Public property owners must maintain the premises to ensure visitors and customers are safe while visiting the property. While a fall on public property does not necessarily mean there are grounds for legal action, the court may hold landowners financially responsible when there is evidence of negligence. A Smyrna public property injury lawyer could review your case to determine if there is cause for action and adequate evidence to prove fault. Call The Hammers Firm today to schedule a consultation with an experienced premises liability attorney if you suffered injuries because of negligence while on public property.
Public property owners must use diligence and reasonable care to ensure their premises are safe to protect visitors from sustaining bodily harm and other losses. Some examples of accidents on public property caused by negligence include:
A qualified Smyrna public property injury attorney could help gather the evidence needed to establish the cause and responsible party to collect a fair award for damages.
The personal injury statute of limitations governs the maximum amount of time people have to sue for damages. The deadline and other requirements can vary substantially depending on the person or entity an individual is taking legal action against.
While many civil claims involving commercial or private properties may be against a person, state or county governmental agencies often maintain public properties. A knowledgeable public property injury lawyer in Smyrna could answer questions about the statutes and handle the legal work to ensure compliance.
In most cases, the general personal injury statute of limitations is two years from the date of the accident against private property owners. However, per the instruction of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 9-3-33, the plaintiff has four years to pursue legal action to collect compensation for loss of consortium, which means losing benefits related to marital relationships.
When filing legal action against a county in Georgia, the claimant has one year to file the lawsuit. There is an exception for minor children suffering injuries in premises liability cases. The time will not begin to accrue until their 18th birthday.
There are alternate time frames and additional steps to take when a state entity is responsible for public properties where accidents occur. According to the Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 50-21-26, the claimant must notify the entity of their intent to seek damages for an accident within 30 days. After providing notification, they have 90 days to file the lawsuit. Failing to adhere to the guidance of the statutes could mean losing the ability to recover monetary damages for injuries and losses.
Proving fault in premises liability cases is a challenge, and when the state or a county entity is responsible for the property, there are additional steps and complications to overcome. A Smyrna public property injury lawyer at The Hammers Firm could help you throughout the process and advocate for the maximum potential settlement amount you need and deserve.
As the requirements for time frames to take action can vary significantly, it is crucial to begin preparing your case immediately. Call today to review the details of your accident this week and start preparing your case.
