Slip and fall accidents are among the most common types of personal injury cases. Even a minor slip and fall accident can result in catastrophic injuries. If a slip and fall accident occurs on someone else’s property due to their negligence or wrongdoing, you have the right to seek compensation from them for your losses. At T. Madden & Associates, P.C., our McDonough personal injury lawyer can help fight for your rights, diligently pursuing the financial recovery you deserve for your injuries and suffering.
Understanding Slip and Fall Incidents
Slip-and-fall accidents are a type of premises liability claim that falls under the broader category of personal injury law. A property owner or occupier is required by law to address any safety hazards on their property. They should either fix the issue or, if the issue cannot be resolved, adequately warn others on their property about the safety risk. Additionally, they are required to take all reasonable steps to ensure the safety of others on the property.
Wet or slippery floors, cluttered walkways, loose floorboards or floor mats, poor lighting, uneven surfaces, and weather conditions are the most common causes of slip-and-fall accidents.
The legal responsibility of the property owner or occupier is based on the visitor’s status. This means that there is a higher duty of care towards customers, patrons, and social guests to the property compared to trespassers. The property owner could be held responsible for paying for the victim’s medical expenses, as well as other losses resulting from serious injuries.
Victims of slip and fall accidents in McDonough, GA, generally have a maximum of two years from the date of the accident to initiate legal action. If you miss this time limit to file a personal injury claim or lawsuit, you could lose your rights to recover compensation.
Georgia law follows a comparative negligence system for personal injury cases. Based on this system, victims can recover compensation even if they are partially at fault for the slip and fall accident. However, if they are found to be 50% or more at fault, they cannot recover damages. The total compensation will be adjusted according to each party’s share of fault in the accident. To learn more about Georgia laws that may apply to your case, please contact our personal injury lawyer in McDonough.
What are Common Slip and Fall Injuries?
A slip-and-fall accident can result in various types of injuries. From minor cuts and bruises to significant head trauma or spinal cord damage. Here are some of the most common slip and fall accident injuries:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Fractured and broken bones
- Neck and back injuries
- Torn Tendons and Ligaments
- Cuts
- Bruises
- Emotional trauma and mental distress
What To Do After Slip and Fall Accident
In the immediate aftermath of a slip and fall accident, it is common for victims to feel a bit embarrassed about the fall; they tend to downplay the incident, often ignoring the symptoms of the injuries and not reporting the incident. This reaction can be detrimental to your health and safety. In addition, failing to report the accident can hinder potential personal injury claims for compensation.
To ensure you protect your legal rights, you should seek immediate medical attention and report the incident. Even if your injuries are minor, you should get a medical check-up. If you are in stable condition, you can also document the scene by taking photos of the safety hazard that caused you to get injured. Gathering witness information can also help strengthen your case. If you have insurance that covers such accidents, you need to notify the insurance company. Ideally, you want to avoid any discussion about liability and not admit to being at fault with anyone.
While most personal injury cases are settled out of court, if no fair settlement is reached, you have the right to take the case to trial.
We encourage you to consult with our McDonough slip and fall accident lawyers as early as possible. Not only can we help you avoid common pitfalls when navigating slip and fall accident claims, but we can also reduce the burden on you so that you can focus on your recovery from the accident.
Why Choose T. Madden & Associates, P.C.
At T. Madden & Associates, P.C., we understand the stress and frustration that come with recovering from the physical injuries and financial challenges caused by a slip and fall accident. Allow us to use our legal expertise and experience in slip-and-fall cases to help you secure the compensation you deserve, including expenses for medical bills and lost income. Our McDonough personal injury lawyers are dedicated to advocating for your rights and will guide you through every step of the legal process. You can call us to schedule a free consultation with our slip and fall attorney in McDonough, GA.