Things You Should Know in a Slip and Fall Accident

The term “slip and fall” refers to a personal injury case where a person slips or trips and is later on injured on someone else’s property. Whether it happens at a friend’s house or by the local grocery store, this type of accident is noted to occur fairly often.

Slip and fall accidents in Atlanta, Georgia are noted to be second to vehicular accidents for injuries. There are also instances where it even led to accidental deaths. Thus, the Georgia state law keeps tight regulations and imposes heavy liability to the party responsible for the accident.

Where the Accident Usually Happens

Since slip and fall accidents usually occur on property or premises owned by somebody else, the property owner may be held legally accountable for the accident most of the time. A heavy responsibility is imposed on the part of the owners to ensure their premises are safe from dangerous hazards. If the owner or occupier of the property is proven guilty of negligence, then he or she is to be held liable for any injuries sustained at their location.

If you find yourself injured due to the dangerous conditions or risks present on the property, you have the legal right to file a claim against the property owner for the injuries you sustain. Especially if the property owner knew about the existing perilous condition of the property yet decided not to do anything about fixing the situation, you may receive compensation for your injuries. It may help you with all the bills and expenses you are burdened with because of the said accident.

What You Should Do

Immediately after you find yourself in the middle of a slip and fall accident, it is imperative for you to gather sufficient evidence. You may take photographs of the surroundings highlighting the dangerous conditions of the place, as well as the injuries you sustained. You may also file an incident report or a documentation in order for the police to know of the accident. Obtaining the names of the property owners present at the time may also come in handy especially if the matter will be brought to the court.

Bypassers who were around at the place at the time the accident took place may be valuable witnesses, thus, they may offer their testimonies that will help with your claim. Medical treatment must also be sought immediately. This is to ensure fast recovery and to ensure the injury you sustained would not worsen.

It is important to note that the Georgia state law limits the time in which a slip and fall accident lawsuit can be filed, hence, it is wise for you to contact legal assistance immediately in case you are involved in a slip and fall accident.

Key pieces of evidences may also be at risk of being forgotten or destroyed if you do not contact an attorney as soon as possible. For instance, cases wherein witnesses forget necessary details to prove the property owner’s negligence.

Do not be surprised at the possibility of an insurance company getting to you about the incident. In dealing with them, you have to remember is that they are representing the property owner and not you. Their goal in mind is to try and assert that the injuries you sustained were unrelated to your fall, or that you could have walked around or avoided the dangerous situation, but failed to do so. This would limit the liability imposed on the property owner.

Takeaway

Remember to be cautious in giving them information regarding your slip and fall accident, since they might be sly and ask questions designed to weaken your claim. You are urged to speak to an attorney specializing in slip and fall accidents first before giving any statements. That way, you will be given the best counselling of your rights under the Georgia state law.