Atlanta Premises Liability Attorney Near You | Slip & Fall & Negligent Security Help

Hurt on unsafe property in Atlanta? Our Georgia-licensed premises liability lawyers handle slip and falls, store accidents, and negligent security across Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb, and Gwinnett. We move fast to preserve surveillance video and inspection records and deal with the insurer for you. Free case review. No fee unless we win.

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Injured on unsafe property? We’re here to help. No fees unless we win your case.

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Georgia Premises Liability Law (O.C.G.A. §§ 51-3-1-51-3-3)

Overview of Georgia Premises Liability Law

Premises liability means property owners must keep their property safe for visitors. When they fail to fix hazards or warn about dangers, and someone gets hurt, they can be held responsible. Georgia premises liability law sets clear rules about who owes a duty of care and when.

Georgia’s Duty of Care to Invitees, Licensees, and Trespassers

A duty of care means property owners must take reasonable steps to prevent injuries. This includes regular inspections, fixing known problems, and warning visitors about dangers they can’t immediately fix.

Invitee vs. Licensee vs. Trespasser

Georgia law divides visitors into three groups. An invitee is someone invited for business purposes, like a customer in a store. A licensee is a social guest. A trespasser enters without permission. Property owners owe the highest duty to invitees, less to licensees, and minimal duty to trespassers.

Key Georgia Statutes: O.C.G.A. § 51-3-1, § 51-3-2, § 51-3-3

These laws spell out exactly what property owners must do. O.C.G.A. § 51-3-1 covers invitees, requiring owners to keep property safe. O.C.G.A. § 51-3-2 covers licensees, requiring warnings about hidden dangers. O.C.G.A. § 51-3-3 covers trespassers, with special rules for child trespassers under the attractive nuisance doctrine.

Do I Have a Case? Georgia Eligibility Checklist (2-Year Deadline)

Quick checklist – you likely have a case if:

• A hazardous condition caused your injury
• The owner knew or should have known about the danger
• You sought medical care and have documentation
• You’re within Georgia’s 2-year deadline (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33)
• You were less than 50% at fault for the accident

A Hazardous Condition Existed and Caused Your Injury

You must show a dangerous condition directly caused your injury. This could be a wet floor, broken stairs, poor lighting, or missing security measures.

The Owner Knew or Should Have Known (Notice and Foreseeability)

Actual notice means the owner knew about the hazard. Constructive notice means they should have known through reasonable inspections. Foreseeability means a reasonable person could predict the danger.

You Sought Medical Care and Documented Injuries

Medical documentation proves your injuries are real and connects them to the accident. Always seek treatment right away. Counseling, therapy, and medications for psychological injuries are recoverable as economic damages with supporting medical documentation.

You Are Within Georgia’s 2-Year Deadline (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33)

Georgia’s statute of limitations gives you two years from the injury date to file a lawsuit. Don’t wait – evidence disappears quickly.

Georgia’s Comparative Negligence (50% Bar Rule)

Under Georgia’s comparative negligence rules, if you’re 50% or more at fault, you can’t recover damages. If you’re less than 50% at fault, your compensation reduces by your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re found 20% at fault, a $100,000 verdict becomes $80,000.

Common Premises Liability Claims We Handle in Atlanta

Slip, Trip, and Fall Hazards

We handle cases involving spills, uneven flooring, loose cords, broken tiles, and other trip hazards that cause injuries.

Negligent Security at Atlanta Apartments, Hotels, and Businesses

When inadequate security leads to assaults or attacks at apartments, hotels, or businesses, property owners may be liable for negligent security.

Dangerous Stairs, Walkways, and Code Violations

Missing handrails, broken steps, and building code violations often cause serious injuries.

Dog Bites and Animal Attacks

Georgia holds dog owners responsible when their animals attack, especially if the dog has shown aggressive behavior before.

Swimming Pool and Recreational Accidents

Pool owners must maintain safe conditions and protect children from attractive nuisance dangers.

Falling Objects and Unsafe Conditions

Items falling from shelves in stores and warehouses cause serious head and body injuries.

Parking Lot, Hotel, Restaurant, and Retail Incidents

Poor lighting, potholes, and inadequate maintenance in commercial properties lead to many injuries.

Elevator/Escalator Malfunctions and Building Defects

Mechanical failures and poor maintenance can cause devastating injuries.

Negligent Security at Atlanta Apartments, Hotels, and Businesses

Prior Similar Crimes, Foreseeability, and Crime Data

We investigate crime data and prior incidents to prove owners should have known about security risks.

