Weaver Law Firm can help you through the claims process when you’re hurt in an accident in Rome. If you’ve been injured because of unsafe conditions on someone else’s property in Rome or elsewhere in Floyd County, it can be overwhelming to know where to turn. Our team at Weaver Law Firm can help you understand your options and help you through it. Set up a free consultation today to get started.
Do You Need a Lawyer?
When you’re injured in an accident, the last thing you’re probably thinking about is getting help from a lawyer. And with some premises liability accidents, you might be able to handle things on your own. But the reality is that any accident can be difficult to get through, and it’s only made harder by the responsibilities that come with the claims process. At that point, our team can step in and help you by doing the following:
- Investigating exactly what happened, even when details are unclear
- Explaining your options in plain language
- Collecting and preserving important evidence
- Figuring out who is legally responsible for your injuries
- Guiding you through insurance claims and the legal process
Even if you’re unsure, you can schedule a free consultation. You won’t pay anything upfront, and we only collect a fee if we get a result for you. And while everything depends on the circumstances, our approach is going to be built around one thing: your needs.
What is a Premises Liability Accident in Rome?
Although they’re quite common, there’s nothing Rome-specific about a premises liability accident. Rather, what it is is pretty simple: an accident that happens because a property owner or manager:
- Knew about a hazard and didn’t fix it, or;
- Should have known about a potential hazard and failed to take care of it.
This, obviously, opens the door to a lot of different kinds of accidents, but usually, it means:
- Slip-and-fall accidents from wet floors, uneven sidewalks, or cluttered walkways.
- Dog bites and other pet-related attacks can happen when there’s a lack of warning signs, proper restraints, or broken fencing.
- Pool and water accidents because of things like missing fences, no warning signs, or poor upkeep.
- Stairway falls from broken steps, shaky railings, or dim lighting.
- Falling objects, especially loose fixtures, unstable shelves, or construction debris.
- Fires and burns from faulty wiring, unsafe heaters, or unattended flames. This can also cause smoke inhalation injuries as well.
- Electrical accidents from exposed wiring or outdated panels in homes, apartments, or businesses.
- Negligent security like poor lighting, broken locks, or missing security measures can make crime and injuries more likely.
Every accident in Rome has its own set of circumstances, and the severity of injuries can vary widely—from minor scrapes to serious trauma requiring surgery or long-term care. When property owners fail to take care of hazards, the law allows you to hold them accountable. Knowing how the legal process works is key to protecting both your recovery and your rights.
Who Pays For My Losses in a Premises Liability Accident?
In a premises liability case in Rome, the heart of the matter is figuring out who should be held responsible for your injury. Liability usually comes down to negligence — proving that someone failed to take reasonable steps to keep their property safe. To establish this, you typically need to show:
- Duty of care – The property owner or manager had a legal responsibility to keep the premises safe for people who were invited or allowed to be there.
- Knowledge of the hazard – They knew, or should have known, about a dangerous condition through proper inspections or awareness.
- Failure to act – They didn’t address the hazard in time, and that failure directly caused your injury.
While property owners and managers often carry the bulk of the liability, they’re not the only ones who can be held accountable. Depending on the circumstances, it could also involve:
- Employees or contractors
- Maintenance workers or groups
- Event organizers
- Local government agencies
- Product manufacturers if defective equipment played a role in what happened
A lot can go wrong when someone doesn’t take care of their property, but the most life-changing outcome is almost always the injury itself. Whether it’s a broken bone from a slippery dock, a head injury from a fall, or the lasting emotional impact of the experience, these things can take a serious toll on you and your loved ones.
What Can You Recover in a Premises Liability Claim?
Like any injury situation that results from someone else’s negligence, Georgia law gives you the right to hold the responsible people accountable through an injury claim when something happens to you on someone else’s property. Thus, a premises liability claim could be filed as:
- An insurance claim outside of court.
- A personal injury lawsuit in court.
Either way, you may be able to recover costs for things like:
- Medical expenses – This covers the cost of treatment, like hospital stays, surgery, medication, physical therapy, and any ongoing care you might need.
- Lost wages – If your injury keeps you from working, you can recover the income you’ve missed.
- Pain and suffering – This provides financial recovery for the physical pain and emotional strain caused by the accident.
- Loss of enjoyment in life – This covers costs associated with changes in the way your injury has made it harder to enjoy your usual activities, hobbies, or relationships.
- Property damage – This provides you with repair or replacement costs for any personal belongings damaged in the accident.
In Georgia, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to start your claim. Miss that deadline, and you lose the chance to recover these damages. Once you file your claim on time, though, it’s going to be about making it as strong as possible.
What Do I Need to Strengthen a Premises Liability Claim?
No matter what the circumstances are around your injuries, it’s unfortunately not enough to simply say it happened. You need proof to show exactly what went wrong and why the property owner (or others) should be held accountable. Here’s what can help make your case stronger:
- Accident scene evidence – Snap photos or videos of where you were hurt as soon as you can. If you tripped over an uneven sidewalk downtown or slipped on a spill in a store, capture the hazard from several angles.
- Incident reports – If your injury happened at a business, ask the manager to fill out a report and request a copy for yourself. Places in Rome often have set procedures for these reports — don’t leave without making sure it’s on record.
- Witness statements – If someone saw your fall or the hazard that caused it, get their name and number. A local bystander’s account can make a big difference when the other side tries to downplay what happened.
- Medical records – From your first urgent care visit to any follow-up with a specialist in Floyd County, keep everything. These records connect your injuries directly to the accident.
- Proof the property owner knew – This might be prior complaints, maintenance logs, or even video footage showing the hazard existed before your accident. The key is showing the danger wasn’t just a sudden fluke.
- Expert input – In more serious cases, safety experts, engineers, or inspectors can explain how the property failed to meet basic safety standards.
The sooner you start gathering these details, the better. Hazards in Rome can be fixed or cleaned up quickly—and many stores or businesses delete their security footage within days. Acting fast helps preserve the proof you’ll need when it’s time to hold the right people accountable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I file a claim against the city?
Yes. Injuries on public property, like broken sidewalks or park hazards, can result in claims against the city if negligence was involved.
What types of accidents are covered under premises liability?
Slip-and-falls, dog bites, pool or water accidents, falling objects, stairway collapses, fires, electrical hazards, and security incidents are all common examples.
What if I’m partially at fault?
Georgia uses comparative negligence. You can still file a claim, but your damages may be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Why Choose Weaver Law Firm After a Premises Liability Accident in Rome?
An accident that someone else causes in Rome is always frustrating–but it’s even more damaging when it happens because of something they did–or didn’t–do on their own property. Going to a store or even a friend’s house shouldn’t end in a trip to the hospital or other losses, but that’s exactly what might happen to you. When it does, our Rome premises liability lawyers at Weaver Law Firm will be there to support you. To get the process started, reach out today for a free consultation.