Imagine you are at the grocery store. As you walk down one of the aisles, you slip in a puddle and fall. You are in pain and someone calls the store owner over. The owner asks if you are okay and seems very kind about helping you up. Maybe he or she offers you a coupon for your troubles.
However nice the owner of a store may be after a slip-and-fall accident like this one, understand that you could have a far less pleasant encounter if you decide to file a personal injury claim. This is because store owners can be liable for accidents on their property, and they may do or say whatever they can to make a person feel like he or she doesn’t have a case.
Attempts to avoid liability
For instance, a property owner might try to blame the accident on the victim, saying you were distracted, clumsy or doing something unsafe at the time. An owner might also accuse you of exaggerating your injuries.
Property owners might claim that there was nothing they could have done to prevent the accident, or that they made an adequate attempt to warn people of a dangerous condition. They might even deny that a dangerous condition even existed.
Keep in mind that just because an owner says these things does not mean they are true.
Don’t take their word for it
Don’t expect a property owner to accurately inform you of your legal options after a slip-and-fall accident. You have the right to discuss your case with an attorney who can explain premises liability laws in Georgia, your legal options and the remedies that may be available.
It is also important not to rely on a property owner when it comes to preserving evidence and documenting the accident. Victims can take pictures of a hazard, get contact information for any witnesses and write down as much about the accident as possible.
Knowing the facts about your accident and your legal options can help you decide whether to take legal action or not. And while a property owner may be kind and helpful after an accident, it is important not to rely on them for legal guidance.
