Falling accidents are a leading cause of serious injury on commercial properties, construction sites, residential premises, and public spaces. Unlike slip or trip accidents, falling accidents often involve elevation changes, unguarded edges, or sudden drops that dramatically increase the risk of catastrophic injury. When a fall occurs because a property owner or responsible party failed to maintain safe conditions, Georgia law may allow injured individuals to pursue compensation. If you were injured in a falling accident in Georgia, The C. Paul Law Firm P.C. can help you understand your legal rights and options.
What Are Falling Accidents Under Georgia Law?
Falling accidents generally involve incidents where a person falls from a height or falls due to lack of protective measures, rather than slipping or tripping on a surface. These claims are typically evaluated under Georgia premises liability law, which requires property owners and occupiers to exercise ordinary care to keep premises safe for lawful visitors.
Common Causes of Falling Accidents
|
Cause |
Examples |
|
Unprotected Heights |
Open ledges, balconies, mezzanines |
|
Missing Guardrails |
Stairwells, elevated platforms |
|
Ladder or Scaffold Failures |
Improper setup or maintenance |
|
Roof or Ceiling Falls |
Fragile surfaces, unmarked hazards |
|
Construction Site Hazards |
Inadequate fall protection |
|
Poor Lighting |
Inability to see drop-offs |
Many falling accidents occur because required safety measures were missing or ignored.
Where Falling Accidents Commonly Occur
Falling accidents may happen in:
- Construction and industrial sites
- Warehouses and loading docks
- Apartment complexes
- Parking garages
- Office buildings
- Retail and commercial properties
- Residential premises
Liability depends on who controlled the area and whether the risk was foreseeable.
Injuries Commonly Caused by Falling Accidents
Falls from height frequently result in severe or life-threatening injuries, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Multiple fractures
- Internal organ damage
- Crush injuries
- Permanent disability
- Wrongful death
Even relatively short falls can result in serious harm.
Who May Be Held Liable for a Falling Accident?
Depending on the facts, liability may extend to:
- Property owners or landlords
- Property management companies
- Employers or general contractors
- Construction managers
- Maintenance companies
In some cases, defective safety equipment may also trigger product liability claims.
Falling Accidents vs. Other Fall-Related Claims
|
Claim Type |
Primary Cause |
|
Slip & Fall |
Loss of traction |
|
Trip & Fall |
Obstruction or uneven surface |
|
Falling Accident |
Drop from height or unguarded edge |
Correctly classifying the accident is important for legal strategy.
What Must Be Proven in a Georgia Falling Accident Claim
To pursue a falling accident claim in Georgia, an injured person generally must show:
- A dangerous condition or unguarded hazard existed
- The defendant knew or should have known of the risk
- Reasonable safety measures were not taken
- The condition caused the fall
- Actual damages resulted
Evidence such as photographs, safety policies, and inspection records is often critical.
What to Do After a Falling Accident in Georgia
To protect your health and legal rights:
- Seek immediate medical attention
- Report the accident to property management or supervisors
- Document the hazard and surrounding conditions
- Preserve any safety equipment involved
- Obtain witness information
- Avoid statements without legal guidance
Prompt documentation is especially important in fall-from-height cases.
Statute of Limitations for Falling Accident Claims in Georgia
Most falling accident injury claims in Georgia must be filed within two years from the date of injury. Claims involving government-owned property may require earlier notice.
Early legal review helps preserve your claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are falling accidents always considered negligence?
Not always, but many involve preventable safety failures.
Can I recover damages if I was partially at fault?
Yes, as long as you were less than 50% at fault.
Do falling accident cases require experts?
Often yes, especially in serious injury cases.
Why Choose The C. Paul Law Firm P.C.
- Experience handling serious fall and premises cases
- Knowledge of Georgia premises liability and safety standards
- Strategic evaluation of multi-party responsibility
- Clear, professional communication
- Commitment to ethical, client-focused representation
We work to ensure falling accident victims are treated fairly under Georgia law.
Speak With a Falling Accident Lawyer in Georgia
If you were injured in a falling accident in Georgia, The C. Paul Law Firm P.C. is ready to help you understand your legal options. Contact our office today to schedule a confidential consultation. The C. Paul Law Firm P.C. is located at 1870 The Exchange, Suite 200, #1387, Atlanta, GA 30339. You can reach us by phone at (212) 551-PAUL or visit www.cpaullawfirm.com. Reach out today to speak with a member of our team and begin your path toward recovery.