Introduction

This article provides general information about Georgia statutes related to premises liability and property owner duties regarding invitees. The information presented consists of direct quotations from Georgia law and does not constitute legal interpretation or advice.

Scenario

A customer approaches a retail store on Riverside Drive in Macon, Georgia, during winter weather. Ice has formed on the sidewalk in front of the store entrance overnight. The customer slips on the ice and falls while attempting to enter the store. The store opened for business two hours before the fall occurred.

Georgia Law

Duty to Invitees

Georgia Code § 51-3-1: “Where an owner or occupier of land, by express or implied invitation, induces or leads others to come upon his premises for any lawful purpose, he is liable in damages to such persons for injuries caused by his failure to exercise ordinary care in keeping the premises and approaches safe.”

Invitee Status

Georgia Code § 51-3-2(a): “An invitee is a person who is induced or led to come upon the premises of another for any lawful purpose and who is accorded a status higher than that of a licensee but not higher than that of one having an interest in the premises equal or superior to that of the owner or occupier.”

Superior Knowledge Requirement

Georgia Code § 51-3-1: “The true ground of liability is the proprietor’s superior knowledge of the perilous instrumentality and the danger therefrom to persons going upon the property. It is when the perilous instrumentality is known to the owner or occupant and not known to the person injured that a recovery is permitted.”

Conclusion

The scenario describes a customer who slipped on ice on a sidewalk at a Macon, Georgia store. Georgia Code § 51-3-1 addresses the duties of property owners to invitees. Georgia Code § 51-3-2 defines invitee status. These statutes establish the framework for premises liability under Georgia law.

FAQ

Q: What duty does Georgia Code § 51-3-1 impose on property owners? A: Georgia Code § 51-3-1 states owners are “liable in damages to such persons for injuries caused by his failure to exercise ordinary care in keeping the premises and approaches safe.”

Q: How does Georgia law define an invitee? A: Georgia Code § 51-3-2(a) defines an invitee as “a person who is induced or led to come upon the premises of another for any lawful purpose.”

Q: What does Georgia law state about superior knowledge? A: Georgia Code § 51-3-1 states: “The true ground of liability is the proprietor’s superior knowledge of the perilous instrumentality and the danger therefrom to persons going upon the property.”

Q: Where are premises liability laws located in the Georgia Code? A: Premises liability laws are found in Georgia Code Title 51, Chapter 3.

Q: Does Georgia Code § 51-3-1 include approaches to premises? A: Georgia Code § 51-3-1 specifically references keeping “the premises and approaches safe.”

Legal Disclaimer

This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice, recommendation, or guidance. It does not create an attorney-client relationship. No actions should be taken based on the content of this article. For any specific legal matter, consult with a qualified and licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.

Scenario Disclaimer

The scenario described is entirely fictional and intended solely for illustrative purposes. Any resemblance to real persons, events, or situations is purely coincidental.