Slip and Fall Lawyer Georgia

If you have slipped and fallen on someone else’s property, then Decatur, George slip and fall lawyer Andrew Lynch may be able to help you hold them responsible for the injuries you have suffered.

Slipping and falling is often believed to only cause minor injuries, but this is not always true. Especially among the elderly, falling can break bones or cause concussions which can lead to a very expensive trip to the emergency room and every permanent disability. This is why property owners have a very real duty to ensure that walkways and floors are dry and safe for visitors to walk on. When they fail in this duty, and this failure is the cause of injury to their guests, they can be found negligent in court. The medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress that result from the property owner’s negligence should not be yours to bear alone, and that is why Georgia law allows you to seek compensation for these damages.

The duty of care to visitors of a property extends to all property owners, not just businesses. Homes, workplaces, stores, government-run parks, and apartment complexes are all held to the same standard. They must keep their floors clear and safe and warn guests of any dangers they know of.

In order to prove negligence, you need to prove that the property owner was aware of the potential danger before your injury and failed to either fix it or warn you about it if it wasn’t practical to fix. You must also prove your injury was a result of your slip and fall. Taking pictures and finding witnesses can significantly help in a slip and fall case. However, the most important thing you can do is call Decatur GA slip and fall lawyer Andrew Lynch for a free consultation. Having an experienced and skilled lawyer on your side can make all the difference in making sure you get the compensation you deserve.

Slip and fall accidents are often a source of embarrassment, particularly if they occur in a public place. Victims in these accidents may be inclined to brush off any injuries, while blaming themselves for being clumsy or not paying attention to where they were going. Unfortunately, it may be hours or even days later until the full extent of the damage they suffer is revealed. On closer inspection, it is often the property owner who is to blame for allowing dangerous conditions to exist. These so-called “accidents” can be particularly harmful to older adults, causing injuries that have the potential to be disabling and even life-threatening. If you are an older adult or know one who has been in an accident, a qualified and experienced slip and fall lawyer in Decatur, GA may be able to help.

Older Adult Slips and Falls

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), millions of older adults are the victims of slip and fall accidents each year. While roughly one out of every four adults aged 65 or over end up suffering injuries in this manner, less than half report the incident to their doctor or receive care for it. The fact is that these accidents create significant health risks, and can result in any of the following types of serious injuries, just to name a few:

  • Muscle and tendon strains, sprains, and tears
  • Broken bones, particularly in the wrists, hips, and ankles
  • Back and neck injuries, such as slipped or herniated discs
  • Head injuries, including concussion and traumatic brain injury

Any time a slip and fall occurs, the owner of the property should be notified and an accident report should be filed. Even if the victim is not experiencing any symptoms, they should visit their doctor as soon as possible and follow their recommendations. For older adults, not getting medical attention could result in serious health complications. Slips and falls can cause lasting disabilities that limit an older adult’s ability to provide for themselves and may even assisted living care. If you or someone in your life has experienced an injury from a slip and fall, call Andrew Lynch, a qualified and competent slip and fall lawyer in Decatur, GA.

Holding Property Owners Responsible

In general, slip and fall accidents do not ‘just happen,’ but are often the result of negligent actions on the part of the property owner. Failing to address dangerous conditions or to alert the public that a danger exists can leave them liable for any injuries that occur as the result. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), slips and falls are one of the leading causes of death and disability in the U.S. Common conditions that make them more likely to occur include:

  • Uneven tiles, carpeting, or other flooring materials
  • Spills that cause floors to be wet and slippery
  • Cluttered aisles and walkways
  • Lack of floor mats near entrances and exits
  • Poor lighting on walkways
  • Lack of handrails at steps and at heights

Contact Us Today for Help

Slip and fall injuries can have a lasting effect on your overall health, particularly if you are over the age of 65. If you are injured in this type of accident, call or contact The Law Offices Of Andrew Lynch online. We will be happy to meet with you to discuss how a slip and fall lawyer Decatur, Georgia trusts can help you hold negligent property owners responsible for the damages you suffer.

Slipping and Falling Outside of a Business

Experiencing a slip and fall outside of a business can be not only physically painful but also legally complex, as your Georgia slip and fall lawyer knows. In such situations, it’s essential to take the right steps to ensure your safety, gather evidence, and protect your rights if you plan to pursue a claim for compensation. When you have been injured in a slip and fall, reach out to the trusted team at The Law Offices Of Andrew Lynch.

  1. Prioritize Your Health and Safety: Your immediate well-being is paramount. Assess your injuries and seek medical attention if needed. Even if you believe your injuries are minor, it’s important to have a medical professional evaluate your condition as some injuries might not be immediately apparent.
  2. Report the Incident: Notify the business of the incident as soon as possible. Speak with the manager or supervisor and provide them with a clear and accurate account of what happened. Request that the incident is documented in their records, and obtain a copy of the incident report if possible.
  3. Gather Evidence: If your condition allows, gather evidence from the scene. Take photos of the area where the slip and fall occurred, including the condition of the surface, any hazards present, and any signage that may have been in place. This photographic evidence can serve as crucial documentation for your case.
  4. Collect Information: Obtain the contact information of any witnesses who saw the incident happen. Their statements might play a vital role in corroborating your version of events if the situation escalates legally.
  5. Preserve Clothing and Footwear: Keep the clothing and footwear you were wearing at the time of the slip and fall. These items might carry evidence such as debris or substances that caused you to slip. Preserving them could be valuable for demonstrating the conditions that led to your fall.
  6. Document Your Injuries: Take photos of any visible injuries you sustained due to the fall. Also, maintain detailed records of your medical treatment, including doctor visits, prescribed medications, and any physical therapy. This documentation will support your claim for damages related to your injuries.
  7. Be Cautious with Statements: Be mindful of what you say to employees of the business, insurance representatives, and even on social media. Avoid making any statements that could be misconstrued or used against you later. Stick to factual information and avoid admitting fault or speculating about the incident’s cause.
  8. Seek Legal Advice: If your injuries are substantial and you believe the business’s negligence contributed to your slip and fall, consider consulting a Georgia slip and fall lawyer. An attorney experienced in premises liability cases can help you understand your rights, evaluate the strength of your case, and guide you through the legal process.
  9. Review Surveillance Footage: If the business has security cameras in the area where the incident occurred, request that they preserve any relevant surveillance footage. This footage can provide objective evidence of the conditions that led to your slip and fall.
  10. Document Everything: Maintain a detailed record of all your interactions, communications, and steps taken after the slip and fall. This includes dates, times, names of people you spoke to, and the content of conversations. This comprehensive record can help your attorney build a strong case.
  11. Don’t Delay: If you’re considering pursuing a claim against the business, remember that there are time limits, known as statutes of limitations, within which you must file a lawsuit. Prompt action is essential to preserving your legal rights.

A slip and fall outside of a business can lead to significant physical, emotional, and financial consequences. By taking immediate steps to prioritize your health, gather evidence, and seek legal guidance, you can better position yourself to navigate the complexities of pursuing compensation for your injuries and losses. For further help with your claim, reach out to a Georgia slip and fall lawyer from The Law Offices Of Andrew Lynch.