Atlanta Premises & Property Injury Lawyer – Holding Property Owners Accountable

Injured on Dangerous Property in Atlanta? Know Your Rights and Legal Options.

Premises liability laws in Georgia protect people who are injured because of unsafe conditions on someone else’s property. Whether you slipped on an unmarked wet floor, tripped over broken pavement, or were assaulted in a poorly lit parking lot, you may have a valid claim against a negligent property owner.

At Rafaeli Law PLLC, our Atlanta premises liability lawyers help victims across the Atlanta metro area understand their rights, prove negligence, and recover full compensation. From apartment complexes and retail stores to hotels and public walkways, we take on powerful property owners and their insurers, and we don’t back down.

What Is Premises Liability?

Premises liability is a type of personal injury claim that arises when someone is injured on another person’s property due to unsafe or defective conditions. Georgia law requires property owners to maintain reasonably safe environments for visitors, guests, and even some trespassers under certain conditions.

Common premises liability claims include:

  • Slip and Falls – These accidents are often caused by unmarked wet floors, uneven sidewalks, or loose carpeting. While they may seem minor, they can result in serious injuries such as hip fractures, spinal injuries, or traumatic brain injuries. Learn more about these cases on our slip & fall lawyer page.
  • Negligent Security – Property owners, especially those managing apartment complexes, hotels, or event venues, have a duty to provide adequate lighting, security staff, and surveillance. Failure to do so can lead to violent crimes and assaults. See our negligent security cases for more.
  • Swimming Pool Accidents – Georgia law requires safety measures like fencing and supervision. Lack of these can lead to tragic drowning or near-drowning incidents. See drowning & pool accidents for more.
  • Dog Bites & Animal Attacks – Owners of dangerous dogs or animals may be held liable if they fail to warn or restrain their pets.
  • Elevator or Escalator Injuries – Malfunctioning elevators or escalators in malls, airports, or office buildings can cause severe harm.

Georgia Premises Liability Laws

Georgia law defines property visitors into three categories:

  1. Invitees – People invited onto the property for business purposes, such as customers in a store. Property owners owe the highest duty of care to these individuals.
  2. Licensees – Social guests or others lawfully on the property for non-business purposes. Owners must avoid willful or wanton harm to these individuals.
  3. Trespassers – Those unlawfully on the property. While they are owed the least duty, property owners still may not intentionally harm them.

Georgia follows a comparative negligence rule under O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33, meaning your compensation can be reduced if you were partially at fault—but you may still recover damages if you were less than 50% responsible.

Atlanta Premises Liability Statistics

Atlanta has one of the highest rates of emergency department visits due to fall-related injuries in Georgia. According to the Georgia Department of Public Health, there were over 50,000 fall injuries treated in ERs statewide in 2022—many of them involving poorly maintained public and private property.

These incidents are not just painful, they’re expensive. The average slip and fall injury can cost victims over $30,000 in medical bills and lost wages.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Premises Injury Case?

Liability may rest with:

  • Commercial Property Owners – Retail stores, shopping malls, restaurants, and offices must regularly inspect and repair hazards. Learn more about the personal injury cases we handle.
  • Landlords & Apartment Managers – Failure to fix stairwell lights, broken locks, or mold can lead to injury and liability.
  • Homeowners – Injuries during a private event may be covered by homeowner’s insurance.
  • Government Entities – Public property accidents may involve shorter deadlines and special rules under the Georgia Tort Claims Act.

Each case requires a detailed investigation, evidence of the hazardous condition, and proof that the owner knew or should have known about the risk.

Damages You Can Recover in an Atlanta Property Liability Claim

Victims may be eligible for compensation, including:

  • Medical Expenses – Past and future treatment, ER visits, surgeries, and therapy.
  • Lost Wages – Time missed from work and loss of future earnings.
  • Pain and Suffering – For the physical pain and emotional distress caused.
  • Property Damage – If personal items were damaged in the incident.
  • Punitive Damages – In cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct.

Our team builds strong claims using medical records, witness statements, security footage, and expert opinions. We also negotiate aggressively with insurers.

