Anyone can sustain a serious physical injury after an accidental slip and fall. For instance, in 2009, Sue Brown—a Georgia resident—brought a lawsuit against AMC Theaters at Southlake Mall after accidentally tripping over a “Wet Floor” sign that was lying flat on the lobby floor. According to Brown’s statement, her foot caught hold of the sign’s handle and sent her flying headfirst onto the lobby floor. After seriously injuring her neck and back in the fall, Brown had to undergo invasive recovery surgery.
Instances like Sue Brown’s occur 25,000 times per day, costing the insurer 12,000 dollars on average—a National Floor Safety Institute study found. If you have been injured in an accidental slip and fall on commercial or private property, according to Georgia law, you are entitled to compensation if the owner of the property is responsible for and has knowledge of the risk. For example, the judge in Sue Brown’s case decided that AMC was responsible for Brown’s injuries and for causing the hazard, as they had knowingly placed the sign in front of a crowded movie theater door—where patrons were frequently walking in and out.
According to Georgia’s “slip and fall” law, an owner of private property or land has a legal duty to care for and maintain its premises to a condition that does not pose an obvious hazard to the public.
Examples of obvious public hazards include:
- Broken objects;
- Torn carpeting;
- Slippery or wet floors;
- Poorly lit walking areas; and
- Broken or missing handrails.
Do You Have a Valid Slip and Fall Claim?
An accidental slip and fall can occur in places such as your local grocery market, retail stores, etc. To receive payment or compensation for slip and fall injuries, Georgia law states that you must have sustained an actual injury that requires a degree of medical attention. Scrapes and bruises, although unacceptable, generally do not qualify for a personal injury lawsuit. If seriously injured in a slip and fall, you should consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer. While slip and fall injuries vary from person to person, lawsuits could lead to a large payouts for the victim.
Lawsuits typically include:
- Hip fractures;
- Broken, or fractured bones;
- Head, neck, or back trauma; and
- Torn ligaments, or sprained joints.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer
If you were seriously injured in an accidental slip and fall, or injured by the fault of another person, contact an experienced and professional Charlotte injury attorney to learn about receiving compensation for your injuries. Located in Augusta, at the law firm of Ted A. Greve & Associates, P.A. we will commit to your case and fight for you. Call us today for a free consultation.
