Slip-and-fall accidents are a serious problem in Lawrenceville, Georgia. These accidents can cause significant and even life-altering injuries, sending millions of people to emergency rooms every year. Falls routinely happen at businesses, homes, apartments, and workplaces – and in many cases, negligent property owners and managers are to blame. At the law firm of Butler Kahn, our legal team helps people injured in slip-and-fall accidents hold careless property owners accountable. We have a long track record of recovering significant compensation for innocent people hurt in slip-and-fall accidents and for going above and beyond to care for and support our clients. Are you interested in learning more about how a skilled Lawrenceville slip-and-fall lawyer can help you during this challenging time? Reach out to our law firm when you are ready to talk about your legal options and your future. You only have one chance to seek compensation after a fall in Lawrenceville. The right lawyer can make all the difference. The team at Butler Kahn will take the time to listen to your story before outlining how we may be able to assist you in recovering the compensation you deserve.
Butler Kahn is a Lawrenceville personal injury law firm that helps people and families after serious slip-and-fall accidents in Gwinnett County. If you were hurt because of a dangerous condition on someone else’s property, you may have the right to pursue compensation for your medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. Our attorneys focus on serious injury and wrongful death cases, and we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial.
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How Common Are Slip-and-Fall Accidents?
The National Floor Safety Institute (NFSI) estimates that falls account for over 8 million emergency room visits annually and are the leading cause of trips to the ER. The nonprofit also found that slip-and-fall claims make up the bulk of workers’ compensation cases for adults 55 and older in the U.S. Slip-and-fall accidents are also the leading cause of lost days from work. The NFSI is not the only organization raising concerns about the dangers of falls. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) finds that 800,000 people are hospitalized for falls each year and that falls cost about $50 billion in medical costs annually. Moreover, falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries.
Are Older People More Vulnerable to Fall Injuries?
Yes. As we age, we begin to lose muscle tone. Older adults, especially women, tend to suffer from vitamin D and calcium deficiencies, making bones more brittle and prone to breaking. As systems in the body weaken, coordination and balance are easily thrown off by the physical changes, making older adults more apt to be involved in slip-and-fall accidents. Hazardous conditions make slip-and-fall accidents even more dangerous for individuals over 65. The CDC estimates that one out of five falls causes significant injuries like broken bones, fractured or dislocated hips, and traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Moreover, falling once doubles the chances of falling again. This is one reason why nursing home neglect cases often involve fall-related injuries when facilities fail to provide adequate supervision or maintain safe environments.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Slip-and-Fall Accidents in Lawrenceville?
Landlords and property owners are responsible for keeping their premises safe for visitors and customers. Georgia’s premises liability laws require property owners to exercise reasonable care in maintaining their property and warning visitors of known hazards. Skirting these responsibilities can lead to significant slip-and-fall accidents. Some of the most common causes of slip-and-fall accidents include:
Wet or slippery floors
Spills left unattended in stores or restaurants
Loose cables or wires in walkways
Torn carpets and rugs
Uneven flooring or transitions between surfaces
Cracks or breaks in flooring or sidewalks
Merchandise left in aisles or walkways
Stairs without handrails or with broken handrails
Unmarked or broken stairs
Poor lighting conditions in parking lots, stairwells, or hallways
Ice or snow that hasn’t been cleared
Potholes in parking lots
Missing or damaged floor tiles
Improperly maintained elevator or escalator areas
Where Do Slip-and-Fall Accidents Happen in Gwinnett County?
Slip-and-fall accidents can happen almost anywhere in Lawrenceville and across Gwinnett County, but certain locations see more incidents than others. Retail stores and shopping centers like Sugarloaf Mills and the shops around Lawrenceville Square frequently have slip-and-fall cases due to spills, wet floors from weather, and merchandise in aisles. Grocery stores, restaurants, hotels, and apartment complexes are also common locations. Medical facilities, including Northside Hospital Gwinnett and local nursing homes, must maintain safe walking surfaces for patients and visitors. Workplaces, construction sites, and government buildings like the Gwinnett County Courthouse also have a duty to keep their premises reasonably safe. When property owners fail to address known hazards or provide adequate warnings, injured visitors may have grounds for a premises liability claim.
How Do You Establish Liability in a Slip-and-Fall Accident?
Establishing liability for a slip-and-fall accident involves proving that you were a lawful visitor on the property, that its owner or manager consequently owed you a duty of care, and that you were injured because of an unreasonably hazardous condition on that property. You must also prove that the property owner knew, or reasonably should have known, about the dangerous condition and did not take adequate measures to address the situation or warn you of it before you were hurt.
Proving these elements requires evidence. Turning to an experienced attorney for help is the best way to protect yourself and get the help you need to compile and present the evidence you need to win your case. An attorney can also establish your status as a protected visitor at the time of the accident. Under Georgia slip-and-fall law, most property owners do not owe a duty of care to trespassers or individuals not authorized to be on their property. The evidence that matters most in these cases includes incident reports, photographs of the hazard, surveillance footage, witness statements, and maintenance records showing when the property owner knew about the dangerous condition.
