Premises Liability

Atlanta slip and fall lawyer Stephen M. Ozcomert has over 20 years of experience recovering verdicts and settlements for personal injury victims throughout Georgia. Known for his litigation skills and quality representation, Mr. Ozcomert has successfully handled all types of injury claims involving dangerous conditions on property.

Premises liability describes the breach of a legal duty owed by owners and occupiers of land. This duty requires responsible parties to maintain the property in reasonable repair. Any failure to exercise ordinary care in keeping the premises safe results in liability for injury. People present on the property for any legal purpose may be injured by a variety of dangers, including:

• Dog bites
• Open pools
• Loose stairs
• Broken locks
• Slip-and-falls
• Animal attacks
• Lack of security
• Poor engineering
• Missing handrails
• Exposure to toxins
• Construction zones
• Chemical spills/fires
• Falling merchandise

The Official Code of Georgia Annotated (OCGA) §51-3-1 imposes liability on negligent owners and occupiers of land that fail to remove or repair dangerous conditions resulting in injury. Liable parties may include individuals, businesses, and contractors that are aware of the danger but allow it to persist, ultimately causing harm to guests, workers, or patrons on the premises. If you or someone you love has been injured due to dangerous conditions on property, do not hesitate to contact Atlanta slip and fall lawyer Stephen M. Ozcomert.

Nearly 4.5 million Americans are bitten by dogs each year, half of whom are children. More than 885,000 victims require medical attention and reconstructive surgery following an animal attack. Georgia’s dog ownership laws require pet owners to protect others from bodily injury or death caused by dog attacks. Owners of dangerous and vicious dogs must:

• Confine the dog on property within a locked enclosure, cage, or crate
• Post a visible sign at all premises entrances warning of the dangerous dog
• Keep the dog on premises unless muzzled, leashed, or contained while outside
• Notify animal control of loose dog or attack on human within 24 hours
• Carry $50,000 in liability insurance for bodily injury or property damage
• Never leave a vicious dog unattended with a minor on or off property

OCGA §4-8-1 through §4-8-33 impose restrictions and criminal penalties on “dangerous” and “vicious” dogs. Owners with a prior misdemeanor violation face felony charges, fines, and imprisonment if the dog injures another human. Invitees and victims injured by loose dogs on or off the premises may also be entitled to civil damages based on premises liability.

People alleging injury from slip-and-falls, toxic exposure, or attacks by third parties must show that negligent property owners owed them a duty of care. OCGA §51-3-21 defines “owner” as any tenant, lessee, occupant or person in control of the property. Owners who directly or indirectly “invite” others to use the property incur liability for any injury caused by failure to keep the land safe for entry or use by others for work or recreational purposes or to give warning of a dangerous condition on the property. Victims injured while on the premises may be entitled to compensation for lost income, medical expenses, pain, suffering, and other benefits that Atlanta premises liability attorney Stephen M. Ozcomert can help you recover.

If you were injured by a dangerous condition on someone else’s property, contact Atlanta personal injury lawyer Stephen M. Ozcomert today. For over 20 years, our firm has been dedicated to helping personal injury and wrongful death victims recover the compensation they deserve. Whether you have suffered a bite, burn, or slip-and-fall injury, we can dramatically improve your chances of obtaining relief. We have handled all types of premises liability claims against neighbors, employers, and businesses, recovering substantial awards for injured victims. Call (404) 370-1000 for a free consultation or contact us online.