ATLANTA SLIP & FALL ACCIDENT ATTORNEY

Compassionate With Clients And Aggressive Against Insurance Companies in Georgia

Slips and falls can happen on premises that are dangerous or undermaintained. If you have been injured in such a situation, do not hesitate to reach out to Davis Injury Firm for legal counsel on your next steps. We can help you craft a strong case for damages against the property owner or whoever else could be at fault. We are compassionate with our clients but ruthless in court and against insurance companies. We will do our best to obtain the results you are looking for, and no case is too hard for us to take on.

Let Davis Injury Firm fight for you today. Contact us online to get started with our slip & fall attorney in Atlanta. Advocating for injured individuals in the state of Georgia. 

What Are the Elements of a Slip and Fall?

Slips and falls can happen in a variety of ways, such as due to:

• wet floor;
• trash or debris left on walkways;
• uneven sidewalks and parking lots;
• loose carpeting;
• holes or ditches on the floor;
• broken escalators;
• loose handrails.

Common Injuries in Slip & Fall Accidents

Slip and fall accidents can lead to many injuries, some of which could have long-lasting consequences. Understanding the common injuries connected with these incidents is essential in building a strong case for your compensation. Some common injuries may include:

• Head Injuries: One of the most severe consequences of a slip and fall accident is a head injury. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), concussions, and skull fractures can transpire when the head makes direct contact with a hard surface during a fall. These injuries may lead to cognitive impairments, memory loss, and long-term disabilities.
• Back and Spinal Cord Injuries: The impact of a fall could affect the spine, resulting in injuries like herniated discs, fractured vertebrae, or damage to the spinal cord. These injuries may lead to chronic pain, paralysis, or other mobility issues that significantly impact your quality of life.
• Broken Bones and Fractures: Fractures and broken bones commonly result from slip and fall accidents. Whether it's a broken wrist, ankle, or hip, these injuries often need extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation and can lead to prolonged periods of pain and immobility.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: Sprains, strains, and other soft tissue injuries are prevalent in slip and fall cases. While these injuries may not always be immediately noticeable, they can cause persistent pain and discomfort, affecting your ability to perform daily activities.
• Emotional Distress: In addition to the physical injuries, slip and fall accidents may also lead to emotional distress. The trauma of the fall, combined with the challenges of recovery, may lead to anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

How To Prove Negligence?

In order to bring forward a slip and fall case, the injured plaintiff must prove the following elements:

• The property owner had a duty to keep their property safe.
• The property owner failed to perform that duty.
• The failure to do so caused the plaintiff’s injury and damages.

Note that this also requires showing that the property owner had actual or constructive knowledge (knew or should have known upon proper inspection) of the hazard that caused the injury.

Who Is Liable in Slip and Fall Accidents?

Under Georgia Code § 51-3-1, the property owner is liable for injuries to individuals they have invited on their premises due to their failure to maintain a safe environment. In fact, Georgia law establishes several duties of care a property owner needs to meet, such as keeping the premises in a reasonably safe condition and inspecting the area to caution invitees from any foreseeable dangers. Violating these duties will constitute a violation of their legal obligation that caused an injury on their premises.

Common Areas Where Slip & Fall Accidents Occur

Examples of places where a slip and fall can occur include:

• shopping malls;
• restaurants;
• construction sites;
• airports;
• grocery stores;
• retail stores; 
• hotels; and,
• gas stations.

Typically, the injured victim will pursue a case with the insurance company of the property owner. If the insurer is unwilling to negotiate a satisfactory settlement, the injured person can proceed to court by filing a civil lawsuit.

Note that a “slip and fall” is not the only type of incident covered by Georgia’s premises liability laws. Other ways that victims are hurt on business properties include assaults and other crimes, falling objects, and construction accidents.