Americus premises liability lawyers

Property owners in Georgia have a responsibility to keep their premises safe for visitors. If their failure to uphold that standard ends in injury or death, they can be held liable for the injured person’s damages.

If you or a loved one were injured on someone else’s property, you may be entitled to compensation. The team at Shrable Law Firm is proud to represent clients in Americus and throughout southwest Georgia. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial struggles that come with dealing with a serious injury or wrongful death, and we’re here to help.

When you turn to us in your time of need, we’ll work tirelessly to seek justice and fight for maximum compensation on your behalf. Call us at (229) 349-6291 today to schedule your free consultation.

Types of premises liability cases

From private or residential property to public commercial spaces, premises liability injuries can happen anywhere. Some of the more common accidents we’ve helped clients recover monetary damages for include:

• Slip and falls due to slippery surfaces or hazardous conditions
• Injuries due to poor maintenance such as broken stairs or railings
• Falling objects caused by inadequate security measures
• Injuries resulting from inadequate lighting
• Injuries due to dangerous animals or pests such as dog bites
• Accidents involving defective products on the premises
• Injuries caused by toxic chemicals or hazardous materials

The type of compensation you may be eligible for depends largely on the circumstances of your accident and the severity of your injuries.

Our Americus premises liability lawyers can help you properly classify your case, prove all required legal elements, support your claim with evidence, and build a strong legal strategy to seek the maximum compensation you deserve. 

Steps to take after a premises liability accident

Recognizing the signs of a premises liability accident and taking the proper steps can protect your rights to compensation. Although the immediate aftermath of an accident can be chaotic, it’s essential that you take the necessary steps to document and preserve your claim.

Your first priority should be to seek medical attention, even if you don’t immediately notice that you’re injured because the symptoms of some serious injuries might be masked by adrenaline.

For example, traumatic brain injuries may not show symptoms immediately, but they can manifest later after causing irreparable damage. The sooner you can identify these injuries and link them to the accident, the stronger your case and your recovery potential will be. This not only ensures your health and well-being but also helps establish a clear record that the accident caused your injury.

If it’s safe for you to do this, including considering your injuries and your surroundings, either you or someone you’re with should document the scene of the accident. Although you can return to do this later, it’s always best to gather evidence while the scene is still fresh.

You can document the scene and gather relevant evidence by: 

• Taking photos and videos of the site of the accident and the surrounding areas. Document any hazards such as broken stairs, slick surfaces, or other dangerous conditions and any signage or warnings of the hazard.
• Taking photos of any visible injuries, such as bruises, cuts, or burns.
• Getting the contact information of witnesses who may have seen the accident or who could testify to the conditions of the area at the time of your accident.

It’s also crucial that you file an accident report with the property owner or manager which notes the date, time, and details of the accident. Make sure you keep a copy of the report to use as evidence.

After you’ve completed these initial steps, contact a reputable Americus personal injury lawyer to discuss your case confidentially.

Make sure you file a claim on time

In Georgia, victims of premises liability accidents have up to two years from the date of injury to file a claim. If you don’t file your claim within the statute of limitations, you may be ineligible for compensation. 

Although two years may seem like plenty of time to get started, it’s important to understand that initiating a well-founded claim can take time depending on the circumstances. You also need to understand that any delays in filing a claim will be used as a defense by the liable party’s insurance company who will allege that you aren’t as injured as you claim since you waited to file or that your injuries weren’t sustained in the way you claim.

The sooner you speak with an attorney, the more time they’ll have to build a strong case on your behalf, and the sooner you can be compensated for your injuries.

Damages you may be able to recover

Compensation for a premises liability claim can fall under two primary categories: economic damages and non-economic damages. Each type of damage is designed to compensate the victim for different aspects of their injury.

