In Marietta and throughout Cobb County, visitors rely on property owners to keep walkways and common areas safe. When that responsibility is ignored, and someone is injured, Georgia law may allow a premises liability claim. A Marietta premises liability attorney at Nick Schnyder Law Firm represents individuals harmed by unsafe property conditions.
Property owners and businesses have a legal duty to keep their premises reasonably safe. When unsafe conditions cause severe injuries, the injured person may be entitled to pursue compensation. Call 404-777-2656 for a free consultation to discuss your case.
When unsafe property changes your life, we step in
Premises liability cases are complex. Property owners and businesses may deny responsibility or argue they had no notice of the hazard. We approach these cases knowing that evidence can disappear quickly and that early investigation matters.
Nick Schnyder’s approach to injury law is personal. After witnessing the consequences of repeated medical errors within his own family, he understands how negligence can alter the course of a life. That experience shapes how we handle every serious injury case — thoroughly, urgently, and without overlooking the details that others might dismiss.
We prepare every premises liability case with the expectation that it may go to trial. That preparation strengthens negotiations and positions our clients to pursue meaningful recovery.
Our work has earned professional recognition, including:
- Fellow of the Litigation Counsel of America
- Recognized by Georgia Trend’s Legal Elite
- Member of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum
- Member in good standing of the State Bar of Georgia
- Member of the American Association for Justice
Recognition reflects experience. What defines our work, however, is preparation and a willingness to litigate when necessary.
Hear from clients we’ve represented
Premises liability cases frequently involve disputes about how an accident occurred or whether the property owner had notice of the hazard. Our team addresses those issues fiercely through investigation and evidence.
“I had a great experience using Nick Schnyder Law Firm! [They] were all incredibly kind and knowledgeable throughout my case. They really helped me be comfortable and understand every step of the process, which helped ease my stress over the situation!” — Abby C.
“This feels like a very family firm, even though they have lots of resources and talent. Anytime you have an accident, it’s nice to have a kind ear to listen to you and understand what you’ve gone through.” — Joann C.
What is a premises liability claim?
A premises liability claim arises when someone is injured because a property owner failed to maintain reasonably safe conditions.
Under Georgia law, owners and occupiers of land owe a duty of care to lawful visitors. If a hazardous condition existed, the owner knew or should have known about it, and the condition caused injury, the owner may be legally responsible.
The level of duty depends on whether the injured person was an invitee, licensee, or trespasser. Customers and guests are typically considered invitees and are owed the highest duty of care.
Types of premises liability cases we handle in Marietta
Not every injury on someone else’s property leads to a lawsuit. But when a property owner ignores a dangerous condition, and someone gets hurt, Georgia law may allow a claim. Common types of premises liability cases we handle include:
Slip and fall accidents
Slip and fall cases often involve hazards that should have been fixed or clearly marked, like wet floors in a grocery store, broken pavement in a parking lot, loose handrails, or poor lighting in a stairwell.
In Georgia, these cases usually come down to notice. Did the property owner know about the hazard? Should they have known? And did they fix it in a reasonable amount of time? When the answer is no and someone suffers a serious injury, liability may follow.
Dog bites and animal attacks
Georgia law allows injury claims when a dog owner fails to properly restrain or control a dangerous animal. Dog bite cases may happen on private property or in public areas where animals are not properly secured. These injuries can lead to permanent scarring and emotional trauma. Establishing liability often involves demonstrating that the owner knew or should have known of the animal’s aggressive tendencies.
Negligent security
Property owners cannot ignore obvious safety risks. In some situations, poor lighting, broken gates, or a lack of reasonable security measures can contribute to assaults or other violent incidents.
These cases typically examine whether prior criminal activity made the risk foreseeable and whether the property owner responded appropriately. When security failures play a role in an injury, civil liability may exist.
Unsafe structural conditions
Some injuries happen because a building or structure simply was not maintained properly. Collapsing staircases, poor construction, loose balcony railings, falling merchandise, or exposed wiring can all create preventable hazards. Maintenance records and prior complaints often become central to these cases.
Swimming pool and attractive nuisance cases
Certain dangerous features, especially unsecured swimming pools, can pose serious risks to children. Georgia law recognizes that property owners may be responsible when they fail to take reasonable steps to prevent foreseeable harm. These cases require careful review of fencing, supervision, and prior warnings about the condition.
How we build a premises liability case
To succeed in a premises liability case in Georgia, four key things must be proven:
- You were lawfully on the property
- A dangerous condition existed
- The property owner knew, or should have known, about the hazard
- That hazard directly caused your injuries
These cases often turn on evidence. We move quickly to document the scene, secure maintenance and inspection records, review surveillance footage when available, and speak with witnesses before memories fade. We also carefully analyze your medical records to show the full extent of your injuries.
Many premises liability claims settle. But we prepare every case as if it will be presented to a jury. That level of preparation strengthens your position from the start.
What compensation is available in a premises liability claim?
If your claim is successful, you may recover compensation for:
- Medical bills and future treatment needs
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Long-term impairment or disability
The value of a premises liability case depends on the severity of your injuries, the strength of the evidence, and the degree of fault involved. In serious cases involving traumatic brain injuries, spinal damage, or permanent disability, compensation may also account for long-term medical care and reduced quality of life.
Frequently asked questions about Georgia premises liability claims
What types of properties are covered under Georgia premises liability law?
The law applies to private homes, apartment complexes, retail stores, restaurants, hotels, office buildings, parking lots, and other public or commercial properties.
Who can be held responsible in a premises liability case?
Liability may extend to property owners, occupiers, tenants, property managers, or businesses responsible for maintaining the property.
What is the attractive nuisance doctrine?
Georgia law may allow claims when a dangerous condition on property is likely to attract children and create an unreasonable risk of harm, such as an unsecured swimming pool.
What if I was partially at fault?
Georgia follows a modified comparative fault rule. If you are 50% or more responsible for the accident, recovery is barred. If you are less than 50% responsible, any compensation may be reduced in proportion to your percentage of fault.
Local resources for injured visitors in Marietta
Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center
677 Church Street NE
Marietta, GA 30060
(770) 793-5000
City of Marietta Code Enforcement Division
205 Lawrence St NE
Marietta, GA 30060
(770) 794-5439
Cobb County Superior Court
70 Haynes Street
Marietta, GA 30090
(770) 528-1300
351 Atlanta St SE, Marietta, GA 30060
404-777-2656
Talk to a Marietta premises liability attorney today
If you were injured because a property owner failed to address a dangerous condition, you do not have to navigate the legal process alone. Our team evaluates premises liability claims throughout Marietta and Cobb County and prepares every case carefully from the outset.
Call 404-777-2656 or contact us online for a free consultation.
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404-999-1111