Questions about Slip and Fall Accidents

Atlanta, Georgia

What is a slip and fall accident?

The term "slip and fall accident" refers to any type of injury sustained as a result of a fall occurring on someone else’s property. Often, these falls are the result of a dangerous condition or negligent maintenance of the premises such as:

Wet floors that are not clearly marked
Inadequate removal of snow or ice from sidewalks or parking lots
Rotten wood on a deck
Crumbling sidewalk
Unmarked step-up
Poor match of surface heights where carpet meets the floor
Lack of handrails when necessary for safety

If you are injured in a slip and fall accident caused by the property owners negligence, you may be entitled to receive compensation through a premises liability lawsuit.

Who is responsible for my injuries in a slip and fall accident?

Property owners have a legal obligation to ensure that their premises are kept in a reasonably safe condition. When dangerous conditions exist, a property owner must clearly warn others of the unsafe condition until the necessary repairs can be made. If the property owner was negligent in performing these duties, he may be held liable for your injuries.

What is comparative negligence?

Comparative negligence is a doctrine that evaluates your responsibility for the accident in comparison to the other parties involved. In states that work under a comparative negligence system, the court will evaluate the percentage of liability for each party, and your compensation will be reduced by your percentage. For example, if you are determined to be 25% at fault for your slip and fall accident, you will only be entitled to receive 75% of the total compensation you would be owed if the property owner were 100% at fault.

The state of Georgia operates under a modified comparative negligence system. You will be able to receive compensation for your damages as long as you were less than 50% at fault for the accident, and your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. However, if it is determined that you are more than 50% at fault for your slip and fall accident, you not be able to recover any damages.

What kind of damages can I recover in a slip and fall case?

Depending on the specific facts involved in your slip and fall accident, you may be entitled to receive compensation for the following damages:

Medical bills
Rehabilitation expenses
Lost income
Pain and suffering

Do I need to file an accident report at the time of my slip and fall accident?

If your slip and fall accident occurred on public property or at a business establishment, you should request that a report be filled out to document the events of your accident. If your slip and fall accident occurs at a private residence and you are unable to fill out an accident report, then you should carefully document what happened as soon as possible. Make sure to keep a record of the following information:

The circumstances of the slip and fall accident
What caused the fall
Any dangerous conditions you can observe
The names and contact information of witnesses present

Please contact Robbins & Associates today to schedule your free slip and fall accident consultation. Laurie Robbins serves clients in Atlanta, Georgia.

Serving Atlanta, Georgia

For over 20 years, the people of Atlanta have turned to Robbins & Associates, PC, for their legal needs. Under the leadership of Atlanta attorney Laurie Robbins, our experienced and compassionate personal injury and accident lawyer has proven, time and again, that we are dedicated to advocating for our clients and working to see that justice is upheld. Whether it’s fighting for compensation for someone who is injured, ensuring the legal rights of workers or defending a criminal charge, Robbins & Associates has helped thousands of people in Atlanta and throughout Georgia have their day in court.

At Robbins & Associates, PC, our Atlanta personal injury lawyer is committed to helping our clients get justice. Please call or email us today for a free consultation.

6000 Lake Forrest Drive Suite 315, Atlanta, Georgia 30328

404-252-8117 | 800-772-5555 | Contact Us

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