Economic damages

Economic damages are intended to cover the tangible financial losses associated with an injury. Examples of economic damages in a premises liability claim may include but aren’t limited to:

• Medical bills and costs of future medical treatment
• Lost wages due to an inability to work
• Loss of earning capacity if the injury prevents you from returning to your former job or occupation
• Property damage

Non-economic damages 

When an injury is particularly severe or life-altering, the victim may also receive non-economic damages which compensate for intangible losses. Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to recover compensation for:

• Mental anguish
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Scarring or disfigurement
• Pain and suffering

The effects of a premises liability injury can extend beyond financial losses. Our experienced Americus attorneys understand that the emotional trauma of an accident is just as impactful — if not more so — than the financial burden. When you come to us, we’ll closely evaluate the details of your case and determine what damages you may be eligible to recover.

We’ll help you receive maximum compensation

Insurance companies are notorious for offering lowball settlements to injured victims. In an attempt to get you to accept these subpar offers, they will downplay your injuries or even blame you for the accident. At Shrable Law Firm, we understand the tricks insurance companies use to take advantage of those who were injured and are vulnerable, and we’re committed to fighting back and advocating for the full and fair compensation you deserve. 

Our Americus personal injury lawyers have extensive experience dealing with insurance companies and can help negotiate a comprehensive settlement that acknowledges your recovery needs. If the insurance company refuses a reasonable settlement, we won’t hesitate to take your case to trial. 

Common premises liability injuries

Premises liability accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, from minor scrapes and bruises to permanent disabilities. Common injuries from premises liability accidents may include: 

• Broken bones and fractures
• Head injuries, including traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Spinal cord injuries
• Lacerations, bruises, and contusions
• Internal organ damage
• Dislocated joints
• Burns
• Soft tissue injuries
• Psychological trauma

In some cases, a premises liability accident can result in death. If you’ve lost a loved one due to an incident on someone else’s property, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim and receive compensation for your losses.

Parties who may be liable for your injury

The most common liable party in a premises liability case is the property owner, business owner, or homeowner, but there could be multiple liable parties, which is something your skilled Americus personal injury lawyer can help you determine by conducting an investigation into your accident and reviewing all evidence and property records.

Some other parties who might be liable for your damages include:

• Property managers 
• Landlords 
• Maintenance companies or security firms
• The owner of a dog if the dog bit someone 

The liable party or parties are different in each case because it depends on the circumstances of your accident. Failing to identify all liable parties could make a drastic difference in the settlement you ultimately receive — don’t try to file your claim alone, let the dedicated and compassionate attorneys at Shrable Law Firm help you get the full compensation you deserve.

How our attorneys prove liability

There are four elements that must be proven for the injured party to receive compensation in a premises liability claim:

1. The property owner or manager owed you a duty of care.
2. The property owner or manager breached that duty of care.
3. That breach of duty led to your injury.
4. Your injury resulted in damages.

Our Americus personal injury attorneys will carefully evaluate your case to determine who’s liable and what evidence exists to prove their liability. We’ll investigate the incident to uncover additional evidence that may be used to support your claims such as inspection reports, video surveillance footage, and witness statements.

We’ll also ensure that you receive all necessary and appropriate follow-up medical care and treatment to ensure that your injuries are properly diagnosed, that you receive appropriate treatment, and that our team of local medical experts can determine what care you’ll continue to need in the future.

This is all to create a direct link between the negligent party’s actions and your injury and to prove that your damages are real and substantial. 

Hurt on someone else’s property? Our Americus premises liability lawyers are ready to help.

The aftermath of a premises liability accident can be overwhelming. You may face mounting medical bills, miss work because you’re injured, and you might suffer significant emotional distress. Fortunately, you don’t have to go through it alone — Shrable Law Firm is here for you. 

Our experienced premises liability lawyers can provide compassionate legal counsel, fight for fair compensation, and stand up against powerful insurance companies. With us on your side, you can focus on healing while we take care of the details. 

If you or someone you love has been injured on someone else’s property, contact us today at  (229) 349-6291 to schedule a free consultation. Together, we can get you on the path to recovery.