Slip and fall accidents often happen inside Sandy Springs properties where the owners are not careful enough. But most owners are responsible for the parking lots outside of their properties, too. Potholes specifically can lead to dangerous slip-and-fall accidents.
If you slipped and fell on a pothole in a parking lot, you have rights. You might deserve financial compensation for your injuries and more. Talk to a Sandy Springs slip and fall from potholes in parking lots lawyer to know your options.
Don’t wait to contact a lawyer after your accident. Contact John Foy & Associates to go over your rights during a free, no-risk consultation. We don’t get paid unless we win you money. Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online for your free consultation.
Causes of Slip and Fall Injuries in Parking Lots
You can see parking lots throughout Sandy Springs. Many businesses utilize parking lots for paying customers and visitors. However, these areas can become dangerous quickly if not maintained.
Just like any property, parking lot surfaces can deteriorate without regular upkeep. Parking lot owners must be careful to watch for issues and fix any hazardous areas. Potholes are especially common with long-term wear and tear.
Slip and fall accidents caused by parking lot potholes can happen because of:
- Cracked and uneven parking lot pavement
- Pavement damage from vehicles rolling over it
- Poor lighting in the pothole area
Property owners must pay attention to potholes and other hazards in their parking lots. Suppose a problem cannot be fixed immediately. In that case, the owner should provide warnings or lighting to prevent slip and fall accidents. If a property owner fails in their duty, they could be liable for injuries.
Injury victims also must be careful. Property owners will often try to blame victims and reduce their own liability. However, talk to a lawyer before assuming you don’t have a case. You have a right to seek compensation if the property owner or business was negligent.
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The Challenge of Pothole Slip and Fall Cases
Property or landowners often try to say that the pothole should have been evident to the injury victim. If a hazard was indeed obvious, the injury victim could be at least partially responsible. But we find that property owners often use this as an excuse to avoid liability.
It’s often impossible for someone to see a pothole in a parking lot. Bad lighting, the pothole being the same color as the asphalt, and lead to an instant slip and fall. Most people expect a regular walking place to be safe and free of dangerous holes.
Still, you will need to have a strong injury claim after a slip and fall on a pothole. You’ll need to prove that the property or landowner was negligent in your fall:
- The owner must have had a duty of care to keep the premises safe for you.
- The owner must have failed in their duty of care (negligence).
- The owner’s negligence must have directly led to your fall on the pothole.
- The pothole slip and fall must have caused your injuries and other damages.
Most owners can avoid slip and fall cases by merely keeping up with maintenance. If an owner failed to upkeep their property, they are likely responsible for an injury. To make sure you have a case that proves this, talk to a lawyer today.
We can help at John Foy & Associates. Our Sandy Springs slip and fall accident lawyers have been helping accident victims for over 20 years. To learn more about your legal options during a free consultation, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
Common Slip and Fall on Pothole Accident Damages
A slip and fall accident can affect your life in many ways. When you bring legal action against a property owner or landowner, you’ll need to show your damages. Common personal injury damages include:
Medical Bills
Medical costs add up quickly after an injury accident. Most people end up needing more medical attention than they initially think. You might have treatment costs like:
- Doctor bills
- Hospital or emergency room bills
- Prescription medications
- Specialist visits
- Rehabilitative equipment
- Travel to and from appointments
Save all the medical bills you have after your treatment. Also, talk to your doctor about any future treatment you will need. If you will need long-term care or treatment, it’s important to include that in your claim.
Lost Wages
If you were working before the slip and fall, you’ll probably have to miss work time. Some injury victims lose their jobs or have to take on lower-paying work. Your claim should show any lost income you have because of the accident.
Pain and Suffering
Not all damages are economical. A slip and fall accident can lead to emotional damages like:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Mental pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Emotional trauma
- Anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Talk to your Sandy Springs lawyer about how the accident has affected you. Your lawyer can calculate any non-economic damages like pain and suffering you have.
What to Do After a Slip and Fall in a Parking Lot Pothole
After the accident, there are things you can do to help build your case like:
- Taking pictures of the pothole that caused your fall
- Taking pictures of your injuries and any property damage
- Talking to any witnesses and getting their contact information
- Reporting the slip and fall to the property owner or landowner
- Saving all evidence of your medical costs and other damages
- Contacting a slip and fall accident lawyer as soon as possible
The owner’s insurance company might contact you after the accident. The adjuster may offer you an upfront settlement—don’t take it. Talk to a lawyer first because the first settlement offer won’t come close to what you deserve.
You can protect your legal rights the most by gathering evidence, getting a lawyer on your side, and not talking about the accident with anyone but your lawyer.
Talk to Sandy Springs Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer for Free
Slip and fall accident cases are often complicated and frustrating. But you don’t have to handle it alone. In fact, you’re more likely to get a fair outcome if you speak with an experienced attorney first.
At John Foy & Associates, we can help after a pothole slip and fall accident. Our lawyers will review your case and determine your options. If you work with us, we’re not afraid to fight for what you deserve. We also don’t get paid unless we win you compensation.
Call us at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online to get started with a free, no-risk consultation.
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