Legal Question in Personal Injury in Georgia

i was looking at a house listed on the fmls that was in for closure and the price kept dropping so we went to look at it. the home had the windows out and the front and back door were opened. i went in to look after i hollared was anyone there. i went up a set of stairs and the stair railing fell completely thru with me landing on a 2 level hardwood floor with the railing under me. i was knocked unconsious and was bleeding from nose and hear. neighbor called 911 and i was taken to the hospital where i had aa severe concussion. the home was in obvious disrepair and the neighbors said people go in and out all the time. i could have and should have pursued further medical care, but i dont have insurance and was trying to just be fair and get over it on my own. the realtor was all sugar and spice for like a month, then turned it over to what they said was the insurance carrier, not sure if that is true because it took so long to get the contact per say. she was very sweet when we first spoke, now all of a sudden she tells me that i was technically traspassing. so what do i do ? how was i trespassing if the place is wide open and people go in it all the time. it did'nt even have windows. i am in georgia, and they even still have squatters rights here so what are my legal ramifications?


Asked on 5/23/12, 2:41 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Scott Riddle Law Office of Scott B. Riddle, LLC

Of course, the mere fact that a door was unlocked or even open does not mean you have the right to just go in as you please. If you leave your door open, do you think it is an invitation for anyone to walk in and take a look? I doubt you would think that. Even if it for sale, it is still someone else's private property.

Read more
Answered on 5/23/12, 4:16 pm
Glen Ashman Ashman Law Office also dba Glen Ashman Attorney

The fact that a door is unlocked does not give you the right to commit a crime and enter the premises. Without actual permission of the owner, you acted as a criminal and you could be prosecuted. It is very unwise for you to keep advertising your crime. (And no there is no such thing as squatters rights).

So you get to pay your own medical bills and hope no one prosecutes you for criminal trespass.

Read more
Answered on 5/23/12, 5:31 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Personal Injury Law and Tort Law questions and answers in Georgia