Premises Liability Attorneys | Atlanta, Georgia

When an innocent victim becomes seriously injured by a violent crime on another person’s property, they may have a right to compensation. A premises liability lawyer can help you fight for the conversation and justice you deserve if you have been injured due to unsafe conditions on someone else’s property. Attorney James A. Rice has a proven track record of success in obtaining compensation for premises liability victims in Atlanta and Duluth, Georgia. Contact him today to learn more about how he can fight for your right to compensation.

What is Premises Liability?

Premises liability refers to the legal obligations property owners have to keep their premises reasonably safe from crime. When a property owner fails to use reasonable care to keep his or her property safe, and someone becomes injured, the owner can be held liable for the victim’s damages. In other words, negligent security is a legal theory that allows victims who become injured on another person’s property to recover compensation. The injured individual can try to hold the owner or manager of the property financially responsible for his or her physical injuries and the pain and suffering caused by the injuries. 

The Basics of Premises Liability in Georgia

Under Georgia law, landowners have specific legal responsibilities to keep their properties reasonably safe for guests and visitors. Landowners and managers must use reasonable safety measures to protect their guests, such as:

• Adequate lighting
• Electronic surveillance
• Doors and windows that safely lock
• Security cameras
• Security personnel
• Fences

Victims who have been injured in negligent security cases must prove several legal elements to obtain compensation in a lawsuit. First, they must prove that the landowner owed them a duty of care. Under Georgia law, property owners owe guests, customers, and residents a duty to keep their property reasonably safe. Next, the victim must prove that the property owner breached the duty of care he or she owed the victim. Finally, the victim must prove that the landowner’s breach of care caused his or her physical injuries.

Examples of Premises Liability: When to File a Suit

Unfortunately, there are many different ways residents, gas, and customers can become injured on someone else’s property. One of the most common causes of premises liability injuries involves slipping and falling on dangerous flooring. When a property owner fails to warn a customer that the floors are slick, the customer may fall and become injured. When the customer can prove that the owner failed to warn them or use reasonable care by cleaning up the slippery surface, they can recover compensation. Other common types of premises liability actions include the following:

• Dog bites
• Accidents in hotels
• Accidents on construction sites
• Accidents in parking lots
• Swimming pool accidents
• Accidents involving dangerous or icy sidewalks and steps
• Staircase accidents

Negligent Security Cases

What is security negligence?

Breaching the duty of care would include failure to provide adequate lighting in a dark stairwell in an apartment complex. The injury caused by negligence security can arise from rape, battery, assault, robbery, or even death. Should a resident be sexually assaulted in the stairwell, the resident would be able to prove that the landowner breached his or her duty to keep the premises reasonably safe. 

The plaintiff needs to show that the breach caused his or her injuries. In this example, the victim would need to show that the landowner’s failure to make the staircase reasonably safe resulted in the sexual assault. Finally, the victim needs to prove that he or she suffered physical injuries due to the breach.

In Georgia, both residential and commercial landowners and tenants can be sued for negligent security. Whether you become injured at someone’s private residence, a retail store, a business location, or another commercial property, we recommend discussing your case with an experienced lawyer. Attorney James R. Rice has extensive knowledge of Georgia’s negligent security laws and can help you understand your rights and the best way to proceed to obtain compensation.

Can I sue for lack of security?

Yes, if a lack of security caused your injuries, you have a right to bring a lawsuit against the property owner or manager. Negligent security cases are one type of premises liability case. Successful plain toast and premises liability cases are entitled to damages for their injuries, including their medical expenses, lost income, and compensation for their pain and suffering.

What are some examples of negligent security?

Business and property owners in Georgia are required to have reasonable security measures in place. Doing so will help prevent crime to their customers, residents, and other guests on their property. Many negligent security cases occur when some type of physical assault happens. For example, a customer could be assaulted in the parking lot where there is no visibility.  Alternatively, a customer in a gym could be injured during an armed robbery due to a lack of security measures. Common examples of negligent security include the following:

• Failure to install are monitor security cameras
• Failure to respond to an emergency call or security alert
• Failure to warn visitors about known dangers are risks
• Failure to maintain adequate lighting and dark areas
• Failure to provide adequately trained security guards or security patrols
• Failure to fix broken physical barriers, including gates, locks, fences, and doors
• Failure to maintain the overall appearance of an establishment

Call the Top Lawyers for Premises Liability and Negligent Security Today | Atlanta & Duluth, GA

If you or your loved one has been seriously injured due to the negligence of a property owner, you may be entitled to compensation. Attorney James R. Rice will carefully review the facts in your case and provide you with legal advice. Contact us today to schedule your free initial consultation and learn more about your potential right to compensation. Attorney Rice has represented many clients throughout Atlanta and Duluth, Georgia, and is ready to represent you.