Tripping and falling on a property in Johns Creek can be stressful, painful, and embarrassing. You might blame yourself for the fall, even if an unsafe condition like loose floorboards caused it. But you should know that a property owner or business could be at fault for your injuries.
Don’t blame yourself or assume fault after a trip and fall. Talk to a Johns Creek loose floorboards accident lawyer first. The owner or business might be responsible for your injuries and related damages.
Our lawyers at John Foy & Associates might be able to help you seek financial recovery for your costs. We know how to build a strong injury claim and protect your rights. To discuss your accident during a free consultation, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
Causes of Loose Floorboards
Wear and tear is a part of owning property. As people use the property, it will become worn or even defective over time. That’s why property owners must upkeep a property onto which they invite visitors or customers.
Loose floorboards are a common sign of wear in a building. We’ve all walked over wooden floors that squeak and move. There are a few reasons this can happen:
- Movement from people walking on the floorboards over time
- Shrinking and expanding wooden floors from temperature changes
- Poorly-installed subfloors
- Use of the wrong fastener when installing the floors
No matter the reason for loose floorboards, they can be hazardous. And if loose floorboards caused you to trip and fall, you might have a case.
Get the strong arm
Premises Liability for Loose Floorboard Accidents
Property owners must ensure their premises are safe, according to the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (OCGA) §51-3-1. Unfortunately, trip and fall accidents are all-too-common. Loose floorboards are just one example of trip and fall risks.
Other common slip or trip and fall hazards include:
- Spilled drinks or other liquids
- Curled up or torn carpeting
- Tracked in rain, snow, or ice
- Cracked sidewalks
- Poor lighting
- Broken or missing steps
If an owner failed to fix or clean up the hazard, they could be liable for an accident. If the owner didn’t know about the hazard but should have, they might also be responsible.
If you were injured in a trip and fall accident on loose floorboards, you have rights. Talk to a Johns Creek trip and fall lawyer about seeking compensation for your damages.
Our lawyers can help during a free consultation. Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
Proving Your Trip and Fall Damages
If someone’s negligence led to your accident, you’ll need to prove that:
- The property owner or business was responsible for your trip and fall accident.
- You were injured and suffered damages because of the accident.
If you hadn’t fallen, you wouldn’t have certain losses from the accident like:
- Medical bills
- Prescription medications
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
A trip and fall accident can affect your life in many ways. Victims who are in poor health, elderly, or have certain conditions can suffer especially bad injuries. But no one should have to pay for someone else’s negligence.
Proving all of your damages is challenging. For example, you’ll need to know all the costs you face because of the accident. That includes current and future medical costs of your treatment.
Pain and suffering are harder to prove than economic losses like medical bills and lost income. Your lawyer can use a formula to help you put a dollar value on these damages. They can also help you gather proof of your damages for your claim.
Proving Negligence for a Trip and Fall Accident
Besides gathering proof of your damages, you’ll also need to prove that the property owner or business was negligent in your accident. The owner is probably negligent if:
- They knew the loose floorboards existed but didn’t fix them or block them off, or
- The loose floorboards existed long enough that the owner should have known about them but didn’t fix them.
Premises liability claims are complicated. You will probably need help from a professional. Our lawyers can gather evidence of the owner’s fault and your damages.
What to Do After a Trip and Fall on Loose Floorboards
After your accident, there are things you can do to build your case. Here are some steps that will be really helpful to your accident claim.
Report the Accident
Tell the property owner or company manager about your fall. Do not admit any blame or fault for what happened. Even if you’re worried about being at fault, talk to a lawyer first.
Document the Scene
Use your phone or a camera to take pictures of the loose floorboards. Also, photograph any visible injuries you have. If you have torn or bloody clothing, save it and don’t wash anything.
Also, talk to any eyewitnesses. Someone might have seen the loose floorboards or your trip and fall accident. Ask for these people’s names and contact information.
See a Doctor
After you leave the scene, see a doctor as soon as possible. Even if you feel okay, have a professional check you for injuries. Some injuries take time to manifest, but if you wait until that time, it might hurt your case.
The insurance company will need proof of your injuries and damages. If the adjuster sees you waited to see a doctor, it can definitely work against you.
Talk to a Johns Creek Loose Floorboards Accident Lawyer
Besides gathering evidence, talk to a lawyer as soon as possible. You’ll want to work with someone who specifically has extensive experience with trip and fall accidents. At John Foy & Associates, we bring over 20 years of experience to the table for our clients.
We treat each case like it’s our most important one. If you work with us, there is no charge to you unless we win your case. You can rest assured knowing that your bests interests are our number-one priority at all times.
Learn more about your legal options during a free, no-obligation consultation. Call us at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online to get started with your free consultation.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form