If you were injured in a fall on someone else’s property, a Gwinnett slip and fall accident lawyer can help you fight for the compensation you deserve. But success depends on more than just being hurt — it depends on avoiding costly mistakes that weaken your claim.
As a trusted Gwinnett slip and fall accident lawyer, I have seen strong cases ruined by small errors. If you want to protect your rights and improve your odds of winning, here are 7 common mistakes you must avoid after a fall injury in Gwinnett County.
Watch this Podcast Episode Where Attorney Michael Coker Explains Why Most Slip & Fall Cases in Georgia FAIL:
1. Not Reporting the Fall Immediately
The first thing any experienced Gwinnett slip and fall accident lawyer will tell you is: report the incident immediately. Whether you fell at a grocery store, apartment complex, or restaurant, notify a manager or staff member and ask them to file an incident report.
If no report is made, the property owner’s insurance company may later claim the fall never happened.
2. Not Taking Photos of the Hazard
A good Gwinnett slip and fall accident lawyer knows how fast evidence can disappear. If you are able, take photos of:
The substance or object that caused your fall
The area around the hazard
Your shoes and any visible injuries
Without this visual proof, the insurance company may argue that there was nothing dangerous present — or that you caused the fall yourself.
3. Delaying Medical Treatment
You need to see a doctor as soon as possible. Medical records are vital evidence for any Gwinnett slip and fall accident lawyer. They prove that your injuries were serious and directly connected to the fall.
If you wait too long, the insurance company may claim that your injuries came from something else — not the accident.
4. Giving a Recorded Statement to the Insurance Company
After your accident, you may get a call from a friendly-sounding insurance adjuster. Do not give a recorded statement without a lawyer.
Adjusters are trained to:
Get you to downplay your injuries
Get you to admit you “should have seen” the hazard
Use your words against you in court
Always speak with your lawyer first. A Gwinnett slip and fall accident lawyer can handle all communication with the insurance company for you.
5. Assuming the Store Will Save the Video Footage
Many businesses in Gwinnett shopping centers and grocery stores have security cameras. But here is the catch: most video footage is deleted within 24 to 72 hours — unless your lawyer sends a spoliation letter right away.
Video can prove how long the hazard was there, who saw it, and whether staff took any action. But if it’s lost, so is a key piece of your case.
A great Gwinnett slip and fall accident lawyer will demand that the store preserve this evidence immediately.
6. Not Understanding the Law in Georgia
To win a slip and fall case in Georgia, you must prove:
The property owner knew or should have known about the danger (actual or constructive knowledge)
You did not know about the danger — or could not have reasonably seen it
These rules are strict. Just slipping and falling is not enough. That is why slip and fall lawsuits in Gwinnett County require experienced legal strategy.
7. Trying to Handle the Case Alone
Georgia slip and fall law is complex. Without a lawyer, you might:
Miss important deadlines
Use the wrong language in your claim
Accept a low settlement
Fail to secure key evidence
A skilled Gwinnett slip and fall accident lawyer can help you gather proof, work with medical providers, and present your case in a way that insurance companies and courts will take seriously.
Bonus: Where Do Slip and Fall Accidents Commonly Happen in Gwinnett?
We regularly handle cases from:
Grocery stores in Lawrenceville and Snellville
Retail shops in Duluth and Norcross
Apartment complexes in Lilburn and Dacula
Restaurants and public buildings across the county
Wherever it happened, we know how to investigate and build a claim that holds property owners accountable.
Injured in a Slip and Fall in Gwinnett County? Talk to a Local Gwinnett slip and fall accident lawyer First
Do not give a statement. Do not take the first settlement offer. And definitely do not go it alone.
At our firm, we fight for injury victims across Gwinnett County, and we know exactly what it takes to win against powerful insurance companies.
Call us now for a free consultation with a trusted Gwinnett Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer. We will review your case, explain your options, and fight to get you the full compensation you deserve.
If you’re looking for more practical tips, stories from the courtroom, and honest conversations about the legal profession in Georgia, be sure to check out our podcast: Georgia Legal Talks. Each episode is packed with real insight from experienced lawyers who’ve been where you are—and want to help you get where you’re going.
Listen to Our Podcast | Georgia Legal Talks with Michael Coker
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