What If I Am Partially at Fault for the Accident?
Some people hesitate to pursue a slip-and-fall case because they believe they were partially to blame for the accident. Being partially at fault for causing a slip-and-fall accident does not necessarily bar you from recovering compensation in Lawrenceville, Georgia. Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence model under O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33. Under this rule, your share of compensation diminishes by the same percentage as your responsibility for causing the accident. If a court finds you 10 percent responsible for a slip-and-fall accident, it reduces your compensation by 10 percent. Additionally, this rule dictates that if a person’s share of fault meets or exceeds 50 percent, they cannot recover any compensation for their financial losses. Insurance companies often try to shift blame onto the injured person, which is why having an attorney who understands how to counter these arguments is so important.
What Injuries Are Common in Slip-and-Fall Accidents?
Slip-and-fall accidents cause a wide range of injuries, from minor bruises to life-altering trauma. The most serious falls often result in traumatic brain injuries when the victim’s head strikes the ground or another hard surface. Hip fractures are especially common among older adults and can require surgery and months of rehabilitation. Broken wrists, arms, and ankles happen when people try to catch themselves during a fall. Spinal cord injuries and back injuries can cause chronic pain or even paralysis. Soft tissue injuries including sprains, strains, and torn ligaments may not be immediately apparent but can cause lasting problems. Even seemingly minor falls can result in significant medical expenses, time away from work, and ongoing pain.
How Long Do I Have to File My Slip-and-Fall Injury Lawsuit in Georgia?
Recovering from injuries sustained in a significant fall can take months or longer. Unfortunately, you do not have unlimited time to recover and weigh your legal options. Georgia gives individuals two years from the date of the accident to file a case in court to hold the responsible person accountable under O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33. Attempting to file a case after the statute of limitations expires generally results in the case’s dismissal. To avoid any issues with deadlines – and to allow time to properly and promptly investigate an accident and build a solid claim – it is best to speak to an experienced Lawrenceville slip-and-fall lawyer sooner rather than later. Early investigation is critical because surveillance footage may be deleted, witnesses’ memories fade, and hazardous conditions may be repaired before they can be documented.
What Should I Do After a Slip-and-Fall Accident in Lawrenceville?
The steps you take immediately after a slip-and-fall accident can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation. If you’ve been injured in a fall on someone else’s property in Gwinnett County, you should:
Get medical attention. Your health comes first. Even if you feel fine initially, some injuries like head injuries may not show symptoms right away. Follow your doctor’s treatment plan.
Report the accident. Tell the property owner, manager, or store employee about the fall. Ask for a copy of any incident report they complete.
Document the scene. Take photographs of the hazard that caused your fall, the surrounding area, any warning signs (or lack thereof), and your visible injuries. Get contact information from any witnesses.
Keep your clothing and shoes. Don’t wash or throw away the clothes and shoes you were wearing. They may serve as evidence.
Don’t give a recorded statement. Insurance adjusters may contact you quickly. You are not required to provide a recorded statement, and doing so before speaking with a lawyer can hurt your case.
Contact Butler Kahn for a free consultation. An experienced slip-and-fall lawyer can help you understand your rights and protect your claim.
What Compensation Can I Recover After a Slip-and-Fall Accident?
Slip-and-fall victims in Georgia may be entitled to recover compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include measurable financial losses such as medical bills (past and future), lost wages, reduced earning capacity, and the cost of ongoing care or rehabilitation. Non-economic damages compensate for things that are harder to quantify, such as physical pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and permanent disability or disfigurement. In cases where the property owner’s conduct was particularly reckless or willful, punitive damages may also be available. The specific value of your claim depends on the severity of your injuries, the strength of the evidence, and the insurance coverage available. Our attorneys work with medical experts and financial professionals to accurately calculate the full impact of your injuries when pursuing fair compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Slip-and-Fall Accidents in Lawrenceville
Do I have a case if I fell but don’t feel seriously injured?
You may still have a case. Some injuries, including soft tissue damage, concussions, and internal injuries, don’t show symptoms immediately. If you fell due to a hazardous condition on someone else’s property, you should seek medical attention and speak with a lawyer about your options. Injuries that seem minor at first sometimes develop into serious problems requiring ongoing treatment.
Should I talk to the insurance adjuster?
You should be cautious about speaking with insurance adjusters before consulting a lawyer. Adjusters work for the insurance company, not for you, and their goal is often to minimize what the company pays. Anything you say in a recorded statement can be used to reduce or deny your claim. It’s best to let an attorney handle communications with the insurance company on your behalf.
How much does it cost to hire Butler Kahn for a slip-and-fall case?
Butler Kahn handles slip-and-fall cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. There are no upfront costs, and we advance the expenses needed to investigate and pursue your case. You can learn more on our frequently asked questions page.
What if I fell on government property in Gwinnett County?
