For example, if you were distracted or ignored warning signs, the property owner’s liability may be limited.

Proving Negligence in Slip and Fall Cases

To successfully prove a slip and fall claim, you must show that the property owner was negligent. This includes demonstrating:

• The property owner knew or should have known about the hazardous condition.
• The condition was not fixed or properly marked with warnings.
• Your injury directly resulted from the unsafe condition.

What to Do After a Slip and Fall Accident

If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident, here are the steps to take:

1. Seek medical attention immediately.
2. Report the accident to the property owner or manager.
3. Document the scene by taking pictures and gathering witness statements.
4. Contact an experienced attorney at Benton & Benton to evaluate your case.

Slip and fall accidents can lead to serious injuries and long-term consequences. Understanding your rights and who’s liable is crucial to getting the compensation you deserve. If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident in Georgia, Benton & Benton can help. Contact us for a free consultation today.