Winter Conditions Lead to Liability Questions

Following the recent winter storm which left the Columbus area largely shut down for a couple days due to snow, many are wondering what responsibility others have for problems due to the snow.  Our office has received numerous calls about injuries somehow relating to the icy conditions.For example:

"I slipped and fell on ice outside of a business.  Are they responsible?"
Unfortunately, the law in these instances is not very favorable.  Courts treat icy conditions much like wet conditions and rainy day situations.  The law will basically say that if a person knows it is cold and icy outside, it is their personal responsibility to exercise care for themselves.  While it can be possible if a business contributes to a particular icy hazard, the general ice and snow (much like rain puddles) do not lead to strong claims.  Of course, the duty owed by a business is higher than that of an individual homeowner. Meanwhile the local government usually has absolute immunity for icy conditions on public sidewalks.

"My car skidded on ice, and I hit someone.  Am I responsible?"
 Usually, the answer is going to be yes.  Poor weather conditions generally will not bear the responsibility of causing a wreck.  The decision to drive and specifically how to drive rest with the individual.  If someone loses control due to the icy bad weather, it would likely mean that they were driving too fast for conditions and should have either slowed down or stayed off the road altogether.  Remember driving a vehicle is a choice and privilege that should be used with caution and care. 


Each individual set of facts may have something that sets them apart under the law however.  Always speak with an attorney before making any determinations on who may be responsible or what action may be taken.

Gary Bruce & The Dee Armstrong Show

On January 31,2013, Dee Armstrong and Gary Bruce celebrated a two year partnership!

Recently on The Dee Armstrong Show, Dee applauded Gary’s dedication to her show and it’s viewers with a cake ! Gary and Dee have been discussing the law and legal issues on her show for 2 years now .  When Gary started the show it was his hope that doing so would entertain and educate.  The partnership has worked and we are excited to have been able to reach so many people through television.  Hopefully our clients and viewers in the community have enjoyed the segments  .  

The Dee Armstrong Show is on every day at noon – Gary appears every other Thursday. 

Worker's Compensation FAQ

The Law Offices of Gary O. Bruce have much experience and have had much success in representing clients injured in workplace accidents. Those hurt on the job are forced into an unfamiliar system known as “worker's compensation.”  As with any insurance situation, the insurance adjustor is not looking out for you.  You need an experienced attorney to guide you through the process and make sure your best interests are protected.  

At the Law Offices of Gary O. Bruce, P.C, our primary focus in representing an injured worker is to provide diligent, aggressive representation to make sure you are treated fairly by the insurance company. Our goal is to maximize your recovery through settlement or, if necessary, trial. 

Oftentimes, our clients ask us some of the following, routine questions regarding the worker’s compensation system:

Does my employer have worker's compensation insurance?

Under Georgia law, if your employer employs three or more employees, he/she is required to have workers' compensation insurance and provide its benefits to all full-time and regular part-time employees who are hurt on the job. 

I've been hurt in an accident on the job. What do I do next?

If you have been injured in a workplace accident, or while you are on the job, you must inform your employer of the injury at once. This can be done either verbally or in writing. Seek medical attention for your injuries immediately after the accident, then contact a lawyer from our firm to go over the circumstances surrounding your accident, so that we can advise you on your legal options and help you determine how best to proceed.

How is a workers' comp claim started?

Your employer should provide you with the forms you will need to file your claim. However, sometimes, employers are more interested in their own bottom line. If you have been injured in a workplace accident we advise you consult with a lawyer at our firm, so that we can discuss the appropriate course of action with you. 

But my workplace accident was not my employer's fault. Can I still file a claim for workers' compensation?

Georgia law entitles an injured worker to worker’s compensation benefits even when the workplace accident was not the employer's fault. In some instances, you may have an additional claim for personal injury against a third-party wrongdoer in addition to your worker’s compensation claim against your employer’s insurer.  Further, you may be able to file for worker’s comp benefits even if the accident was your fault. No matter the circumstances, it is always best to consult with an attorney at our firm who can review your case and advise you on the best course of action to pursue.

Let the GOOD GUYS handle your worker’s compensation case today.

No one asks to be injured on the job.  It puts a strain on your professional, financial, and family situations.  Workplace injuries leave someone who worked hard before their injury faced with an uncertain future, huge medical bills, confusing laws, and the stress accompanying an injury. 

The insurance companies know that the lawyers at the Law Offices of Gary O. Bruce vigorously represent their clients in worker’s compensation matters with a “no nonsense” attitude. If you or a loved one has been injured on the job, contact the Law Offices of Gary O. Bruce today for a free consultation about your case. There are strict time limits in worker’s compensation claims, so call our office today.