Claims against government entities in Georgia follow different rules and shorter deadlines than claims against private property owners. You may need to provide written notice of your claim within a specific time period before you can file a lawsuit. An attorney experienced with premises liability cases can help you navigate these requirements and protect your rights.
Can I still recover compensation if there was a “wet floor” sign?
Warning signs don’t automatically protect property owners from liability. If the sign was placed improperly, was not visible, or if the hazard was more dangerous than a reasonable person would expect, you may still have a valid claim. The property owner also has a duty to clean up hazards in a reasonable amount of time, not just put up a sign and walk away.
How long does a slip-and-fall case take to resolve?
The timeline for resolving a slip-and-fall case varies depending on the severity of your injuries, the complexity of the liability issues, and whether the case settles or goes to trial. Some cases resolve in a few months, while others may take a year or more. You can learn more about how long personal injury cases take on our website.
What evidence do I need to prove my slip-and-fall case?
Key evidence in slip-and-fall cases includes photographs of the hazard and the scene, incident reports, surveillance video, witness statements, your medical records, and any maintenance or inspection logs that show the property owner knew about the dangerous condition. Your attorney can help you gather and preserve this evidence.
Can I sue my landlord if I fell in my apartment building?
Yes, landlords have a duty to maintain common areas like stairwells, hallways, parking lots, and walkways in a reasonably safe condition. If you were injured due to a hazardous condition your landlord knew about or should have known about, you may be able to recover compensation.
What if I fell at work in Lawrenceville?
Workplace slip-and-fall accidents may be covered by workers’ compensation, but if a third party (someone other than your employer) was responsible for the hazard, you may also have a personal injury claim. An attorney can help you understand your options and maximize your recovery.
Are slip-and-fall settlements taxable?
In most cases, compensation for physical injuries in a personal injury settlement is not taxable under federal law. However, portions of your settlement that compensate for lost wages or punitive damages may be taxable. You should consult with a tax professional about your specific situation.
How do I know if the property owner was negligent?
Negligence in a slip-and-fall case generally means the property owner failed to exercise reasonable care. This can include creating a hazard, failing to fix a known hazard within a reasonable time, failing to warn visitors of a hazard, or failing to conduct regular inspections. Your attorney will investigate the circumstances to determine whether the property owner’s conduct was negligent.
What if I was not wearing appropriate footwear when I fell?
The type of footwear you were wearing may be raised as a factor in comparative negligence, but it rarely bars recovery entirely. The property owner still has a duty to maintain safe conditions for visitors. If you were wearing reasonable footwear for the situation and the property owner’s negligence caused your fall, you may still have a valid claim.
Slip-and-Fall Accident Service Areas in Gwinnett County
Butler Kahn represents slip-and-fall accident victims throughout Gwinnett County and the surrounding areas. Our Lawrenceville office serves clients injured in:
Cities and Communities: Lawrenceville, Suwanee, Duluth, Buford, Snellville, Lilburn, Norcross, Dacula, Grayson, Loganville, Auburn, Sugar Hill, Braselton, and unincorporated areas of Gwinnett County.
Neighborhoods and Areas: Downtown Lawrenceville, Lawrenceville Square, Lake Lanier area, Hamilton Mill, Peachtree Corners, Berkeley Lake, and areas near Georgia Gwinnett College.
Along Major Roads: We handle cases involving falls at businesses and properties along State Route 316, State Route 20, Sugarloaf Parkway, Scenic Highway, Lawrenceville Highway, Pleasant Hill Road, and Buford Highway.
Near Local Landmarks: Our attorneys have experience handling cases involving injuries at or near Sugarloaf Mills, Gwinnett County Courthouse, Northside Hospital Gwinnett, Infinite Energy Center (Gas South Arena), Gwinnett Place Mall, and local parks and recreation facilities.
If you’ve been injured in a slip-and-fall accident anywhere in Gwinnett County or the surrounding area, contact us for a free consultation.
Our Lawrenceville Office
Butler Kahn – Lawrenceville Personal Injury Lawyers
245 W. Crogan Street
Lawrenceville, GA 30046
Phone: (678) 400-6166
Our Lawrenceville office is conveniently located near the Gwinnett County Courthouse and Lawrenceville Square in downtown Lawrenceville. Street parking is available nearby, and we’re easily accessible from State Route 316 and State Route 120. We serve clients from across Gwinnett County, including those injured in Duluth, Suwanee, Snellville, Lilburn, and surrounding communities.
Contact a Lawrenceville Slip-and-Fall Lawyer
At Butler Kahn, we know the pain a slip-and-fall accident can cause you and your family. We are immensely sorry you’ve been put in a position where your health and financial stability are on the line. Our goal is to help you understand your rights and help you protect them. We take fewer cases on purpose so we can do deeper work on each one, and we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial.
If you are interested in learning how we may be able to help you fight for the money you deserve, contact our office whenever you are ready to speak with a Lawrenceville slip-and-fall lawyer. We are happy to sit down and talk you through this difficult situation during a no-cost consultation. Call (678) 400-6166 or contact us online to get started.
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