One of the most common personal injury case scenarios is when a victim becomes injured while visiting someone else’s property. The premises may be a private home or a business, and, as a guest or a customer, you have a reasonable expectation for that environment to be safe. How does the law define what constitutes reasonably safe premises?
WHAT THE LAW SAYS ABOUT LIABILITY
Georgia statute § 51-3-1 – Duty of owner or occupier of land to the invitee, states:
“Where an owner or occupier of land, by express or implied invitation, induces or leads others to come upon his premises for any lawful purpose, he is liable in damages to such persons for injuries caused by his failure to exercise ordinary care in keeping the premises and approaches safe.”
For a business owner, ordinary care would include correcting such unsafe conditions as wet floors, trip hazards, or improperly stacked merchandise. In general, any condition that the owner of the premises should reasonably expect can cause injury to a visitor is his/her responsibility to make safe. The owner is liable for any injury that results from negligence to do so.
The liability of the premises owner differs under Georgia law according to the status of the injured party, whether invitee, licensee, or trespasser. So, if a person enters onto a property without the owner’s permission, for example, the obligation to provide reasonably safe premises, and consequently the liability for injury, would be severely limited under Georgia statutes.
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS IN A PREMISES LIABILITY CASE
An experienced personal injury trial lawyer in Atlanta can review your case with you to determine whether the circumstances surrounding your injury entitle you to compensation. You have a right to reasonably safe premises as a visitor to a home or business. If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident on a private or commercial premise, we are here to be your voice and represent you with compassion and conviction.
At the Fry | Goehring, our dedication to each client and attention to detail has earned us a solid reputation in the state of Georgia for success in and out of the courtroom. Our commitment to you is fair and respectful treatment through every phase of the process in earning justice for you. Follow us on LinkedIn!
