A slip and fall accident can occur anywhere, at any time. Many slip and fall victims are injured at work, in public places, or even in the homes of people they know. These slip and fall accidents often result from unsafe conditions on others’ property.
Regardless of the specifics of your slip and fall incident, you have the right to seek fair compensation for your resulting injuries. Contact Brauns Law Accident Injury Lawyers, PC for more information on what to expect and what to do after a Georgia slip and fall accident.
A Step-by-Step Guide on What to Do After Your Slip and Fall
Here’s what to do after your fall on someone else’s property to protect your legal rights:
- Seek medical advice after a fall to ensure your injuries are diagnosed, documented, and treated.
- Report the slip and fall to the property’s manager, owner, or landlord.
- Document everything you can by taking photos of the area where you fell, saving the clothes you wore at the time, writing down any details you remember about the incident, and asking eyewitnesses for statements and contact details.
- Avoid giving statements without a lawyer present or posting on social media while your case is pending.
- Contact a respected slip and fall attorney as soon as possible.
How Does the Slip and Fall Lawsuit Process Work in Georgia?
No two slip and fall claims are the same. But the following is a general overview of what you can expect from the slip and fall lawsuit process:
- Drafting your demand letter – Your attorney can draft a letter outlining your losses and how much compensation you expect. Once the letter is complete, you’ll typically send it to the homeowner’s or renter’s insurance provider covering the at-fault party.
- Attempting to settle – Once the insurance company has your demand letter, the next stage involves settlement negotiations. Most injury claims are settled before anyone involved sees the inside of a courtroom. However, injury victims are sometimes forced to sue for fair compensation.
- Preparing a legal complaint – If settlement negotiations stall or fail, your lawyer can help you prepare a legal complaint. You’ll need to file this document with your local court system and serve a copy of it to the at-fault party.
- Going to trial and awaiting a verdict – During the trial, both parties will have the opportunity to present their sides of the story by introducing evidence and questioning witnesses. Once each side has presented its case, the judge or jury is responsible for deciding whether the other party is liable and how much you are owed in compensation. If either side has an issue with the verdict, they can file an appeal to challenge the decision.
How Much Time Do I Have to File My Slip and Fall Lawsuit in Georgia?
You typically have just two years from the date of the slip and fall to file a personal injury lawsuit in Georgia. If you wait to file until after the two-year deadline, you will likely lose the right to demand compensation. There are exceptions to this time limit, so working with an experienced lawyer is always best.
Contact Our Trip and Fall Attorneys to Get Started with Your Case
Demanding fair compensation after a slip and fall can be challenging, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the local laws and court systems. At Brauns Law Accident Injury Lawyers, PC, our dedicated attorneys can help ensure your case proceeds smoothly. Contact us today to learn more in a free initial consultation with an experienced slip and fall lawyer.