Slip and fall accidents can cause serious injuries. In emergency rooms, about a quarter of injured people who were hurt in a fall. Slip and fall accidents in Macon leave victims with fractured bones, damaged tendons and head and joint injuries. If you have been hurt in a slip and fall accident, you may be facing expensive medical treatment and may be out of work for months. But you do not have to bear these costs yourself—you are entitled to a full financial recovery from the people who caused your injury. You need help from a Macon slip and fall lawyer.
At John Foy & Associates, we devote our entire law practice to helping people who have been injured in accidents. We’ve been at it for over 20 years, and we’re now one of the most highly respected names in personal injury law in Georgia. We’d like to show you how we can help you get the money you’re legally entitled to. We’ll meet with you, for free, to discuss your case and help you decide what to do next. Call us at 478-217-7042 and get your free consultation today.
How do I know if my accident a valid slip and fall claim?
People don’t usually fall for no reason. Chances are, something caused or contributed to your fall. It might have been a hazard like a slippery floor, or an obstacle that you couldn’t see or avoid. When other factors are involved, the fall is legally not your fault.
We have successfully won money for clients in many types of slip and fall accidents. Some of the most common situations we see are:
- Falling after slipping on a spilled drink or other liquid or product
- Falling after tripping on uneven or damaged sidewalks or other paved surfaces
- Tripping and falling because you didn’t see an unmarked step
- Falling on stairways
- Tripping or slipping because the lighting was bad
- Falling through a window or over a railing
When you fall because of a hazard or unsafe condition on someone else’s property, the laws of “premises liability” apply. Property owners have a legal obligation to keep their premises safe for other people who are on the property, including visitors and customers. When they don’t keep their property safe, they are “negligent.” Even though the property owner didn’t do anything directly to hurt you, the fact that they failed in their legal responsibility means that they—or more likely their insurance company—must pay for your injuries.
What should I do if I slip and fall in Macon?
If you slip and fall in a public place such as a store or restaurant, try to do as much as you can to document the event while you are still at the scene. We suggest you do the following:
- Tell the owner or manager. Explain how your fall happened and be sure to say that you were injured. Don’t entrust this information to a low-level employee; speak with someone in charge and get their name and contact information.
- Shoot some photos or video of the scene. Do this as soon as possible after your fall – before anyone has a chance to clear away the hazard that caused you to slip. Photos and video are powerful evidence that will plainly show why you fell. Also take photos of your injuries.
- Speak with people at the scene. Some people may have witnessed your fall, and others may have seen the unsafe condition that caused it. Get their names and contact information.
- Go to the doctor or emergency room. Even if you think your injuries will heal on their own, get a full evaluation from a doctor. Many slip and fall injuries seem more minor than they really are, and they can get worse over time if you don’t get treatment. In addition, when you go to the doctor, you show that you knew right away that your injuries were serious. This makes it hard for an insurance company to claim that you weren’t really hurt.
Insurance companies don’t like to pay out claims because they are often more interested in making a profit than in helping people who were injured. To increase your chance of a successful claim, never take the blame for your fall, never apologize for falling, and never try to minimize the extent of your injuries. Remember that anything you say can be used against you later.
Macon Slip and Fall Injury Lawyer Near Me 404-400-4000
Can I recover money if I fell at a friend’s house?
Yes, you can recover all your costs and damages, no matter where you fell. But if you fell at the home of a friend, relative or neighbor, you may have second thoughts about bringing a claim. We know you don’t want to upset a friend or damage your relationship. Your claim is not against your friend—it’s a business matter between you and their insurance company. You don’t have to accuse your friend of anything, and your friend won’t have to pay for your injuries out of pocket. Don’t shortchange yourself. This is what insurance is designed for.
Is there a time limit for filing a slip and fall claim in Macon?
Yes. Claims in Macon-Bibb County are subject to federal and state laws known as the statutes of limitations. These laws set strict deadlines for filing claims in accident cases. The statute of limitations that applies in your case will depend on where it happened and who is at fault.
- Your deadline may be very soon—maybe only a few weeks away
- In most cases, however, you must file your claim within two years
Missing the deadline has serious consequences, and you will probably forego your right to recover your costs or pursue your case in the local courts. The best thing to do is to contact a lawyer as soon as possible after your fall.
For a free legal consultation with a slip and fall injury lawyer serving Macon, call 404-400-4000
Talk to a Macon Slip and Fall Lawyer for Free
You shouldn’t foot the bill for an accident that was someone else’s fault. At John Foy & Associates, we’ve helped thousands of slip and fall victims get the money they need and deserve. We’d like to give you a free consultation and show you how we can help you too. Call us at 478-217-7042 or fill out the form to your right and get your FREE consultation today.
Call or text 404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form