Slip and fall accidents are one of the leading causes of accident injuries and fatalities. In older Americans, slip and fall accidents are the number one cause of injury, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If you or a loved one has been injured from a slip and fall accident in Forest Park, you’re likely facing costly medical bills, missed work time, and more.
You should know that many slip and fall accidents happen at no fault of the victim, and a Forest Park slip and fall and premises liability lawyer can help seek compensation for your damages.
It’s vital to have a lawyer experienced in slip and fall cases. Our attorneys at John Foy & Associates have been helping slip and fall injury victims win the money they need for over 20 years. We have seen how hard the costs and pain of a slip and fall accident can be on victims, and we are ready to help.
To schedule a FREE consultation to talk about your case, call us today at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
How to Know If You Have a Slip and Fall Case
Many slip and fall accident victims who call us worry they don’t have a valid case. They often blame themselves and assume they did something to cause their accident. It’s then a surprise to hear that they have a strong claim and may be entitled to a significant financial recovery.
This is why it’s always a good idea to consult with a good local lawyer before assuming you don’t have a good case.
If you slipped, fell, and were injured on someone else’s property, the chances of you having a case are good. In Forest Park and the rest of Georgia, property owners have a legal duty to maintain a safe premise for customers or visitors.
If they fail in that duty and someone is injured, they are liable for damages (Georgia Code § 51-3-1).
A property owner does not need to have intentionally caused your injury to be negligent in your accident. If you fell as a result of their carelessness, they can be responsible. Working with an experienced slip and fall lawyer can uncover why and how the owner was negligent in your fall.
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Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents in Forest Park
Just about any form of negligence can lead to a slip and fall accident at a business. However, there are some of the most common reasons for slip and falls we see:
- Uneven or wet floor surfaces without any warning signs
- Spilled liquids, trash, or other debris that isn’t cleaned up
- Loose floorboards or mats
- Broken stairs or no handrails
- Potholes in parking lots
- Poor lighting that makes it hard to see hazards
The key is whether or not the condition that led to your slip and fall was caused by an employee or property owner’s negligence. If you aren’t sure, a slip and fall lawyer can examine the situation and determine who was at fault.
Three Things You Must Prove After a Slip and Fall in Fairburn
When filing an injury claim for a slip and fall accident, the burden is on you to prove the business’s negligence and your damages. You must be able to show that:
- The business or property owner had a duty of care
- They breached that duty of care when you were injured in the slip and fall accident
- Their breach of duty, or negligence, resulted in your injuries and damages
You will need to prove each of these points to the insurance company, which is who you will file the claim with. Insurance companies do not like to pay settlements for slip and fall claims, so they will look for ways to pay you less—or nothing at all. You will need to compile strong evidence to back up your claim.
Evidence to Have for Your Slip and Fall Claim
From the moments after you slip and fall, you can start gathering information to use in your claim, such as:
- Pictures of the accident scene and your injuries
- Witness statements from those who saw your accident
- All medical bills for treatment of your injuries
- Pay stubs to demonstrate lost wages from missing work
- Doctor notes and personal notes on how the accident has physically and emotionally affected you
You should also report your accident to the store manager or property owner right away. Tell them that you slipped, fell, and were injured. Do not back down or apologize in any way if they try to place blame on you or undermine your injuries. If you feel like they are fighting against your version of events, call a slip and fall lawyer.
How to Handle Slip and Fall Accidents on a Friend’s Property
Slip and fall accidents sometimes happen on the property of someone you know, such as a friend or loved one.
These situations can feel awkward since you don’t want to hurt someone you care about. Many injury victims worry that filing a claim will negatively affect their relationship with the property owner. But remember that an injury claim does not directly involve your loved one. It’s primarily between you and their insurance company.
Most of the time, loved ones are happy that their insurance covers the cost of your injuries—and that it’s not coming out of their own pocket. Plus, having a good lawyer on your side means you can probably work towards negotiating a fair settlement with the insurer and avoid any need for a trial or lawsuit.
Talk to a Slip and Fall Lawyer in Forest Park for Free
At John Foy & Associates, we have been helping slip and fall accident victims for more than 20 years. We have the experience, track record, and resources to fight for your rights and seek the fullest compensation possible. Contact us today to set up a FREE consultation with a lawyer best suited to your needs.
Call us any time at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online now to get started.
(404) 400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