Broken Locks, Poor Lighting, and Inadequate Surveillance

Basic security failures like broken locks and dark parking lots make crimes predictable and preventable.

Security Staffing, Patrols, and Access Control Failures

Properties in high-crime areas need proper security staff and controlled access to protect visitors.

Evidence: Police Reports, 911 Calls, Incident Logs, Camera Coverage

We gather police reports, 911 calls, and surveillance footage to build strong negligent security cases.

Types of Injuries We See

Fractures, Sprains, and Orthopedic Injuries

Broken bones and torn ligaments often require surgery and months of recovery.

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) and Concussions

Head injuries from falls can cause lasting cognitive problems and personality changes.

Spinal Cord and Neck/Back Injuries

Back and spine injuries may lead to chronic pain or paralysis.

Lacerations, Scarring, and Nerve Damage

Deep cuts and nerve damage can cause permanent disfigurement and loss of function.

Psychological Injuries After Assaults

PTSD and anxiety following violent attacks are real injuries deserving compensation.

Who Can Be Held Liable?

Property Owners, Occupiers, and Managers

Anyone controlling the property may share liability for unsafe conditions.

Landlords, Apartment Complexes, Hotels, and HOAs

Residential and commercial property managers must maintain safe common areas.

Third-Party Contractors and Maintenance Companies

Companies hired to maintain property can be liable for their negligence.

Government Entities and Public Property

Special rules and ante litem notice requirements apply to claims against cities, counties, and the state due to sovereign immunity protections. Deadlines: 6 months for claims against cities; 12 months for claims against counties and the State (with required ante litem contents).

Proving Negligence and Causation in Georgia

Notice and Foreseeability

We must prove the owner knew or should have known about the hazard through actual notice or constructive notice from inspection records.

Breach of Duty and Proximate Cause

The owner’s failure to act reasonably must be the proximate cause of your injuries.

Open-and-Obvious and “Wet Floor” Sign Defenses

Property owners often claim hazards were open and obvious or that wet floor signs provided adequate warning.

Weather and Georgia’s “Rainy Day” Rule

The rainy day rule says owners aren’t liable for naturally occurring water tracked inside during storms, but they still must take reasonable precautions.

Comparative Fault in Georgia (50% Bar Rule)

Insurance companies will try to blame you. We fight back against these tactics to maximize your recovery.

Evidence That Wins: Video, Sweep Logs, and Medical Proof

Key evidence types that strengthen your claim:

• Surveillance video and security camera footage
• Sweep logs and inspection records
• Incident reports and maintenance logs
• Photos of hazards and witness statements
• Medical records and bills
• Police reports, 911 calls, and crime data
• Your footwear and clothing from the incident

Inspection/Sweep Records and Maintenance Logs

Sweep logs and inspection logs show whether owners regularly checked for hazards.

Preservation and Spoliation Letters for Video/Records

We send spoliation letters immediately to preserve evidence before it’s deleted.

Photos, Witness Statements, and Preservation Letters

Photos of the hazard and witness accounts prove conditions at the time of injury.

Medical Documentation and Expert Opinions

Medical records and expert witnesses establish the extent and cause of injuries.

Police Reports, 911 Calls, and Crime Grids

For security cases, crime data proves the property owner should have anticipated danger.

Your Footwear/Clothing and Condition of the Hazard

Save the shoes and clothes you wore – they may become important evidence.

What To Do After an Injury on Someone Else’s Property

What to Do Right Now:

1. Report the incident to property management immediately
2. Seek medical care (emergency room or urgent care)
3. Photograph the hazard and your injuries
4. Collect witness names and contact information
5. Call a premises liability lawyer (preserve shoes/clothing you wore)

Report the Incident and Seek Prompt Medical Care

Tell the manager immediately and get medical treatment. Your health comes first.

Document Hazards and Preserve Evidence

Take photos of the dangerous condition and your injuries. Get contact information from witnesses.

Save Your Shoes/Clothing and Avoid Social Media Posts

Keep everything you wore. Don’t post about the accident online – insurers will use it against you.

Avoid Recorded Statements Before Speaking to a Lawyer

Insurance adjusters want recorded statements to minimize your claim. Talk to us first.

Contact an Atlanta Premises Liability Attorney

The sooner you call, the better we can protect your rights and preserve evidence.

Who Pays: CGL, Homeowners, MedPay, and Umbrella Coverage

Commercial General Liability (CGL) vs. Homeowners Policies

Businesses typically have commercial general liability insurance, while homeowners have homeowners insurance covering injuries.

