Georgia residents who are injured on another person’s property may have a claim against the property owner. Generally speaking, the property owner has a duty to ensure that a yard or interior space is safe to occupy. Failing to act in a reasonable manner to ensure those conditions may represent negligence on his or her part.
While property negligence lawsuits may be common, they aren’t necessarily easy to win. Plaintiffs generally must first show that they were hurt on another person’s property. Then, they must show that conditions existed that the owner knew about and failed to take steps to remedy. In most cases, accidents that happen in a home or other premises are due to carelessness instead of negligence. An example of negligent behavior may be a business owner who installs stairs that are steeper than recommended.
There are many ways in which a property owner may be able to reduce the odds of being involved in a premises liability lawsuit. One strategy is to understand the level of care that he or she owes to those who may enter the premises. This may be done by reviewing local laws or learning more about best practices for businesses to keep their customers safe.
If the negligence of a property owner plays a role in a person getting hurt, the victim may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses and other losses. Negligence may involve a failure to salt a walkway or a failure to remove water from a sales floor. An attorney who has experience in this area of law can review a case to determine if negligence occurred.