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Premises Liability Attorney Gwinnett County

When you go about your day running errands, eating at restaurants, traveling, shopping, and more, you certainly never expect to be injured. But, sadly, accidents are a fact of life when there are unsafe or negligent conditions.

Premises liability is a legal term that states that the property owner is responsible for keeping their property safe. If you have been injured due to negligence by the property owner, you may be able to file a personal injury claim.  

A premises liability grievance can happen at any time in Gwinnett County. Typical examples can include but are not limited to shopping malls and stores, parking lots, apartment complexes, restaurants, hotels, airports, and more. 

These claims can result from an attack, sexual assault, or violent crime that could have been prevented if the property owner had taken reasonable steps to protect you and your loved ones.  

In Gwinnett County, business owners have a legal and moral responsibility to retain a safe and secure environment for you, their employees, and other customers. Failure to provide adequate security due to negligence can create conditions where robbery, sexual assault, or an attack can occur. For example, parking lots with poor lighting can make it easier for customers to be assaulted while walking to their cars. 

Gwinnett County Premises Liability Laws

Local laws apply to property owners and anyone who occupies a property, meaning that they can be liable for damages arising from any pain and suffering caused by failure to keep the premises safe. Property owners are required to hold safety inspections regularly to keep their premises accountable.

In addition to keeping their property secure, property owners must also make sure that you can access their premises easily, making them liable for ramps, sidewalks, parking lots, and steps. 

Types of Premises Liability

Including what we have already discussed, premises liability can cover many different types of accidents. Common incidents that result in premises liability can include: 

  • Poor security
  • Faulty lighting
  • Unrestrained dogs
  • Construction site accidents
  • Landlord negligence
  • Inadequate inspection
  • Cracked sidewalks
  • Swimming pool incidents
  • Poorly maintained elevator or escalator
  • Snow and ice accidents
  • Amusement park liability
  • Inadequate warning of known dangerous conditions
  • Defective flooring or surface
  • Turning a blind eye from criminal behavior taking place on the property
  • Inadequate supervision or hiring of employees
  • Slip and fall hazards
Infographics of slip and fall accidents

Infographic from https://visual.ly/community/Infographics/health/slip-and-fall-infographic

Premises Liability Accidents and Injuries

Damages resulting from assaults, tripping or slipping, and other incidents can vary from minimal to fatal. Common types of injuries that are sustained can include:

What Should You Do If You Were Injured on Someone Else’s Property?

If you have sustained an injury in Gwinnett County, it is essential to take specific steps, including:

Get Medical Treatment

Even if your injuries don’t seem severe, you should always get a medical opinion. Injuries like sprains and whiplash may not become apparent until hours or even days after the event. If you are seeking compensation, it is always helpful to have your injuries documented by a medical professional

Contact Your Premises Liability Attorney

Your attorney will work hard to preserve your rights and help get financial reimbursement for medical bills, lost wages, damaged personal property, and more. Contacting your lawyer as soon as you can so that you are within the statute of limitations. 

Retain Your Accident Report

Your liability claim is strengthened with witness statements and evidence. If the police have been called to the scene, they will have an injury report that you can request (without signing for it).

Remain Silent

Never sign anything before your lawyer has a chance to approve it. While you may want to speak with the property owner, anything that could imply fault on your part will be used against you. 

When Should You Retain a Personal Injury Attorney?

From the moment of your accident on, all parties liable for your remuneration will work tirelessly to reduce your claim, even using your own words against you.

You deserve the full compensation you deserve for your injuries. An experienced premises liability attorney will start working for you immediately after your incident, including:

Preserve any Evidence

It’s not always simple to prove that negligence resulted in tripping and falling, for example. Your lawyer will conduct a meticulous investigation into why your accident occurred. They may request surveillance videos or witness statements as they are time-sensitive. 

Reduce the Risk of Mistakes

If you have never filed a premises liability insurance claim, you may make unintentional mistakes that work against you. 

Your lawyer can stop you from giving a recorded statement to the insurance company, signing any documents from the insurance provider, posting about your accident on social media, or speaking with the insurance adjuster. 

Negotiate Your Settlement

Insurance companies can be notoriously tricky to work around. They will always try to get you to accept a quick settlement for much less than you deserve. Your Gwinnett County attorney will be able to value your claim and negotiate correctly. 

File Your Claim in a Timely Manner

In most places, you have a statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit. This is why you must seek legal services as soon as possible.

Your attorney will help prove:

  • The defendant owns, occupies, or leases the property 
  • The defendant was negligent
  • You or someone you love was harmed
  • The defendant’s negligence was a significant factor in causing the accident 

Meet With Your Gwinnett County Liability Attorney

Premises liability cases can be complex. Many variables need to be taken into account. 

If you or a loved one has been injured on someone else’s property, contact your Gwinnet County premises liability attorney at The Pendergrass Law Firm today to give you the best chance of a successful outcome and compensation that you are due.