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CAN I SUE IF I WAS THE VICTIM OF A CRIME ON SOMEONE ELSE’S PROPERTY?


In Atlanta, premises liability is a complex area of law that is difficult to navigate without an experienced premises liability lawyer. While all property owners are obligated to make sure their land is safe for their visitors, there are specific criteria that must be met to have a successful premises liability case.

Basis of Premises Liability

There are several major considerations that must be met during a premises liability case to establish if the property owner is legally responsible for the injuries of a visitor. Foremost among these are the status of the visitor, namely if the visitor is an invitee, a licensee, or a trespasser.

  • Invitees:  An invitee is a person who has express or implied permission to enter the property. These can include customers of a business, friends, relatives, or neighbors who are expected to behave in a reasonable manner. The property owner is responsible for making sure the property is safe to be in.
  • Licensees: These are people who have express or implied permission to enter, but do so for their own purposes. Salesmen are a common example. In this case, there is a reduced duty to simply inform the licensee of any condition that may be unsafe, as long as the property owner is aware of the situation.
  • Trespasser: For those who are not authorized to be on the property, there is no protection unless that person is a child. Property owners are responsible for securing any situation that can put children at risk of catastrophic personal injury, like swimming pools.

If you’ve been hurt in the Atlanta, Georgia area, it may be difficult to know if you have the grounds for a premises liability case. To speak with an experienced premises liability attorney, please call Lourie, Chance, Forlines, Carter & King, PC today at 404-760-7400 for a free consultation.