Medical Payments (MedPay) Coverage

Medical payments coverage pays initial medical bills regardless of fault, usually up to $5,000.

Umbrella Coverage and Excess Policies

Umbrella policies provide extra coverage when primary insurance limits aren’t enough.

Health Insurance Liens, Medicare/Medicaid, and Subrogation

Your health insurance may claim reimbursement from your settlement. ERISA and hospital liens may apply. We negotiate lien reductions to maximize your net recovery.

Compensation You May Recover

Medical Bills and Future Care

All medical expenses, including future surgeries, therapy, and medications.

Lost Wages and Diminished Earning Capacity

Income you’ve lost and future earnings if you can’t return to the same work.

Pain and Suffering (Non-Economic Damages)

Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress caused by your injuries.

MedPay Benefits and Property Damage

Immediate medical coverage and replacement of damaged personal items.

Punitive Damages in Egregious Cases

When conduct is especially reckless, courts may award punitive damages to punish the wrongdoer.

Wrongful Death Claims for Fatal Incidents

Families can pursue wrongful death claims when premises liability leads to death.

Our Process: From Preservation Letter to Settlement

Free Case Review and Case Strategy

We review your case free of charge and develop a winning strategy.

Early Preservation Letters and Rapid Evidence Gathering

We immediately send preservation of evidence letters to protect crucial surveillance footage and records.

Liability Analysis and Damages Documentation

We thoroughly investigate liability and document all your damages.

Insurance Claim, Demand Letter, and Negotiation

We handle all insurance communications and send powerful demand letters.

Settlement Negotiation, Litigation, and Trial

We negotiate aggressively for fair settlements but are ready for litigation and trial when necessary.

Release of Claims and Final Settlement Paperwork

After settlement, you’ll sign a release of claims that permanently closes the case. We review all terms with you to ensure you understand what rights you’re giving up before signing.

Contingency Fees: No Fee Unless We Win

You pay nothing upfront. We only get paid when we win your case.

Georgia Deadlines (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33), Ante Litem, and Case Timeline

Georgia Statute of Limitations for Injury Claims

O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33 gives you two years to file a lawsuit. Don’t wait – evidence disappears quickly.

Preservation Windows for Surveillance and Records

Many businesses delete video after 30 days. Act quickly to preserve evidence.

Factors That Can Extend or Shorten Timelines

Government claims require ante litem notice within six months or one year, depending on the entity.

Ante Litem Notice for Claims Against Cities, Counties, or the State

Special notice requirements apply to government claims due to sovereign immunity protections.

What to Expect at Each Stage of a Case

Most cases settle within 6-12 months, but complex cases requiring litigation may take 1-2 years.

Special Rules for Claims Against Government Entities

Sovereign and Municipal Immunity Basics

Government entities have special protections but can be sued for maintaining dangerous property.

Ante Litem Notice Deadlines and Required Contents

You must provide written notice within strict deadlines, including specific information about your claim.

Common Pitfalls When Suing Public Entities

Missing notice deadlines or filing incorrect paperwork can destroy your claim. Get legal help immediately.

Why Hire a Local Atlanta Premises Liability Lawyer

Local Knowledge of Courts and Procedures

We know the judges, procedures, and local rules in Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb, and Gwinnett counties.

Resources to Investigate and Prove Negligence

We have relationships with expert witnesses in engineering, security, and medical fields to prove your case.

We Handle Insurers So You Can Focus on Healing

Let us deal with aggressive insurance adjusters while you recover from your injuries.

Local Courts: Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb, Gwinnett

We serve injured people throughout Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb, and Gwinnett counties.

Why Choose Our Firm

• Georgia-licensed attorneys
• Local court experience: Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb, Gwinnett
• Clear, frequent case updates
• Contingency fee—no fee unless we win
• Ethical standards aligned with the State Bar of Georgia

Service Areas in Metro Atlanta

North Atlanta Communities

Atlanta, Sandy Springs, Roswell, Johns Creek – we handle premises liability cases throughout North Fulton.

DeKalb County Areas

Decatur, Stone Mountain, Brookhaven, Dunwoody – serving all of DeKalb County’s communities.

Cobb County Cities

Marietta, Smyrna, Kennesaw, Mableton – representing injured people across Cobb County.

Gwinnett County Locations

Lawrenceville, Duluth, Norcross, Suwanee – covering all of Gwinnett County.