A slip and fall accident always comes as a shock. In a best-case scenario, you may experience some embarrassment before picking yourself up and dusting yourself off. However, many slip and fall incidents have longer-lasting physical, psychological, and financial consequences.
If you have suffered injuries in a slip and fall accident in Duluth due to another party’s negligence, you may be eligible to recover compensation for losses such as medical bills, lost income, and more. The experienced slip-and-fall injury lawyers at Kevin A. Adamson, P.C. have fought successfully for the rights and interests of many individuals in your situation. We are ready to put our knowledge and skills to work for you, too. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn how we can fight for the justice you deserve. Contact one of our Duluth slip and fall lawyers today.
What Is a Slip and Fall Accident?
A slip and fall accident happens when a person loses their footing and tumbles to the ground. While these accidents may sometimes be the result of bad luck, they often happen because of another party’s negligence.
Under Georgia’s premises liability laws, anyone who owns, manages, or oversees a property must take reasonable care to keep people who visit their property from getting hurt. Unnecessary hazards on the floor, slippery surfaces, or unstable floorboards increase the risk of slipping and falling, which can cause severe and possibly fatal injuries. When this happens, the injured individual has a right to file a premises liability claim against the negligent property owner or manager. A Duluth slip and fall attorney can help.
What Are Common Causes of Duluth Slip and Fall Accidents?
Slip and fall accidents in Duluth often occur due to poor maintenance, unsafe conditions, or negligence on someone else’s property.
Some common causes of slip and fall injuries include:
- Wet or greasy floors – Grocery stores, restaurants, and other businesses must quickly mop up spills to prevent slipping.
- Uneven flooring or cracks and holes in the pavement – Parking lots, sidewalks, and walking paths require proper maintenance to repair hazards pedestrians could trip over.
- Cluttered aisles – Stores must keep aisles clear of obstructions that could trip patrons, such as boxes or merchandise not yet shelved.
- Poor lighting – A lack of visibility in hallways, basements, stairwells, or parking lots could prevent people from seeing tripping hazards.
- Lack of railings on stairs or ramps – Railings must be present and meet safety codes to help people avoid dangerous falls.
- Not salting or shoveling snow and ice – Businesses and homeowners must treat or remove snow or ice near the entrances and walkways on their properties.
Where Do Slip and Fall Accidents Happen?
Slip and fall accidents can happen anywhere, but some of the most common locations include:
- Retail stores and supermarkets
- Restaurants and bars
- Healthcare settings like hospitals and nursing homes
- Hotels and resorts
- Apartment and condo complexes
- Public spaces like parks, airports, sports arenas, and libraries
What Types of Injuries Can Occur from a Slip and Fall Accident?
Slip and fall accidents can lead to injuries that range from minor to severe, including:
- Sprains, strains, and bruises
- Broken bones
- Head and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries leading to paralysis
- Soft tissue damage
- Internal organ injuries
What Should I Do After a Slip and Fall Accident?
After involvement in any accident, your main priority should be your health. Visiting a medical professional as soon as possible can give you the best chance of recovering from your injuries. Even if you do not believe you are hurt, a doctor can help determine whether you have any hidden injuries. Contact a Duluth slip and fall lawyer today.
After a slip and fall accident, you should:
- Inform the property owner or manager as soon as possible after the accident.
- Make a written report of your accident, keep a copy, and give one to the property owner or manager.
- Document the incident by taking photos of the slipping hazard and your injuries.
- Contact an experienced Duluth slip and fall accident lawyer who can work to pursue the compensation you deserve.
Can a Slip and Fall Victim Be Compensated for Their Injuries?
A successful slip and fall injury claim can recover compensation for your injury-related losses.
Each case is different, but you may be eligible to receive money for your slip and fall injuries:
- Medical bills, including emergency treatment, doctor’s visits, surgical procedures, and medication
- Lost income, including missed time at work and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering that has occurred as a result of the accident
How Do I Prove Who Is At Fault for the Slip and Fall Accident?
Proving fault and legal liability is crucial for recovering damages after a slip and fall accident.
Tips to prove fault in your Duluth slip and fall accident lawsuit:
- Show that the property owner failed to take reasonable care – This may involve pointing out building code violations, ignoring safety hazards, or failing to place warning signs.
- Prove you were an authorized visitor – Visitors who were allowed on the premises can file claims much more easily than trespassers.
- Document the scene extensively through photographs and video – Capture images of the slippery substance, hazard, poor lighting, missing railings, etc.
- Keep records of medical treatment to show the extent of your injuries – Medical records, bills, and test results help prove that you suffered injuries due to the accident.
- Gather statements from witnesses – Get witness statements from anyone who saw the fall or can testify to the hazardous conditions.
- Keep a record of all conversations and correspondence with insurance companies – Don’t admit fault or agree to any settlement without consulting your attorney.
- Hire an experienced premises liability lawyer – Your attorney can work to demonstrate the property owner’s negligence through investigations, legal filings, negotiations with insurers, and effective litigation.
Is There a Time Limit for Filing a Slip and Fall Injury Lawsuit?
Georgia law sets a strict time limit for anyone wanting to file a personal injury lawsuit. According to the statute of limitations, the injured individual must initiate legal action within two years of the accident date. Working with a skilled Duluth slip and fall accident attorney can help ensure that you complete all necessary filings before this deadline passes. Our slip and fall injury attorneys in Duluth are here to help.
Contact a Duluth Slip and Fall Lawyer
A slip-and-fall accident can change your life in an instant. At Kevin A. Adamson, P.C., our experienced legal team understands the challenges you are facing. Our compassionate attorneys will listen to your story and build a strong legal strategy to fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn more about how we can help you.