A slip and fall sounds like a minor mishap, but sometimes, slipping, tripping, and falling can cause long-term harm. These injuries may require expensive surgery, medication, and extended physical therapy. Some fall victims wind up with long-term pain or a disability.
If you have been injured in a fall, you may be able to recover the cost of your care, plus money to make up for the time you have missed from work. A Savannah slip and fall injury lawyer at John Foy & Associates can help you understand your options.
Since 1999, we’ve devoted ourselves to helping injured people seek the money they need. Our Savannah personal injury lawyers give every client personal attention and offer free consultations to discuss their cases.
How Can I Tell If I Have a Valid Slip and Fall Claim?
You may have a valid slip and fall claim if a property owner’s negligence caused your injuries. Falls can be embarrassing, and many people blame themselves for being clumsy or not noticing a hazard. But you shouldn’t assume you don’t have a claim. Falls don’t always happen out of the blue.
At John Foy & Associates, we’ve seen cases where a hazard, obstacle, or unsafe situation contributed to an accident. We frequently deal with these types of slip and fall cases:
- Spills: Slipping on a spill in a store, restaurant, or food court.
- Uneven pavement: Cracked sidewalks and raised sections of concrete can create tripping hazards.
- Unmarked steps: Visitors may not notice a sudden change in floor height when there’s no clear warning.
- Unsafe stairways: Worn or broken steps, along with handrails that aren’t secure, can lead to serious falls.
- Poor lighting: People may trip if inadequate lighting makes a hazard difficult to see.
- Unsafe railings: People may fall over a damaged railing.
These accidents fall under the law of premises liability. Under Georgia Code § 51-3-1, property owners and occupiers must exercise ordinary care to keep their premises and approaches safe for invited visitors. However, not every fall leads to a valid claim.
Our Savannah slip and fall attorneys can examine whether the property owner knew or should have known about the hazard and whether negligence contributed to your injuries.
What Should I Do After a Slip and Fall in Savannah?
After a slip and fall in Savannah, you should report the accident, document the scene, gather witness information, and seek medical attention. We always recommend that you do what you can to document what happened and protect yourself legally after any accident.
Here are some steps you can take:
- Report the accident: If you were injured at a business, tell the owner or manager. Make it clear that you were injured. Get their name, job title, and contact information.
- Take pictures: Property owners may act quickly to correct the condition that caused your fall. Take pictures of the overall scene, any hazards or spills, and your injuries.
- Speak to witnesses: Find out if anyone saw you fall or noticed the condition that led to your fall. Get their contact information so you can follow up later.
- Go to the doctor: Some injuries can get worse without proper treatment. Seeing a doctor helps you get the care you need and creates medical records documenting your injuries. Depending on your condition, you may seek care at Memorial Health University Medical Center or Candler Hospital on Reynolds Street.
Be mindful of what you say after the accident, especially when speaking with the property owner’s insurance company. The insurer may use your statements to challenge your claim or reduce the amount it offers.
You don’t need to take responsibility for the fall or make assumptions about how badly you’re hurt. Our Savannah slip and fall accident attorneys at John Foy & Associates can review the evidence, deal with the insurance company, and help you understand your options as you recover.
Can I File a Slip and Fall Claim Against a Friend’s Homeowners Insurance?
You may be able to file a slip and fall claim against a friend’s homeowners insurance if their negligence caused your injuries and their policy provides coverage.
Getting hurt at a friend’s home can put you in a difficult position. You may need help paying your medical bills but worry that filing a claim will damage your friendship. Depending on the situation, their homeowners insurance may cover some of your expenses. Coverage will depend on the policy and how the accident happened.
At John Foy & Associates, we understand how uncomfortable these situations can feel. Our attorneys can review the circumstances of your fall, explain whether insurance coverage may apply, and help you decide how to proceed.
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Does Savannah Have a Deadline for Slip and Fall Claims?
Yes, Savannah slip and fall injury claims generally have a two-year deadline for filing a personal injury lawsuit under Georgia law. According to Georgia Code § 9-3-33, most personal injury lawsuits must be filed within two years after the claim arises, typically the date of the accident.
However, some claims have different requirements. Cases involving government entities may require formal notice within a much shorter period. Other exceptions can also affect the filing deadline.
In Savannah, civil injury cases may be handled through courts within the Chatham County Courthouse Complex, including the Eugene H. Gadsden Courthouse on West Oglethorpe Avenue.
Missing the deadline could mean losing your chance to seek compensation for your injuries. As time goes by, witnesses may become harder to reach, and important evidence could disappear. John Foy & Associates can check how much time you have to file a lawsuit and help you get started before it’s too late.
Talk to a Savannah Slip and Fall Lawyer for Free
At John Foy & Associates, we firmly believe you shouldn’t have to pay for an injury caused by someone else’s negligence. Since 1999, we’ve helped many injured people pursue the compensation they need. Our Savannah slip and fall accident attorneys can review your case, explain your rights, and help you understand what compensation may be available.
We work on a contingency fee basis, so you don’t pay attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. Our firm also offers video consultations and electronic signatures, making it easier to get legal help without unnecessary travel. Contact our team today for a free consultation with our slip and fall accident lawyers in Savannah.