“Premises liability” refers to a property owner or manager’s legal responsibility to maintain a safe environment. If you have been injured due to negligence on someone else’s property in Snellville, you may have grounds for a personal injury claim against the responsible party.
Premises liability injuries can occur in various locations throughout Snellville and Gwinnett County.
Often, these claims stem from severe incidents like assaults, sexual attacks, or shootings. Many of these traumatic events could have been prevented if property owners had taken reasonable precautions to protect visitors or tenants.
At Griffin Law Firm, we understand that property owners and managers in Snellville have both a moral and legal obligation to ensure the safety of customers, employees, and visitors on their premises. Negligence in providing adequate security, such as in a local hotel or mall, can lead to assaults, robberies, or worse. Even seemingly minor oversights can result in serious injuries.
Examples of Premises Liability Claims We Handle in Snellville
Here are some cases our Snellville premise liability lawyers handle:
- Negligent security at businesses or apartment complexes
- Accidents in local parks, public pools, or residential buildings
- Elevator and escalator accidents
- Dog attacks
- Slip and falls in grocery stores
- Falls at Snellville restaurants or retail establishments
With the increasing popularity of “shared economy” business models like Airbnb in Snellville, we have also seen a rise in premises liability cases involving short-term rentals. Like other property owners, Airbnb hosts owe a duty of care to their guests. As of 2024, Airbnb provides primary liability coverage of up to $1 million per incident, which can be crucial in these cases.
Negligent security is a significant area of premises liability law. You expect to be safe from criminal activity when you visit a Snellville restaurant, bar, nightclub, music venue, or even a friend’s apartment. However, if a property owner knew the dangers or risks that could threaten visitors and failed to remove, protect, or warn of the threat, they could be held responsible for any injuries resulting from criminal activity.
5 Ways to Show Business Owner Negligence
Premises liability cases, especially in Snellville, can be time-intensive and challenging. Handling a claim requires experience, which is why you need a Snellville premise liability attorney experienced in these types of cases. You shouldn’t attempt to take on a business, its insurance company, and its lawyers yourself. At Griffin Law Firm, we have the knowledge and resources to fight for your rights effectively.
In case you have experienced violent attacks in Snellville on a business premise, we typically look for the following elements to demonstrate negligence by the owner or landlord:
- Prior crimes: We investigate whether the landlord or business owner was aware or should have known about previous criminal activities in the area. We obtain crime reports from the Snellville Police Department to support our clients’ cases. Sometimes, a property owner may have been aware of a serious security problem but allowed a dangerous environment to persist on the property.
- Internal reports: We examine whether the Snellville business or apartment complex had documented any security concerns or incidents. These internal reports can be crucial in establishing the property owner’s knowledge of potential dangers.
- Existing security practices: We assess what security measures, if any, the property owner has implemented. A business owner may be considered negligent if they were aware of security issues but failed to take action, such as hiring security guards or installing video cameras. We often establish a standard of care by comparing the property’s security measures to those of similarly situated businesses in the Snellville area.
- Prior victims: We may interview other individuals who have experienced similar crimes in the same Snellville location. Demonstrating that a crime occurred in the same location may strengthen your claim.
- Security experts: We collaborate with security professionals to demonstrate how the property owner’s security measures fell short of reasonable standards. These experts can provide valuable insights into what steps should have been taken to prevent the incident.
Attorney Richard Griffin’s recognition by the National Trial Lawyers Association as one of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers underscores our firm’s capability to build and present compelling cases for our Snellville clients.
Security Measures by Property Owners
Business owners in high-crime areas of Snellville must be proactive in ensuring the safety of their premises. This duty applies regardless of how long the business has been operating. Some essential safety measures include:
- Installing and maintaining proper fencing and gates
- Securing doors and windows with regular inspections
- Employing trained security personnel
- Installing and maintaining adequate lighting and security cameras
The key factor in determining a property owner’s liability is what they could or should have done to keep tenants safe, given the specific circumstances of the location and known risks.
Contact a Snellville Premises Liability Lawyer for a Free Consultation
At Griffin Law Firm, our skilled and compassionate Snellville personal injury attorneys are available 24/7 to assist you. We offer free initial case consultations to discuss your premises liability claim.
We have a deep understanding of the state and local laws governing premises liability in Snellville and throughout Georgia. Let us handle the complexities of your case while you focus on recovery.
Attorney Richard Griffin’s AV Preeminent Rating from Martindale-Hubbell, the highest rating for legal skills and ethics, demonstrates our commitment to providing top-quality legal representation.
Don’t delay in seeking legal help. Contact Griffin Law Firm today to speak with an experienced Snellville premises liability attorney and take the first step toward getting the compensation you deserve.