Property owners owe a duty of care to their visitors under Georgia law, which means providing them with a reasonable expectation of safety during their visit. Whether the property owner is a neighbor, a restaurant chain, or an employer, he or she may be held responsible for injuries you sustain on the property due to negligence.
Here at Bader Scott Injury Lawyers, we fight for victims who have been misled and abused by negligent property owners. When a victim retains a Savannah premises liability lawyer through our firm, we dedicate ourselves to seeking justice for them and their family. This means fighting to prove liability under Georgia law, and fighting to have the court recognize the true damages you may rightfully be owed.
To gain a new perspective on your potential legal case, contact a Bader Scott Injury Lawyers team member today at (404) 888-8888 to receive your free consultation.
Duty of Care in Savannah, Georgia
As dictated in Georgia law O.C.G.A § 51-3-1, visitors on a person’s property are owed a duty of care, meaning the property owner needs to provide them with a reasonable expectation of safety during their stay. The concept of premises liability in Georgia also extends to places that are open to the public, meaning that restaurants, clothing stores, museums, government-owned parks, and other locations are all responsible for affording their visitors an appropriate level of safety.
When these parties fail to keep their patrons safe, potentially causing injuries in the process, the victims may be entitled to bring a civil action in an attempt to recover damages. Potentially recoverable damages in premises liability claims can include:
- Financial losses, including medical bills and lost wages during the victim’s recovery period.
- Mental anguish, encompassing everything from a loss of consortium with loved ones to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Physical suffering, potentially including any disfigurements, disabilities, or other forms of bodily trauma resulting from the accident.
- Punitive damages, usually reserved for cases of excessive recklessness, malice, negligence, or wrongdoing.
Other Georgia Laws Surrounding Premises Liability Claims
While Georgia law requires that property owners provide a reasonable expectation of safety to visitors on their property, statutes under O.C.G.A § 51-3-3 state that trespassers are not afforded these same rights.
As such, any injuries trespassers incur during their time on the property are their own responsibility. Further, O.C.G.A § 51-3-2 outlines that licensees are also owed duty of care, such as friends of the property owner, as they retain the legal right to be there.
In relation to the actual execution of any potential legal action, it is important for victims to understand the available timeline. Premises liability claims have a set expiration date, even for individuals who were legally allowed to be on the property at the time of their accident. As outlined in O.C.G.A § 9-3-33, Georgia has a two-year statute of limitations on personal injury claims, which extends to cases of premises liability. This limited window of opportunity generally expires two-years from the day the accident first occurred.
Here at Bader Scott Injury Lawyers, our attorneys understand the laws that govern premises liability. While victims are absolutely free to take legal action on their own, some may find comfort knowing that a Savannah premises liability lawyer is working on their case. That way, they can remain unburdened by the legal process and allow themselves to continue focusing on their recovery.
Every case brings a new set of unique challenges to overcome. Let a Bader Scott Injury Lawyers team member start learning about your case today. To receive your free consultation, contact our team at (404) 888-8888.
For a free legal consultation with a premises liability lawyer serving Savannah, call (404) 888-8888
Savannah Premises Liability FAQs
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Research from the Georgia Department of Public Health shows that there were over 4,000,000 visits to the emergency room in Georgia in 2018. Many of these visits involved accidents commonly seen in premises liability claims, including approximately 192,000 fall-related injuries, nearly 25,000 assault injuries, and approximately 297,000 visits for other types of unintentional injuries.
While the injuries associated with premises liability claims can vary greatly between cases, common injuries may include:
- Fractured hips, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), and spinal cord damage from slip and fall accidents.
- Burns, stemming from hot objects, chemical exposure, and electrocution.
- Drowning, or almost drowning, which can cause permanent cognitive impairments due to the lack of oxygen to the brain.
- Dog bite wounds, possibly causing permanent disfigurement or disabilities.
- Broken bones, sometimes resulting from falling objects or unsecured structures that can hit or crush victims.
- Surface-wound injuries, such as bruises and cuts.
- Sprained ankles and wrists.
- Mental suffering.
Savannah Premises Liability Lawyer Near Me (404) 888-8888
Premises Liability Lawyers Proudly Representing Savannah Victims
If you are uncertain if a Savannah premises liability lawyer is necessary for your case, the legal team at Bader Scott Injury Lawyers offers free consultations that can inform your decision. Retaining an attorney is not required to seek legal action, but some victims benefit from the support, knowing that there is legal representation in their corner.
An attorney can be there to take the reins on their case as they deal with their busy day-to-day life. Above all else, the team at Bader Scott Injury Lawyers want you to know that you are not alone in this difficult time. Our attorneys are here to serve your legal needs, allowing you to continue moving forward on your road to recovery.
If you have any questions about your potential case, contact a Bader Scott Injury Lawyers representative today at (404) 888-8888 to receive your free consultation.
Call or text (404) 888-8888 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form