Atlanta Premises Liability Attorney

Seek Justice for Your Premises Liability Injury

Practice Areas

• Car Accidents
• Dog Bites
• Motorcycle Accidents
• Medical Malpractice
• Rideshare Accidents
• Slip and Fall
• Truck Accidents
• Wrongful Death
• Workers’ Compensation

Understanding Premises Liability Law in Georgia

Slip and Fall Injuries

A few key elements must be established for slip and fall injuries to rise to the level of a potentially successful premises liability case. The plaintiff has the burden of proof, and they must show:

• The presence of a hazardous condition on the property
• The owner knew or should have known about the unsafe condition
• The owner failed to take the necessary steps to remedy the situation 
• The owner owed them a duty of care based on their status as invitees, trespassers, or licensees.
• They suffered harm from the owner’s negligence, for which the latter is liable.

If a property owner puts up “wet floor” signs and dispatches an employee to clean up the spill, but someone still slips in it despite the warnings, the property owner may escape liability. However, if a spill occurred, a customer told an employee and the employee failed to take any action, and a customer slips and injures themselves 15 minutes later, the store could be held liable because: 

• They were informed about the danger
• They failed to take action to prevent injury 

This is why an investigation is vital in a premises liability case. If you could prove that you or another person warned the property owner about a hazard and they failed to fix it, you can hold the latter accountable. This is no easy task, but working with an Atlanta premises liability lawyer can increase your chances of success.

Negligent Security

When most people think of premises liability, they imagine people slipping and falling on wet floors or tripping over boxes in an aisle of a store. Although slip and fall injuries are the most common premises liability cases, they’re not the only ones.

Negligent security is an essential aspect of premises liability law because of the severe damages people often suffer due to criminal behavior. Assaults can leave people with high medical bills and serious emotional trauma. Even if the criminal who committed the assault is caught, they often don’t have the resources to compensate the victim for the damages they caused.

The property owner where the assault occurred is usually covered by some liability policy that often has high limits. In many cases, a skilled premises liability lawyer can investigate and build a compelling case that shows the property owner knew there was a risk for crime on their property but failed to put in place security measures to prevent criminal activity.

Failed security measures can range from broken gates or fences to inadequate lighting in communal areas in a multi-family residential property. So, if you are assaulted or injured on a property with poor security, you may be able to hold the owner accountable.

Premises liability lawyers will investigate your case to establish the property owner’s negligence and how it contributed to your injuries and damages. A skilled attorney will:

• Check if prior criminal activities on the premises exist
• Assess the availability and efficiency of security measures
• Interview witnesses and previous victims if available

Premises liability attorneys at The Dressie Law Firm, LLC are skilled in negligent security claims and are ready to help you secure compensation for your damages.

Residential Property Liability

Premises liability also applies to private homes and residential properties. Homeowners have legal responsibilities similar to commercial property owners:

• Keeping walkways and staircases clear and safe

• Repairing broken steps, railings, or lighting

• Addressing known hazards like wet floors or loose rugs

Homeowners may also face liability for dog bites, pool accidents, or injuries to children under the attractive nuisance doctrine. Home insurance policies often play a key role in compensating injured visitors.

Insurance and Statute of Limitations

In many residential injury cases, homeowners’ insurance provides the primary source of compensation. Insurers will typically investigate, negotiate, and potentially settle claims on behalf of the policyholder.

In Georgia, you must file a premises liability lawsuit within two years from the date of the injury (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33). Waiting too long could permanently bar you from seeking compensation.

It’s wise to consult an attorney early—especially when dealing with insurance adjusters or gathering evidence.

Common Causes of Premises Liability Injuries

The following are some of the causes of premises liability injuries:

• Poorly constructed structures
• Water on walkways
• Faulty stairs and railings
• Faulty elevators
• Obstruction in walkways
• Having a code violation system
• Structural failings
• Inadequate lighting in walkways
• Faulty house electrical connections

Other premises liabilities include dog bites and bed bugs.

Damages Available to You for Premises Liability Accidents

You can claim several damages if you sustained a serious personal injury on another person’s premises, including:

Economic Damages

Economic damages cover any expenses you incurred due to the premises liability accident. These include medical bills, out-of-pocket expenses, future medical expenses, lost wages, and loss of earning ability.

Non-economic Damages

Non-economic damages include compensation for loss of quality of life and the pain and suffering you experience due to the premises owner’s negligence. These non-tangible damages can be tricky to calculate, so consulting an experienced premises liability lawyer is necessary.

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages are awarded to punish or deter the defendant. If you prove that the premises owner’s actions or lack thereof are malicious, you can be awarded punitive and economic and non-economic damages. This kind of damages may only be granted if your premises liability attorney specifically pleads for it in the trial.

The Statute of Limitations for Premises Liability Accident

What to Do After a Premises Liability Accident

After a premises liability accident, your priority should be seeking medical attention for your injuries. Once you have received medical treatment, consider taking the following steps:

• Report the incident to the property owner or manager and get a copy of the report.
• Take pictures of the accident scene and your injuries.
• Get the names and contact information of any witnesses present during the accident.
• Record all medical treatment, including medical bills, prescriptions, doctor’s notes, etc.
• Contact a skilled premises liability lawyer to guide you through the legal process and help you secure fair compensation for your damages. 

Remember, the property owner or manager may try to downplay the incident and offer a low settlement. Do not accept any offers or admit fault without consulting your lawyer first.

The Dressie Law Firm, LLC Is Here to Handle Your Premises Liability Case

If you or a loved one have suffered an injury due to a business or property owner’s failure to maintain safe premises, you should strongly consider consulting with a personal injury attorney from The Dressie Law Firm, LLC. These accidents often result in serious injuries that can be expensive to treat and put people out of work for extended periods.

Whether the property owner could be liable is often up for debate. Our Atlanta premises liability lawyers are experienced in handling premises liability lawsuits and can help you understand how the court may view your premises liability claim. 

Contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced Atlanta premises liability attorney at The Dressie Law Firm, LLC.