Slip-and-fall accidents are a serious problem in Lawrenceville, Georgia. These accidents can cause significant and even life-altering injuries, sending millions of people to emergency rooms every year. Falls routinely happen at businesses, homes, apartments, and workplaces – and in many cases, negligent property owners and managers are to blame. At the law firm of Butler Kahn, our legal team helps people injured in slip-and-fall accidents hold careless property owners accountable. We have a long track record of recovering significant compensation for innocent people hurt in slip-and-fall accidents and for going above and beyond to care for and support our clients. Are you interested in learning more about how a skilled Lawrenceville slip-and-fall lawyer can help you during this challenging time? Reach out to our law firm when you are ready to talk about your legal options and your future. You only have one chance to seek compensation after a fall in Lawrenceville. The right lawyer can make all the difference. The team at Butler Kahn will take the time to listen to your story before outlining how we may be able to assist you in recovering the compensation you deserve.
How Common Are Slip-and-Fall Accidents?
The National Floor Safety Institute (NFSI) estimates that falls account for over 8 million emergency room visits annually and are the leading cause of trips to the ER. The nonprofit also found that slip-and-fall claims make up the bulk of workers’ compensation cases for adults 55 and older in the U.S. Slip-and-fall accidents are also the leading cause of lost days from work. The NFSI is not the only organization raising concerns about the dangers of falls. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) finds that 800,000 people are hospitalized for falls each year and that falls cost about $50 billion in medical costs annually. Moreover, falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries.
Are Older People More Vulnerable to Fall Injuries?
The answer is yes. As we age, we begin to lose muscle tone. Older adults, especially women, tend to suffer from vitamin D and calcium deficiencies, making bones more brittle and prone to breaking. As systems in the body weaken, coordination and balance are easily thrown off by the physical changes, making older adults more apt to be involved in slip-and-fall accidents. Hazardous conditions make slip-and-fall accidents even more dangerous for individuals over 65. The CDC estimates that one out of five falls causes significant injuries like broken bones, fractured or dislocated hips, and traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Moreover, falling once doubles the chances of falling again.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Slip-and-Fall Accidents in Lawrenceville?
Landlords and property owners are responsible for keeping their premises safe for visitors and customers. Skirting these responsibilities can lead to significant slip-and-fall accidents. Some of the most common causes of slip-and-fall accidents include:
- Wet or slippery floors
- Spills
- Loose cables or wires
- Torn carpets and rugs
- Uneven flooring
- Cracks or breaks in flooring or sidewalks
- Merchandise left in aisles or walkways
- Stairs without handrails
- Unmarked or broken stairs
- Poor lighting conditions
- Ice or snow
While a slip-and-fall accident can happen almost anywhere, many occur in stores, residential homes or apartments, nursing homes, and the workplace.
How Do You Establish Liability in a Slip-and-fall Accident?
Establishing liability for a slip-and-fall accident involves proving that you were a lawful visitor on the property, that its owner or manager consequently owed you a duty of care, and that you were injured because of an unreasonably hazardous condition on that property. You must also prove that the property owner knew, or reasonably should have known, about the dangerous condition and did not take adequate measures to address the situation or warn you of it before you were hurt. Proving these elements requires evidence. Turning to an experienced attorney for help is the best way to protect yourself and get the help you need to compile and present the evidence you need to win your case. An attorney can also establish your status as a protected visitor at the time of the accident. Most property owners do not owe a duty of care to trespassers or individuals not authorized to be on their property.
What If I Am Partially at Fault for the Accident?
Some people hesitate to pursue a slip-and-fall case because they believe they were partially to blame for the accident. Being partially at fault for causing a slip-and-fall accident does not necessarily bar you from recovering compensation in Lawrenceville, Georgia. Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence model. Under this rule, your share of compensation diminishes by the same percentage as your responsibility for causing the accident. If a court finds you 10 percent responsible for a slip-and-fall accident, it reduces your compensation by 10 percent. Additionally, this rule dictates that if a person’s share of fault meets or exceeds 50 percent, they cannot recover any compensation for their financial losses.
How Long Do I Have to File My Slip-and-Fall Injury Lawsuit in Georgia?
Recovering from injuries sustained in a significant fall can take months or longer. Unfortunately, you do not have unlimited time to recover and weigh your legal options. Georgia gives individuals two years from the date of the accident to file a case in court to hold the responsible person accountable. Attempting to file a case after the statute of limitations expires generally results in the case’s dismissal. To avoid any issues with deadlines – and to allow time to properly and promptly investigate an accident and build a solid claim – it is best to speak to an experienced Lawrenceville slip-and-fall lawyer sooner rather than later.
Contact a Lawrenceville Slip-and-Fall Lawyer
At Butler Kahn, we know the pain a slip-and-fall accident can cause you and your family. We are immensely sorry you’ve been put in a position where your health and financial stability are on the line. Our goal is to help you understand your rights and help you protect them. If you are interested in learning how we may be able to help you fight for the money you deserve, contact our office whenever you are ready to speak with a Lawrenceville slip-and-fall lawyer. We are happy to sit down and talk you through this difficult situation during a no-cost consultation.
