Slip and fall accidents in Lithonia can lead to serious injuries like broken bones, head injuries, and joint or nerve damage. Besides the pain from the injuries, slip and falls can lead to costly medical bills, lots of missed work time, and emotional damages that last for years. If you were injured at no fault of your own, it’s best to talk to a slip and fall and personal injury lawyer in Lithonia.
At John Foy & Associates, our goal is full compensation for the costs of your accident. We can help you build a strong insurance claim and negotiate for a fair settlement. Plus, it’s risk-free to work with us: we don’t get paid unless we win you money, and the consultation is always FREE.
To get started with your FREE consultation today, call us at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online now.
What “Slip and Fall” Means in Lithonia
A slip and fall accident is pretty much how it sounds—you have slipped and fallen due to a hazardous situation, an obstacle, or some other unsafe condition. To be able to file a claim for compensation. the condition that led to your slip and fall injuries must have been caused by the negligence of another party.
In Georgia, you have the right to seek damages from an injury accident that was caused by someone else’s negligence. This applies to premises liability, as well. An owner or occupier of land who fails to “exercise ordinary care,” leading to an injury accident, is liable for the damages (Georgia Code section 51-3-1).
Damages refer to any your losses or costs from the accident, which can include:
- Medical costs
- Prescription medications
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
To seek compensation for these damages, you will need to file a personal injury claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company. A slip and fall accident lawyer can help you do this and include all of your damages. Insurance companies do not like to pay out much for injury claims, so your lawyer can also help negotiate for a fair settlement that actually covers all your costs.
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Examples of Slip and Fall Hazards
Slip and fall accidents can happen anywhere. Common hazards that can lead to a slip and fall case include:
- Unmarked steps
- Poorly-lit stairwells or hallways
- Spilled beverages, food, or other products
- Uneven pavement or flooring
- Broken steps or stairs without adequate railings
Many slip and fall accident victims blame themselves for being “clumsy” or “not watching where they were going,” but when a slip and fall happens, there is typically a reason. That’s why it’s best to contact a Lithonia slip and fall and premises liability lawyer. They can evaluate the situation, determine who was at fault, and help fight for your right to compensation.
What to Do After a Slip and Fall Accident in Lithonia
Besides working with a lawyer, there are ways you can help protect your legal rights right after you slip and fall. Here are some actions you can take to gather evidence and strengthen your case.
Take Pictures or Video
Right after the slip and fall accident happens, use your phone to take pictures of:
- The hazard or dangerous condition that caused your fall
- Any visible injuries or torn clothing from the fall
- The whole accident scene
You might also take a video of the scene and, in it, explain what happened. Picture and video evidence preserves the scene as it was right after the accident occurred. This can be very powerful in an injury claim, especially when it involves a slip and fall scene that can be cleaned up quickly.
Report the Accident
If your slip and fall accident happened at a business, be sure to tell a manager right away. Make sure the person you tell is in charge and not a lower-level employee. Tell them that you fell and were hurt. Get their name and contact information.
Do Not Apologize
When discussing the accident, refrain from placing any of the blame on yourself—even if you are worried you might be at all.
In many cases, the store’s negligence was ultimately the reason for the fall. Don’t apologize or accept any blame for your accident until after you’ve spoken to a lawyer and investigated further.
Talk to Witnesses
If anyone else saw you fall and/or noticed the hazard that led to your fall, talk to them. Get their name and contact information because their testimony about what happened may be significant in your case.
See a Doctor
After you leave the scene, you should see a doctor for your injuries—even if they seem minor or you aren’t yet sure how badly you were hurt. Many injuries from slip and fall accidents get worse with time, so it’s important for you to get checked out as soon as possible. This will show the insurance company that you were serious about your injuries, and it may help prevent you from needing more treatment long-term.
Contact a Slip and Fall Lawyer
You should also call an experienced and trusted Lithonia slip and fall and premises liability lawyer as soon as you can after the accident. They can advise you on the best course of action moving forward to protect your rights and pursue the fullest compensation possible.
Statute of Limitations for Lithonia Slip and Fall Cases
In Lithonia and the rest of Georgia, you typically only have two years from the date of your accident to file your personal injury claim. In some cases, you may have less time. This is known as the statute of limitations.
If you wait until the statute of limitations has passed, the DeKalb County Superior Court will likely dismiss the case and you will lose any chance at compensation. Two years can go extremely quickly during the legal process, so it’s best to contact a lawyer right away to get started on your case.
Talk to a Lithonia Slip and Fall and Premises Liability Lawyer for Free
You should not have to bear the burden of a slip and fall accident that wasn’t your fault—and chances are, it wasn’t. To get help with your claim and expert legal advice, contact John Foy & Associates today to get matched with the best lawyer for your needs.
We can help you with your claim, risk-free. We don’t get paid unless we win you money. Contact us today for a FREE consultation to get started.
(404) 400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
