Our Augusta premises liability lawyer understands Georgia law and can help you pursue damages after an accident. Getting hurt in an accident on someone else’s property can be a frightening and confusing experience. In addition to the emotional stress of the situation, you may be facing medical bills, lost wages, and physical pain.
At Barrios Virgüez, we understand the challenges you’re facing. We prioritize the needs and well-being of our clients, ensuring personalized attention and dedicated service throughout the legal process. If you’ve been injured due to unsafe conditions on someone else’s property, an experienced personal injury attorney can help you understand your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Filing a Claim for Premises Liability in Georgia
If a person or company knew that you were on their premises and you became hurt while there, you should consider hiring a premises liability attorney in Augusta, GA. Our firm believes that people should be held accountable for their negligence and irresponsibility in keeping others safe.
Suppose you are unsure of how the legal process works. In that case, it is important to get medical attention and file a police report. A lawyer will explain all the details of what your case may entail, how you should proceed, and what to expect during the next few months while they are working on the case.
The Statute of Limitations in Georgia
It is important to remember that there is a time limit to file a claim after an accident. Georgia’s §9-3-33 code states that you are only allowed to take action against the defendant for your accident within the first two years. This is plenty of time, but you could be looking at a longer time frame of receiving restitution for your damages if you do not contact an attorney as quickly as possible.
Premises liability claims can take a few months or even a year. Most people seek financial compensation for premises liability accidents, but there are also non-financial losses that our clients experience during these times.
A few of the defendant’s losses that we believe should be covered are medical bills, lost pay, home modification, mental suffering, surgeries, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and more.
How a Premises Liability Lawyer Can Help Your Case
When you contact a premises liability lawyer in Augusta, GA, with this type of case, they will take action into their own hands. We will work to ensure that all the evidence is presented, the facts are correct, and the amount of compensation you desire is fair. Premises liability attorneys will seek help from other professionals to determine how much a victim who has experienced a premises liability accident is owed and how much they need for their injuries in the future.
A lawyer will look at your case’s ins and outs and ensure it is strong enough to succeed. Some of the evidence they will analyze while building a sturdy case includes medical and hospital records, reports from the police, video camera footage, and statements from witnesses.
The more evidence you can provide to your lawyer, the stronger your case will become. Our legal professionals at Barrios Virgüez Attorneys: Accident & Injury Law will work hard to determine an appropriate outcome for your case and ensure that this outcome is attained. Contact us with any questions or to start working on your claim.
How a Premises Liability Claim Works
When an individual is involved in an accident on someone else’s premises, they may decide to file a premises liability lawsuit. If they do so, they are within their rights to seek compensation for the damages they have experienced.
Suppose it is considered a viable claim. Premises liability attorneys in Augusta will take on the case and stand up for you against the defendant. They will work hard to ensure that the responsible parties are held accountable and explain what type of damages – either compensatory or punitive damages – you are entitled to claim.
Common Premises Liability Cases We Handle
Our attorneys have worked with many clients in Augusta who have been victims of premises liability accidents. A few premises liability accidents that we have commonly handled include:
- Slip and falls
- Dog attacks
- Fires
- Swimming pool accidents
- Restaurant accidents
- Elevator or escalator accidents
- Ice and snow accidents
- Maintenance accidents
- Inadequate security
- Amusement park accidents
- Construction accidents
- Toxic chemicals or fumes
- Flooding
- Defective or deteriorating conditions
Not only can victims receive compensation for their injuries, but some cities and counties may decide to penalize individuals if their properties are deemed unsafe for individuals to enter. It depends on the specific county or city’s guidelines regarding property ownership.
Proving Negligence in a Premises Liability Case
If you want to make sure that you have a strong and successful case, start considering how you may be able to prove that the property owner was negligent. Most of the time, premises liability cases are a direct result of negligence, but these four components must be proven:
- The property owner was obliged to keep the individual safe while on the premises.
- The property owner failed to keep the individual safe, which breached their duty.
- The breach was a direct cause of the individual’s accident.
- The individual experienced injuries and other losses because of the property owner’s negligence.
Determining the property owner’s duty to keep you safe may be the most difficult component to prove. However, our premises liability lawyer will help ensure that all four of these components are proven and that you receive proper justice for this preventable accident. Talk to an Augusta premises liability attorney today.
How We Handle a Premises Liability Case in Georgia
Working closely with our clients, our team will handle every step of the process for you. We encourage you not to speak to the insurance company just yet, but to allow our team to handle those conversations for you. It could save you time and frustration while also protecting your right to compensation.
