Gainesville Premises Liability Lawyer

Georgia Premises Liability Laws

Georgia law requires property owners and occupiers to maintain safe conditions for lawful visitors. Under O.C.G.A. § 51-3-1, owners must exercise “ordinary care” to keep their premises safe. However, the level of duty owed depends on the type of visitor:

• Invitees: These are people invited onto the property for the benefit of the owner, such as customers in a store. Owners owe the highest duty of care to invitees.
• Licensees: These are social guests or people allowed on the property for their own purposes. Property owners must avoid willfully or wantonly injuring them.
• Trespassers: Generally, property owners do not owe a duty of care to trespassers, except to avoid intentional harm once their presence is known.

To succeed in a premises liability claim in Gainesville, GA, you typically must prove:

• The property owner owed you a duty of care.
• The property owner breached that duty by failing to maintain a safe environment.
• That breach directly caused your injury.
• You suffered damages (such as medical bills, lost income, or pain and suffering).

Because these cases often hinge on evidence such as photographs, witness testimony, and maintenance records, it is crucial to work with an experienced Gainesville premises liability lawyer who understands Georgia law.

Compensation from a Premises Liability Claim

Being injured due to unsafe property conditions can leave you with overwhelming medical bills, lost income, and long-term health complications. A successful premises liability claim may allow you to recover compensation for both economic and non-economic damages, including:

• Medical expenses – Hospital bills, doctor visits, physical therapy, and future medical care
• Lost wages – Income lost from missing work, as well as diminished earning capacity if you cannot return to your previous job
• Pain and suffering – Physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life
• Disability or disfigurement – Permanent injuries that affect your daily living
• Wrongful death damages – In cases where an unsafe property condition leads to a fatal accident, surviving family members may seek compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and emotional suffering

Every case is different, and the amount of compensation depends on the severity of your injuries, the circumstances of the accident, and the property owner’s level of negligence. Our Gainesville premises liability attorney at Van Sant Law can evaluate your situation and fight for the maximum recovery you deserve.