Slip-and-fall injuries on commercial premises are a common source of injury, while slip-and-fall lawsuits can severely damage the financial status and reputation of any business. Slip-and-falls are, according to the Georgia Department of Health, established to be the major causative agents of traumatic brain injuries within the state. Already, the state has complained about over 1200 cases of slipping and falling in Georgia alone, of which over 10% really resulted in serious injuries, such as internal injuries and death.
Businessmen will therefore face the prospect of legal claims, income reductions, and negative publicity as a result of such injuries on their premises. It is in this regard that any business can reinforce itself against costly legal exposure and ensure legal protection by understanding premises liability and the wisdom of hiring a premises liability lawyer at the appropriate juncture in Atlanta.
In the following article, we will enumerate some of the main causes of slip-and-falls, as well as when to hire a premises liability attorney and the precautionary measures you can take to keep away from legal trouble.
Premises Liability Definition
Premises liability is the legal principle by which business owners are obliged to maintain safety conditions on their premises with regard to customers, employees, and other visitors. This means that if a visitor is injured due to an unsafe condition existing on the property, he or she is entitled to recover medical expenses, lost wages, pain, and suffering, and other losses related to it. A business owner needs to understand this very thoroughly, for it will prevent accidents and protect his or her interests.
Most Slip and Fall Accidents Occurring in Business Premises
The reasons for accidents might be quite many; however some of the most common causes of slip-and-falls are:
Wet or Slippery Floors: Spills, weather, and bad cleaning methods can cause slippery floors. Even the smallest water or liquid spills may cause hazardous falls.
Uneven Surfaces: Cracked or uneven floors as well as loose carpeting or an uneven sidewalk may produce tripping hazards.
Bad new lighting- Low-light areas of stairs, tunnels, or even outer spaces increase those trips and falls.
Walkway obstruction – Items littered along pathways or ill-placed signage could lead to blockage on the routes and unsafe situations for a customer or an employee.
Weather Events: It’s hard to avoid considering the location outside where rain, snow, and ice may be present, laying some very slippery surfaces into parking lots or at the entrance to your building.
It is the business owner who increases exposure to lawsuits for failing to recognize, identify, and document these dangers. Because of that, timely legal advice and action would be required to minimize risk.
When Should You Hire a Lawyer for Premises Liability?
Minor accidents can be taken care of through insurance coverage but severe injuries give rise to disputes. Read on to learn about the five important instances when you should reach out to a premises liability attorney to protect your business:
- Serious Injury Occurs on Your Property
Minor accidents may possibly be settled through your coverage, while more serious injuries like concussions, broken bones, or even nerve injuries require much more involved litigation. The victims of serious injury usually claim reimbursement not just for medical bills but also for long-term treatment and pain-suffering, as well as loss of income. A premises liability attorney will ensure that claims are fair and reasonable, hence protecting the business from wrongful over-compensation or fraudulent claims. - Refusal of Settlement Offer by the Injured Party
Sometimes, the insurance might make an offer for settlement to the injured party, which they may reject stating that the offer is not enough to settle their medical bills, pain, or whatever the other damages may be. This can lead to prolonged negotiations or, in fact, a lawsuit. If the injured party alleges future medical problems, or there might be a dispute about the amount of compensation, counsel specializing in premises liability can step in on behalf of your team to negotiate a fair settlement based on applicable law. - The Incident Takes Place on Government Land
There are further complications in cases of slip and fall occurring on a government property. Under the protection of sovereign immunity laws, arguably, the government cannot be sued; hence you might be deprived of recovering damages or defending against allegations. A premises liability attorney will carefully unravel who is legally responsible for maintaining the property and will also assist you throughout legal procedures and time limitations regarding your claim or defense. - The Injury Results in Permanent Disability
By extension, slip-and-falls that lead to permanent disabilities or long-term medical conditions also have far-reaching financial and legal consequences. If the victim suffers from the need for ongoing medical treatment, rehabilitation, or a comprehensive pain management program, the demands for compensation may grow tremendously. Further compensation will probably be demanded if that person can no longer work because of that injury or he has suffered a loss of income. In such cases, expert evaluation backed by legal defense is essential for protecting your firm against unreasonable liability.
Movement has occurred down some of the Fall – proved to be a serious loss of income by the injured party. In some instances, the injured party can put up claims that the fall has led to economic loss by not being able to do any work at all. Such claims could include lost wages, loss of future income, and reduced earning potential. An example may include large sums of money being sought by self-employed or professionals who have income that is free and not fixed. Such claims will be scrutinised by a premises liability lawyer to make sure that any damages disbursed are direct and proven losses suffered.
Preventative Initiatives to Reduce Risks of Slip-and-Fall Liability
So, while turning to legal representation becomes imperative after an accident occurs, the positive step in absolving liability is prevention against the event from happening at first instance. Below are some of the preventive measures businesses can put in place:
Periodical Inspection: Regularly walk through all walkways, parking lots, stairwells, common areas, checking the betterment from hazards and thus remedying defects without any delay.
Safety Policies: Make very strict and clear policies regarding safety in respect of clean floors and the immediate removal of hazards, especially in cases of adverse weather.
Emergency training of staff may include some mitigation of spillage, hazards, and other related safety areas.
Proper Lighting and Signage: Install adequate lighting in high-risk areas such as stairways and halls and provide clear signs forewarning against possible hazards.
Incident Reporting: Document any slip-and-fall incidents on your properties, even those which seem inconsequential. That documentation could come in handy if a legal claim is brought forth in the future.
The aim is, therefore, to limit the prospects of accidents happening and save costs on claims and legal lawsuits.
Conclusion: Proactive Legal Support is Essential Premises liability is a burdensome legacy for commercial operators, especially those with a bustling business territory like Atlanta. Slip-and-fall incidents are therefore common, and having premises liability attorneys on speed dial might just mean the difference between sitting on a legally manageable situation and combating an excruciatingly expensive lawsuit. Protect your business from legal exposure, reputational impacts, and consequential financial costs through proactive risk management combined with expert legal assistance.
