Slip and Fall Attorney in Athens
Slip and fall accidents might seem minor to some people. After all, most people have taken a tumble at some point with no injuries to show for it. Unfortunately, many slip and fall accidents lead to devastating – or even fatal – injuries.
Following a trip and fall on the property of another person, a skilled personal injury attorney could advise you on your right to file a civil lawsuit. In some cases, the owner or operator of the property could be liable for your injuries.
Every case is different, and understanding how liability works is never simple. An Athens slip and fall lawyer could assist you in identifying the responsible party and holding them accountable for your injuries.
Factors in a Slip and Fall Injury
There are many dangerous property conditions that could result in a slip and fall injury claim. Some of these are human-made, occurring due to the negligence of another person. Others occur naturally. These natural hazards could still result in liability if the property owner failed to take reasonable steps to address them.
Some conditions that could lead to a slip and fall injury claim include:
- Accumulated snow or ice
- Loose carpet or rugs
- Broken stairs
- Poor lighting
- Potholes
- Uneven pavement
- Loose extension cords
- Spilled drinks
The property owner must have a reasonable opportunity to address a hazard before they could face liability for any injuries they cause. Whether or not a property owner has made a reasonable effort to address a hazard depends on the situation.
If the hazard involves large amounts of accumulated ice during a snowstorm, a jury might not find the defendant liable for failing to address it while the snow continues to fall. The amount of time for a shop owner to address a spilled drink is likely much shorter. While a jury might not find the owner liable when a person slips on a spill seconds after it happens, they could be more likely to do so if the spilled drink remains on the floor for hours.
Damages in a Slip and Fall Case
The bulk of many slip and fall cases routinely involve large medical bills. That said, an Athens slip and fall attorney could seek a wide range of compensation for the injured person after an accident. Common forms of damages sought include:
Medical Bills
Slip and fall accidents can cause permanent injuries in some cases. The cost of treating these injuries can be high, especially when physical therapy is necessary afterward. A plaintiff could recoup these costs through litigation.
Pain and Suffering
A plaintiff could also seek damages for the physical pain resulting from a fall. Pain is subjective, but a plaintiff could convince a jury that they are entitled to compensation due to the suffering they experienced.
Lost Wages
In many cases, an injury will cause a slip and fall victim to spend time away from work during recovery. If the injuries involve broken bones or paralysis, that time away from work could be permanent. A plaintiff could pursue damages for the paychecks they missed.
Wrongful Death Compensation
In the most tragic cases, a slip-and-fall accident can cause the unfortunate loss of a loved one. When this happens, the surviving family members may be entitled to seek justice and compensation for their profound loss. An Athens wrongful death lawyer from Scott Pryor Law Firm can help help you initiate such claims, ensuring that families receive rightful compensation for funeral costs, loss of financial support, emotional suffering, and more.
Reach out to an Athens Slip and Fall Attorney Today
If you slipped and fell on the property of another person, you have important legal rights. In some cases, you could be entitled to recover compensation for your injuries. The property owner is unlikely to pay those claims willingly, however.
An Athens slip and fall lawyer could help you hold a negligent land owner accountable for your losses. Call right away and set up an initial consultation.