Property owners and occupiers in Georgia have a legal duty to maintain reasonably safe premises for lawful visitors. When unsafe conditions cause injury, the law may allow the injured person to pursue compensation. Premises liability claims arise from a wide range of accidents—slip and falls, falling hazards, negligent security, dangerous equipment, and more. If you were injured on someone else’s property in Georgia, The C. Paul Law Firm P.C. can help you understand your rights and evaluate your legal options.
What Is Premises Liability Under Georgia Law?
Premises liability is the area of law that governs injuries caused by unsafe or dangerous conditions on property. Under Georgia law, property owners and those in control of property must exercise ordinary care to keep their premises safe and to warn of known hazards.
Liability generally depends on:
- Who controlled the property
- Whether a dangerous condition existed
- Whether the owner knew or should have known of the hazard
- Whether reasonable steps were taken to fix or warn of the condition
Visitor Status and Duty of Care in Georgia
Georgia law evaluates premises liability claims based in part on the injured person’s status on the property.
|
Visitor Type |
Duty Owed |
|
Invitee |
Highest duty; ordinary care to keep premises safe |
|
Licensee |
Duty to avoid willful or wanton harm |
|
Trespasser |
Limited duty; generally no duty except in narrow circumstances |
Most premises cases involve invitees, such as customers, tenants, guests, or workers lawfully on the property.
Common Types of Premises Liability Claims
Premises liability encompasses many types of accidents, including:
- Slip & Fall Accidents
- Trip & Fall Accidents
- Falling Accidents
- Dog Bites
- Pool Accidents
- Heavy Gate Injuries
- Electrocution
- Explosions
- Construction Site Accidents
- Negligent Security
- General Property Accidents
Each claim is evaluated based on its unique facts and hazards.
Where Premises Liability Accidents Commonly Occur
Premises liability claims frequently arise at:
- Apartment complexes and rental properties
- Retail stores and shopping centers
- Restaurants, bars, and hotels
- Office buildings
- Parking lots and garages
- Construction and industrial sites
- Private residences
- Public or semi-public properties
Responsibility often depends on who owned, operated, or maintained the property.
Injuries Commonly Caused by Unsafe Premises
Unsafe premises conditions may result in:
- Head and traumatic brain injuries
- Back and spinal injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Burns and electrical injuries
- Crush injuries
- Emotional trauma
- Permanent disability
- Wrongful death
Even injuries that initially seem minor may worsen over time.
What Must Be Proven in a Georgia Premises Liability Case
To pursue a premises liability claim in Georgia, an injured person generally must establish:
- A dangerous condition existed on the property
- The defendant knew or should have known of the condition
- The defendant failed to exercise ordinary care
- The condition caused the injury
- Actual damages resulted
Evidence such as maintenance records, surveillance footage, and witness statements is often critical.
Comparative Negligence in Georgia Premises Cases
Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence system. An injured person may recover damages if they are less than 50% at fault, with any recovery reduced by their percentage of responsibility.
This makes early investigation and evidence preservation especially important.
What to Do After a Premises Injury in Georgia
To protect your health and legal rights:
- Seek medical attention immediately
- Report the incident to property management or authorities
- Document the hazard and surrounding conditions
- Obtain witness names and incident reports
- Preserve clothing, footwear, or equipment
- Avoid statements or releases without legal guidance
Taking prompt action can significantly impact your claim.
Statute of Limitations for Premises Liability Claims in Georgia
Most premises liability injury claims in Georgia must be filed within two years from the date of injury. Claims involving government-owned property may require earlier notice.
Prompt legal review is essential to preserve your rights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a property owner automatically lose if someone is injured?
No. Liability depends on negligence and failure to maintain safe conditions.
What if the hazard was visible?
Visibility may affect liability but does not automatically bar recovery.
Can tenants bring premises liability claims?
Yes, depending on who controlled the hazardous condition.
Why Choose The C. Paul Law Firm P.C.
- Experience handling a wide range of Georgia premises liability cases
- Knowledge of duty-of-care and comparative negligence standards
- Strategic evaluation of liability and damages
- Clear, professional communication
- Commitment to ethical, client-focused representation
We work to ensure injured individuals are treated fairly under Georgia law.
Speak With a Premises Liability Lawyer in Georgia
If you were injured due to unsafe property conditions 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-PAULor visit www.cpaullawfirm.com. Reach out today to speak with a member of our team and take the next step toward accountability and recovery.