Marietta Premises Liability Lawyer
When an individual suffers an injury due to a dangerous or hazardous condition on another’s property, they may have grounds to bring legal action against the owners of the property.
Given the complexity of premises liability claims, you may benefit from getting in touch with a seasoned personal injury attorney. A Marietta premises liability lawyer may be able to provide you with the legal advice you need to file a successful civil claim and to help you seek compensation from the negligent party.
Property Owner Liability
All property owners owe a duty of care to those who are lawfully present on their property. The injuries that an individual could sustain due to dangerous or hazardous conditions are often severe and permanent. In some cases, property owners are fully aware of the hazardous condition, yet they do not take the proper steps to remedy the condition or provide adequate warning to visitors.
Property owners should know of any hazards on their property but could have failed to reasonably inspect or maintain the premises. In both types of cases, property owners may be liable for any injuries that occur as a result of the hazard on their property.
Common Types of Premises Liability Claims
Premises liability claims could arise due to many different circumstances and situations. A dangerous condition could cause an individual to suffer severe injuries. Hazardous conditions could cause:
- A shopper in a grocery store to slip and fall on spilled liquid;
- A patron to fall while entering a restaurant due to a loose handrail;
- A guest to a private party to fall from a balcony due to a lack of safety rails;
- A customer to slip on a patch of ice outside a drugstore.
Property owners are expected to remedy dangerous conditions that could lead to accidents within a reasonable amount of time. However, the facts are different in every case, making it difficult to prove negligence. In these situations, injury victims may want to consult a Marietta premises liability attorney for legal advice.
Classification of Visitors in Marietta
According to O.C.G.A. §51-3-1, owners or occupiers of land who invite others onto their property are liable for any injuries caused by their failure to keep the premises safe.
Invitees
Business owners owe the highest duty of care to these types of individuals, known as invitees under state law, as they have made their property open to the public. As a result, business owners must keep their establishments free from any dangerous conditions that might cause injury to others.
Licensees
Property owners owe a lesser duty of care to licensees. Licensees are individuals who enter private property solely for their own interests or convenience. As a result, property owners in Georgia have a duty not to recklessly or wantonly injure a licensee.
Trespassers
In most cases, property owners do not owe a duty of care to trespassers. Premise owners should refrain from causing willful or wanton injuries, pursuant to O.C.G.A. §51-3-3.
Consult a Marietta Premises Liability Attorney for Advice
If you or a loved one sustained a serious injury due to a hazard on another’s property, you may be able to pursue a civil claim for damages. A Marietta premises liability lawyer could help you through the claims process.
Like other personal injury actions, there are deadlines that apply to these claims, so you may wish to consult with an experienced attorney as soon as possible following an accident. Failing to do so could result in a loss of your ability to pursue any damages for your injuries. Call today to get started on your case.
