Property owners across Marietta must maintain safe conditions for visitors, customers, and guests.
When this duty falls short and someone gets hurt, the injured party may have grounds for a premises liability claim. These cases require specialized knowledge of Georgia law and the specific regulations that govern property safety standards in our state.
The Persons Firm represents clients who have suffered injuries due to dangerous property conditions throughout Marietta and the surrounding areas. Contact our experienced Marietta premises liability lawyers today to discuss your case and explore your legal options.
Common Types of Premises Liability Cases
Premises liability incidents take many forms, each presenting unique legal challenges that require thorough investigation and expert representation. A skilled Marietta premises liability lawyer must evaluate multiple factors, including property ownership, visitor status, and the specific hazards that led to the injury.
- Slip and fall accidents represent the most frequent type of premises liability claim in Georgia. These incidents often occur when property owners fail to address wet floors, uneven surfaces, poor lighting, or accumulated ice and snow. Retail stores, restaurants, office buildings, and residential properties all present potential hazards that can cause serious injuries.
- Dog bite cases also fall under premises liability law in Georgia. Property owners who harbor aggressive animals or fail to properly restrain pets may face legal action when their animals attack visitors.
- Security-related injuries represent another significant category of premises liability claims. Hotels, shopping centers, apartment complexes, and parking garages must implement appropriate safety protocols to protect visitors.
- Swimming pool accidents frequently result in serious injuries or wrongful death claims. Property owners must maintain proper fencing, warning signs, and safety equipment around pools. Failure to supervise children or maintain safe pool conditions can lead to devastating accidents.
Georgia Premises Liability Law
Georgia follows specific legal standards that determine when property owners can be held liable for injuries occurring on their land.
Invitees receive the highest level of protection under Georgia Code § 51-3-1. These individuals enter the property for business purposes or at the owner’s invitation. Store customers, restaurant patrons, and hotel guests all qualify as invitees. Property owners are required to exercise ordinary care to keep the premises safe and warn invitees of known hazards.
Licensees enter property with the owner’s permission but for their own purposes rather than the owner’s benefit. Social guests and door-to-door salespeople typically fall into this category. Property owners must warn licensees of known dangers, but are not required to inspect the property for hazards.
Trespassers receive minimal protection under Georgia’s premises liability law. Property owners generally owe no duty to trespassers except to refrain from willfully or wantonly injuring them. However, special rules apply when trespassing children are involved.
The Georgia Supreme Court has established that property owners must have actual or constructive knowledge of dangerous conditions to be held liable. Constructive knowledge means the hazard existed long enough for a reasonable property owner to discover and address it through proper inspection and maintenance.
Building Your Premises Liability Case
Successful premises liability claims require comprehensive evidence gathering and legal analysis. A qualified Marietta premises liability lawyer will investigate all aspects of your accident to build the strongest possible case for compensation.
Documentation plays a crucial role in premises liability cases. Photographs of the accident scene, your injuries, and the hazardous condition provide powerful evidence. Medical records establish the extent of your injuries and link them directly to the incident. Witness statements can corroborate your version of events and identify additional hazards.
Property maintenance records often reveal critical information about the owner’s knowledge of dangerous conditions. Inspection logs, repair requests, and previous incident reports can demonstrate whether the property owner acted reasonably to address known hazards. Security footage may capture the actual accident or show how long the dangerous condition existed.
Expert testimony frequently becomes necessary in complex premises liability cases. Accident reconstruction specialists can explain how the incident occurred.
Damages Available in Premises Liability Claims
Victims of premises liability accidents may recover several types of compensation under Georgia law. Economic damages include quantifiable financial losses. These damages are typically easier to calculate and prove with documentation.
Medical expenses represent the largest component of most premises liability settlements. This includes:
- Emergency room treatment and ambulance transportation
- Hospital stays and surgical procedures
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation services
- Prescription medications and medical equipment
Lost wages compensation covers the income you cannot earn due to your injuries. Georgia law allows recovery for both past lost earnings and future income loss if your injuries cause permanent disability or reduced earning capacity.
The Legal Process for Premises Liability Claims
Premises liability cases follow a structured legal process that begins with immediate medical attention and evidence preservation. Seeking prompt medical care creates an official record of your injuries and ensures you receive necessary treatment. Documenting the accident scene and hazardous conditions before they change provides crucial evidence.
The discovery phase allows both sides to gather evidence and testimony through depositions, document requests, and expert evaluations. Property owners often try to minimize their liability during this phase, making skilled legal representation essential for protecting your interests.
Most premises liability cases settle before trial through negotiation between the parties. However, your Marietta premises liability attorney must be prepared to take your case to trial if the property owner refuses to offer fair compensation. Georgia juries decide premises liability cases when settlement negotiations fail.
Areas We Serve in Marietta, GA
The Persons Firm proudly represents premises liability clients throughout the greater Marietta area, including these zip codes:
- 30060 – Central Marietta and downtown business district
- 30062 – East Marietta residential and commercial areas
- 30064 – West Marietta, including shopping centers and office complexes
- 30066 – North Marietta residential communities and schools
We also serve clients in surrounding Cobb County communities, including Kennesaw, Acworth, Powder Springs, and Austell. Our Marietta premises liability attorneys regularly appear in Cobb County courts and maintain strong relationships with local medical providers, investigators, and expert witnesses who can strengthen your premises liability case.
Contact Us Today
Property owners throughout our service area must comply with Georgia safety regulations and building codes. When they fail in this duty and you suffer injuries, we are here to help you seek justice and fair compensation.
Your path to recovery begins with holding negligent property owners accountable for their actions.
Contact The Persons Firm today to schedule your consultation and learn how we can help you rebuild your life after a serious premises liability accident.