Determine Who Is at Fault
With premises liability, establishing fault and negligence is critical to creating a case for your needs. Without a doubt, our team will work to gather evidence to prove what occurred and to work to demonstrate how the failure to create a safe environment occurred.
Keep in mind that Georgia is considered an “at fault” state. That means you may recover compensation, even if you are partially liable. However, you need to talk to your premises liability lawyer in Augusta to understand your specific situation.
Determine What Your Losses Are
Filing a claim for premises liability is not always simplistic, but our team will work to understand better what you are facing both now and into the future from this instance. For example, if you have substantial injuries that make it impossible for you to do your job, do you need job retraining? You may need financial compensation for your inability to work.
We also look at the emotional turmoil brought on by the incident. What did this do to your ability to enjoy a higher quality of life? Did it impact relationships and perhaps even your ability to manage your relationships? Let our team examine all of the implications of your losses.
Negotiate with the Insurance Company
We encourage you to allow our team to handle all communications with the insurance company responsible for covering your losses. This will, ultimately, determine the best route forward while protecting you. We can help you with:
- Filing the initial claim with the insurance company
- Answering most of the insurance company’s questions
- Protecting your right to privacy in safeguarding your medical records
- Minimizing the risk that you may say something that could be used against you
- Providing you with fierce negotiations to preserve your claim
Most of the time, insurance companies will work towards a settlement, but there are some situations where this does not happen. When that happens, you need a trusted, experienced attorney to take the case to trial. We are not afraid to pursue that legal action for you if it becomes necessary.
Stay with You Throughout the Process
Our attorneys are compassionate professionals. We fully recognize what you are facing right now and what your needs are. You need information, support, and transparency in this process. That is why we work closely with you to better understand how this incident impacted you so that we can help you pursue compensation to make the future a bit easier.
There is no obligation to work with us and no charge for a consultation. Let us answer your questions now and help put you on the path towards getting compensation. Review our client testimonials to learn more about our firm.
Premises Liability – 10 FAQs You Need to Know
An accident on someone else’s property can leave you with physical injuries, emotional stress, and a lot of questions. If you’ve been hurt in Augusta, Georgia, due to an unsafe condition on someone else’s property, here are 10 frequently asked questions to help you understand your rights and next steps:
What Qualifies as a Premises Liability Accident?
Premises liability applies when you’re injured on someone else’s property due to a dangerous condition the owner or manager knew about, should have known about, or could have reasonably foreseen. This can include slip-and-fall accidents, swimming pool accidents, inadequate security issues, and more.
Do I Have a Case if I Was Trespassing on the Property?
Generally, trespassers have fewer rights, but property owners still have a duty to avoid willfully or intentionally causing harm. An Augusta premises liability attorney can assess the specifics of your situation.
What Evidence Should I Gather After a Premises Liability Accident?
If possible, take pictures of the unsafe condition that caused your accident. Note the date, time, and location of the accident. Get statements from any witnesses and see a doctor right away for a medical evaluation.
How Long Do I Have to File a Premises Liability Lawsuit in Georgia?
The deadline to file a lawsuit is usually two years from the date of your accident. It’s important to consult with a lawyer as soon as possible to ensure you meet all filing deadlines.
What Should I Do if the Property Owner’s Insurance Company Contacts Me?
It’s best not to speak with them directly. But most importantly, do not give any recorded statements to insurance companies. An experienced lawyer can handle these communications and represent your interests in settlement negotiations.
Can a Lawyer Help Me if I Share Some Blame for the Accident?
Even if you believe you were partly at fault, a lawyer can still explore your options. Georgia follows a “comparative negligence” law, which means any damages awarded may be reduced based on your percentage of fault.
Should I Contact a Lawyer Right Away?
Getting legal advice early can be beneficial. A local premises liability lawyer in Augusta can answer your questions, protect your rights, and guide you through the legal process.
Contact an Augusta Premises Liability Attorney at Barrios Virgüez Attorneys: Accident & Injury Law
If you or a loved one has experienced a premises liability accident and believes someone else should be held responsible, call Barrios Virgüez Attorneys: Accident & Injury Law today to speak with an Augusta premises liability lawyer at a free consultation.
Our team of attorneys is experienced in personal injuries and believes that victims should not have to pay for accidents that occurred on behalf of another person’s negligence. We will represent you with honor and ensure that you are treated fairly regarding the compensation you deserve.
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