Premises liability laws hold business and property owners responsible for the safety of anyone who enters their property. By law, owners are expected to keep their properties safe at all times, but especially when they are going to invite a guest inside. Failure to protect the visitors can result in a premises liability personal injury suit in which the defendant may have to pay for the plaintiff’s medical bills, lost work wages, therapies, and in some cases, pain and suffering, as well.
When Is a Property Owner Responsible?
A property owner is responsible for an injury if he or she fails to keep the property safe. Any unsafe conditions should be resolved immediately, but at the very least, the property owner should notify the visitors of a potential danger. An example of a premises liability situation: Sally invites Lacey to her home in Savannah. Sally is legally responsible for her friend’s safety, so she would be responsible if Lacey slipped and fell on a toy that was left on the living room floor. The court would most likely expect a property owner to clean the toys off the floor before having company.
Should Landlords Worry?
Landlords should be concerned about these issues, and they should stay on their toes in regards to ensuring that their property does not have dangers in them such as exposed electrical writing, unsettled carpeting, and other problems. A tenant may be able to visit a premises liability lawyer Savannah GA expert and charge him with neglect. A judge or jury will review all of the facts and determine whether that landlord has to pay compensation. It’s possible that he or she will.
What if Someone Was Being Reckless?
If the person who got hurt was being reckless, the case may have a completely different outcome. A complex issue like that really needs an experienced premises liability lawyer Savannah GA expert to look at it. Georgia laws do allow for faulty parties to still collect compensation for personal injury. Therefore, if the reckless behavior leaves the person less than 50 percent at fault, that person may still be awarded a settlement that is simply reduced by her fault percentage.
Recent Cases
A premises liability case can be complex, which is why only a seasoned premises liability lawyer Savannah GA specialist should handle it. Some things that seem obvious don’t always turn out the way the victim expects. A good example is Lucas v. Sysco Columbia, LLC. The customer felt that the business was liable for the injury because the floor was wet. The complexity came because there was a rainstorm outside. The customer knew that the floor would be wet because it had been raining outside. Therefore, the defendant claimed that it was not responsible because the customer entered the building already being aware of the issue. The plaintiff lost the first round.
Is it You vs. Premises Liability Laws in Savannah?
Along with gathering the evidence, fighting a legal battle, and listening to the client like a friend, an attorney can appeal decisions and keep fighting for compensation until someone overturns a decision. Anyone who has been a victim of a premises liability will need to schedule an appointment ASAP so that someone can take care of that person. There is no risk at all for a prospect to come in and talk about what happened. Call us today at (912) 333-3915 for your free consultation with Tate Law Group today.
