Introduction

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

Scenario

A customer enters a grocery store located on Vineville Avenue in Macon, Georgia. While walking through the produce section, the customer slips on a wet area of the floor near the vegetable displays. The customer falls to the ground. A store employee is mopping the floor in an adjacent aisle. No warning signs are visible in the area where the fall occurred.

Georgia Law

Premises Liability Under Georgia Code

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.”

Duty to Invitees

Georgia Code § 51-3-2: “(a) An owner or occupier of land owes persons coming upon the property the duty: (1) To exercise ordinary care to have the premises in a reasonably safe condition.”

Knowledge of Dangerous Conditions

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 and fell on a wet floor in a Macon grocery store. Georgia Code § 51-3-1 addresses the duties of property owners to persons who come upon their premises. Georgia Code § 51-3-2 specifies duties owed to invitees. These statutes establish the framework for premises liability under Georgia law.

FAQ

Q: What does Georgia Code § 51-3-1 state about property owner duties? A: Georgia Code § 51-3-1 states: “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.”

Q: How does Georgia law define the duty to invitees? A: Georgia Code § 51-3-2(a) states: “An owner or occupier of land owes persons coming upon the property the duty: (1) To exercise ordinary care to have the premises in a reasonably safe condition.”

Q: What Georgia statute addresses knowledge of dangerous conditions? A: Georgia Code § 51-3-1 addresses knowledge, stating: “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: Does Georgia law distinguish between different types of visitors to property? A: Georgia Code Title 51, Chapter 3 contains different sections addressing duties owed to various categories of persons on property.

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

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.