Legal Question in Personal Injury in Georgia

sidewalk ankle break

I was leaving the county courthouse through the courtyard in back I was parked along side a flower bed in a parking space. There was no walkway space along side the flower bed where I was parked. I had to step from the sidewalk as close as possible being careful not to fall in the flower bed or walk on the curb edge to get to my car. when I stepped down my right ankle was broken. The custodian was working on the other end of the yard, I called for her to help me she went inside and came back with a officer from the sherif's office. The officer called a relative to come assist me. The county employees left me along to wait for my relative who took me to the hospital. I was in alot of pain and unable to move, and afraid I would further injure myself because of my pain at the time. A few days later I informed the county clerk of my accident and she asked for a statement of what happened. she filed a claim with trident insurance and they denied the claim, saying that the county was not at fault. When I notified the adjuster that I did'nt agree with his decision he said he would keep the claim open for 30 days for me to get legal assistant.


Asked on 2/07/05, 12:44 pm

3 Answers from Attorneys

Charles W. Field Charles W. Field, Attorney at Law

Re: sidewalk ankle break

You may have a claim, but it is impossible to tell without investigation. You should ASAP consult with a local attorney.

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Answered on 2/07/05, 3:18 pm
Jim Hough Thomas J. Hough, Jr., P.C.

Re: sidewalk ankle break

Because the county is involved there are ante litem notice issues which have to be dealt with. Because it is a slip and fall claim there are issues of "prior passage" (that is you safely walked from your vehicle to the courthouse) and "assumption of risk" (by assuming the path you used, you assumed the risk of known hazzards), just to name a few, you should speak with an attorney well versed in handling these type cases.

If you wish to discuss this matter further, please call.

Jim Hough

770-607-5300

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Answered on 2/08/05, 9:08 am
Patricia Chandler Law Offices of Patricia A. Chandler

Re: sidewalk ankle break

You may have a claim, but will probably have to deal with immunity defenses raised by the county. Feel free to give me a call to discuss in further detail.

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Answered on 2/07/05, 1:04 pm


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