What is Premises Liability?
Premises liability is an area of personal injury law that holds property owners and occupiers responsible for injuries that occur due to unsafe or hazardous conditions on their property. These claims can arise from a variety of incidents, including:
- Slip and fall accidents on wet or uneven surfaces
- Injuries from broken stairs, defective railings, or poor lighting
- Dog bites or animal attacks
- Swimming pool accidents
- Elevator and escalator injuries
- Negligent security leading to assaults or attacks
- Exposure to toxic substances like mold or chemicals
- Falling merchandise in stores
To win a premises liability claim, the injured person (known as the plaintiff) must typically prove that the property owner or operator was negligent in maintaining a safe environment and that this negligence directly caused the injury.
Georgia Premises Liability Law
In Georgia, property owners owe different levels of responsibility depending on the status of the person on their property. The law generally classifies visitors into three categories:
Invitees
Invitees are people who are invited onto a property for a lawful business purpose—such as customers at a grocery store or clients at a bank. Property owners owe the highest duty of care to invitees and must regularly inspect the premises for hazards and fix or warn about dangerous conditions.
Licensees
Licensees are social guests or others who enter a property for their own purposes with the owner's consent. For licensees, property owners must avoid willful or wanton injury but aren’t necessarily required to inspect the premises for hidden dangers.
Trespassers
Trespassers enter the property without permission. In most cases, property owners owe them very little duty of care—mainly to avoid causing intentional harm. However, there are exceptions for children under the "attractive nuisance doctrine," especially in cases involving pools or other dangerous features that might lure a child.
Because Georgia law is specific and nuanced, it’s important to work with a skilled Alpharetta premises liability attorney who understands how to navigate these classifications and establish liability.
Recovering Compensation in a Premises Liability Claim
If you've been injured on someone else’s property due to dangerous conditions, you may be entitled to several types of compensation, including:
- Medical Expenses – hospital bills, surgery costs, medications, physical therapy, and future medical care
- Lost Wages – income lost during recovery and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and Suffering – physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life
- Permanent Disability or Disfigurement – if the injury results in long-term impairment
- Punitive Damages – in rare cases involving gross negligence or reckless conduct
However, the insurance companies representing property owners often try to minimize payouts or deny claims entirely. Having an aggressive and knowledgeable premises liability lawyer in Alpharetta can significantly improve your chances of recovering fair compensation.
see how we've made a difference
If you are hesitating to call us for help, take a look at our recent case results.
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$1,600,000 $1.6 Million Wrongful Death
Anonymous Wrongful Death Case
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$1,320,000 $1.32 Million for Man Involved in T-Bone Collision
Man Involved in T-Bone Collision
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$172,500 $172k for a Woman Who Injured Her Leg at Her Neighbor’s House
For a Woman Who Injured Her Leg at Her Neighbor’s House
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$525,000 $525k Result for Man Injured by Dump Truck
Result for Man Injured by Dump Truck
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$450,000 $450k for a Family Who Suffered Serious Injuries in an Automobile Accident
For a Family Who Suffered Serious Injuries in an Automobile Accident
Premises Liability Claim FAQs
How long do I have to file a premises liability claim in Georgia?
In Georgia, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including premises liability, is two years from the date of the injury. Failing to file within that time can permanently bar your right to compensation.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means you can still recover damages as long as you were less than 50% at fault. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Can I sue a business for a slip and fall?
Yes. If a business failed to maintain safe conditions or did not properly warn you of a hazard (like a wet floor without a sign), you may have a valid claim. Evidence such as surveillance footage, witness statements, and incident reports can strengthen your case.
What should I do after being injured on someone else’s property?
- Seek medical attention immediately, even if injuries seem minor.
- Report the incident to the property owner or manager and get a written report if possible.
- Take photos of the hazard and the surrounding area.
- Get contact information of any witnesses.
- Avoid giving detailed statements to insurance companies before speaking with a lawyer.
- Call an experienced Alpharetta premises liability lawyer to protect your rights.
How much is my case worth?
The value of your claim depends on factors like the severity of your injury, medical costs, lost income, and long-term effects. A qualified attorney can help estimate your case value after reviewing the evidence.
Why Choose Van Sant Law?
Van Sant Law understands that a sudden injury can disrupt your life—physically, emotionally, and financially. That’s why our team offers:
- Free consultations to evaluate your claim
- No fees unless we win your case
- Personalized legal strategies tailored to your unique situation
- Aggressive negotiation and litigation skills to pursue full compensation
- Responsive communication every step of the way
Let us help you focus on healing while we handle the legal work.
Contact us at (800) 234-9556 today to schedule your free consultation with a trusted Alpharetta premises liability lawyer
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Proven Record of Results
Van Sant Law has recovered millions in compensation for our clients’ benefit.
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Years of Experience
Van Sant Law is committed to professional and experienced personal injury representation.
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Awards and Accolades
10.0 “Superb” rating on Avvo™, Super Lawyers Rising Stars, National Trial Lawyers Association Top 40 Under 40
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Strategic and Aggressive
Our legal team includes former defense attorneys for large insurers who know how they settle injury claims.
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Personal and Compassionate
Our firm works hard to ensure that your needs are taken care of during your recovery time. We work for you so you can get your life back.
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No Fee Guarantee
Our firm works on a contingency fee basis. Meaning there are no fees or costs unless we recover compensation for you!
At Van Sant Law, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.
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"The team was personable, efficient and guided me through the process with ease."
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Attorney David M. Van Sant is one of the best injury trial attorneys here in the Atlanta area. They are precise and unique in their approach. When I had my car accident, my whole world was turned upside down, but with Attorney Van Sant and his team of professionals dedication and quality of service, my life is back on track.
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R. Shannon Carpenter is the guy to call! Because of him I got a far larger compensation than I ever expect and the whole process was stress free for me!
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Van Sant Law worked on my personal injury case, and they have gone above and beyond in representing me as a client. They gave multiple updates throughout the course of the case. I would highly recommend Van Sant to friends and family, and I would choose them as my personal injury attorney if I were to have a personal injury claim. Thank you, Van Sant Law!
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"I highly recommend him as a personal injury attorney."
My attorney, David Van Sant and his law firm were outstanding in handling my personal injury case. I was out of work for a considerable amount of time due to an automobile accident and Mr. Van Sant and his entire team were always kind, professional, knowledgeable and especially available. This law firm did their absolute best to answer and return calls and at no time did I ever feel like just a number or stranger. My experience with Mr. Van Sant and his law firm (from beginning to end), were very positive as well as favorable.
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I had a head on collusion that left me with a totaled car & very bad injuries. From the first time I spoke to David Van Sant to the end I have been totally satisfied. I worked with Patricia she was very compassionate yet professional she was always ready to answer any concerns that I might have. I am grateful that my daughter found this law firm for me.
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Our firm is dedicated and committed to providing you with the best legal services possible, from your education on the issues to fighting for positive results for your case. Through a free, initial consultation, we will make sure you understand the best way to approach your case, and we’ll review any relevant documents that you provide us with to make sure we have a full, detailed picture of your situation.
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