What To Do After an Injury on Someone Else’s Property

If you were injured, take these steps:

  1. Seek medical attention – Even minor symptoms can hide serious injuries.
  2. Report the incident – File a written report with the business or property owner.
  3. Document the scene – Take photos of hazards, injuries, and surroundings.
  4. Collect witness information – Names and contact info are vital.
  5. Avoid giving statements to insurers – Let your lawyer handle communication.
  6. Contact a premises liability attorney – The sooner we investigate, the stronger your case. Contact us today.

Why Choose Rafaeli Law PLLC as Your Personal Injury Lawyer

  • Focused Legal Experience – We handle a wide range of premises cases, from slip and fall incidents to complex negligent security claims, with detailed legal strategies tailored to each client. See our attorneys who lead these cases.
  • Local Atlanta Insight – Our firm understands Atlanta’s unique legal environment, local court systems, and property risks specific to neighborhoods and districts.
  • Client-Centered Service – We provide clear, compassionate communication throughout your case and prioritize your peace of mind during this difficult time.
  • Proven Results – Backed by a history of successful verdicts and settlements, we use aggressive negotiation and litigation when necessary to protect your rights. See our case results and client testimonials.
  • No Fee Unless We Win – Our contingency-based fee structure ensures you get dedicated representation without any upfront legal costs or fees.

What To Do After an Injury on Someone Else’s Property

If you were injured, take these steps:

  1. Seek medical attention – Even minor symptoms can hide serious injuries.
  2. Report the incident – File a written report with the business or property owner.
  3. Document the scene – Take photos of hazards, injuries, and surroundings.
  4. Collect witness information – Names and contact info are vital.
  5. Avoid giving statements to insurers – Let your lawyer handle communication.
  6. Contact a premises liability attorney – The sooner we investigate, the stronger your case. Contact us today.

Talk to an Atlanta Premises Liability Attorney Today

Don’t let a negligent property owner or business off the hook. We’ll help you understand your legal options and fight for full compensation.

Call 954-365-5639 or contact us for a free consultation.

Explore more of our practice areas and read about slip & fall, negligent security, or wrongful death claims. Visit our about page or learn how we’re giving back through community & media.

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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What should I do immediately after a slip and fall accident in Atlanta?

You should seek medical attention right away, report the incident to the property manager or business, take photos, and consult a premises liability attorney to protect your rights.

2. How long do I have to file a premises liability lawsuit in Georgia?

The statute of limitations in Georgia is generally two years from the date of injury, but there are exceptions. Government property claims may require notice within six months.

3. Can I still sue if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Yes. Under Georgia’s comparative negligence law, you can recover damages as long as you were less than 50% at fault for your injury.

4. What kind of evidence helps support a premises liability case?

Strong cases often include photographs, medical records, witness statements, surveillance footage, and inspection or maintenance logs from the property.

5. Are business owners liable for crimes that happen on their property?

They may be, especially in negligent security cases where there was a foreseeable risk of crime and no proper security measures were in place.

6. Do I need a lawyer for a premises liability claim in Atlanta?

Yes, because property owners and insurers aggressively defend these cases. An experienced lawyer can help investigate, file the claim, and negotiate on your behalf.

7. Can I sue if I got hurt in an Airbnb or rental home?

Possibly. Property owners, including short-term rental hosts, can be held liable for dangerous conditions. Renters may also be covered under specific homeowners insurance policies.

8. Is my landlord responsible if I were injured in my apartment?

Yes, if the injury resulted from negligent maintenance or unsafe conditions like broken stairs, faulty wiring, or inadequate security.

9. What types of damages can I recover in a premises liability case?

You may recover medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and potentially punitive damages depending on the severity of the negligence involved.

10. How much does it cost to hire a premises liability lawyer in Atlanta?

At Rafaeli Law PLLC, we work on a contingency basis, meaning there are no fees unless we win your case.

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If you are facing a personal injury or insurance dispute, Rafaeli Law PLLC is here to help. We are dedicated to protecting your rights and helping you secure the compensation you deserve.