If you have had a slip and fall accident on a sidewalk that is maintained by a business, you may have a case for claiming compensation. The business or insurance company may try to use the defense that the defect was obvious and avoidable; however, it is not your responsibility to observe every inch of a sidewalk to make sure it is safe.
There are several hazards that may result in a slip and fall accident, which are due to poor maintenance on the part of the business. In many cases, businesses are partially or wholly responsible for sidewalks which may appear to fall under municipality control. In these cases, you need an experienced lawyer who can quickly establish where liability lies.
Sidewalk Hazards
When you are walking down a sidewalk it is not usual to encounter a potential hazard. The following conditions fall under maintenance issues. This is not a full list of hazards so consult with a professional legal team before making assumptions about the strength of your case:
- Loose or missing breaks
- Cracks in the sidewalk
- Pavement or concrete that is damaged
- Grates with slots large enough to catch a heel
- Tree root system intrusion
- Failure to remove snow and ice
- Uneven access points
- Elevated or loose flagstones
It is important to consult with a lawyer right away if you have had a slip and fall accident on a sidewalk maintained by a business. There are actions you can take to gather evidence and strengthen your case. Suing a business for failing to maintain a sidewalk is a complex process so you will need a strong lawyer fighting on your side.
Gathering Evidence
If the business filled out an accident report, ask for a copy for your records. You should also take pictures of the un-maintained sidewalk if possible. It helps to have witness statements that support your account of events. Make sure to go to the hospital to have your injuries treated, even if you believe they are not all that serious.
Before speaking to a representative of the business or insurance company, consult with a personal injury lawyer who specializes in fighting complex cases in Georgia. Fry | Goehring has taken on hundreds of cases, many of which involved slip and fall accidents on business premises. We understand every area of law involved and can anticipate the kind of defense that the business will employ.
You are entitled to pursue compensation if you have been injured on business premises. Any potential reward will cover medical costs, loss of wages, damages, and non-economic losses such as pain and suffering. We will continue to fight your case beyond settlement and into court if that is how things play out.
For a free consultation to further discuss your case we welcome you to reach out to Fry | Goehring. We are a law firm that values compassionate representation and engaging communication with our clients in Georgia.
