Whether visiting a local business, staying at a resort, or walking around town, the risk of a slip and fall accident is always present in Hilton Head. These accidents can happen anywhere, from sandy shores and pool decks to restaurant patios and retail spaces.
Property owners and managers have a legal duty to maintain safe premises for visitors and residents. Unfortunately, not all property owners fulfill this responsibility, leading to dangerous conditions that can cause serious injuries.
If you have slipped on a wet floor at a beachfront restaurant or fallen due to an uneven sidewalk near your hotel, you may have experienced significant injuries. In these cases, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
Our Hilton Head slip and fall lawyer can make sure that you receive the justice and compensation you deserve. Set up a meeting with our team at The Solomon Law Group, LLC.
How Falls Incidents in Beaufort County Happen
Slip and fall accidents can happen in any setting, from workplaces to homes and public spaces. Some of the common factors that can lead to Hilton Head slips and falls include:
- Spills
- Weather conditions
- Uneven flooring
- Damaged sidewalks
- Loose carpets or rugs
- Poorly lit areas
- Cluttered walkways
- Unsecured cables
- Inadequate handrails
- Lack of signage
- Defective stairs or ramps
Slips and falls can result in serious injuries, including fractures, sprains, and head injuries. Sometimes, these incidents are the result of another person’s negligence. If that has happened in your case, you could be entitled to compensation. Find out your legal situation by consulting a Hilton Head slip and fall lawyer.
Premises Liability in South Carolina
All property owners are responsible for injuries that occur on their property due to hazardous conditions under South Carolina premises liability laws. Many of these cases focus on the elements of negligence and how the property’s owner’s choices affected the injured party.
First, there is the duty of care. In these cases, a property owner has a duty to maintain a safe property, or if there are dangers, the visitors must be adequately warned. The owner’s duty is broken down into several classifications:
- Invitees: Property owners owe these individuals the highest duty of care. They can include customers in a store or guests at a hotel. Owners must make sure that the property is safe, regularly inspect for hazards, and take reasonable steps to fix any dangerous issues.
- Licensees: Social guests are owed a lesser duty of care. Property owners must warn them of any known dangers that are not obvious.
- Trespassers: Under most circumstances, property owners owe no duty of care to trespassers except to avoid willful or wanton injury. However, a special rule applies to child trespassers. With the “attractive nuisance” doctrine, owners may be liable if a hazardous condition, such as an ungated pool, is likely to attract children and lead to an injury.
Determining the liability for fault can be complicated in these situations. With many factors at play, you need an experienced slip and fall lawyer in Hilton Head to handle your claim. The Solomon Law Group, LLC has a team of skilled litigators ready to assist you.
Have You Suffered Injuries in a Slip and Fall?
Some slips and falls do not leave accident victims with any injuries other than a bit of embarrassment. However, a simple slip can often cause serious injuries, especially in older adults. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there were almost 3 million emergency room visits for older adults who fell in the U.S. in 2021.
Have you been injured in a parking lot, store, or private residence? Keep these potential injuries in mind, especially if you have recently experienced a fall.
- The impact of a fall can lead to broken bones, especially in the wrists, arms, ankles, and hips.
- Hip fractures are especially common in older adults and can have serious long-term consequences.
- A fall that results in a blow to the head may lead to traumatic brain injuries.
- Slips often result in twisting motions as a person tries to catch themselves, leading to sprains in the ankles or wrists.
- Sudden movements can cause strains in muscles and tendons, mainly in the back or legs.
- Severe falls can result in damage to the spinal cord, leading to partial or complete paralysis.
- Sharp objects or rough surfaces can cause cuts or lacerations, which may require stitches or lead to scarring.
- The experience of a slip and fall can lead to emotional distress, anxiety, and a fear of falling again.
Regardless of the severity, it’s essential for individuals who suffer injuries from a slip and fall in Hilton Head to seek medical attention promptly. You may also want to consult with a Hilton Head slip and fall lawyer to give yourself the best chance of securing fair compensation for damages you have incurred.
Possible Damages You Can Recover in Your Hilton Head Island Slip and Fall Case
In a slip and fall case, you could be entitled to compensation, depending on the specifics of the accident and the extent of the injuries. These monetary awards help you recover some of the losses you suffered due to the incident. Additionally, it holds the responsible party accountable for their actions.
While these damages do not apply in every case, some of the most common ones include:
- Current medical expenses for emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, and medications
- Future medical costs for ongoing care
- Current lost wages due to time off work while recovering from the injury
- Loss of earning capacity if injury affects the individual’s ability to work in the future
- Transportation expenses for travel to and from medical appointments
- Home modification costs associated with modifying the home to accommodate injuries, such as installing ramps or handrails
- Pain and suffering compensation for the physical pain and discomfort caused by the injury
- Emotional distress damage awards for psychological effects such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress experienced from the accident
- Loss of enjoyment of life compensation, especially if the injury negatively impacted the individual’s ability to enjoy daily activities, hobbies, or overall quality of life
- Loss of consortium for the impact of the injury on the relationship between the injured party and their spouse or family members
- Wrongful death compensation if the victim passed away as the result of injuries from the slip and fall
If the property owners acted in a manner that was egregious, reckless, or intentional, then you, as the victim, could receive punitive damages. However, these instances are extremely rare and only happen under very specific circumstances.
Remember that not all of these will apply in your case. Consulting with an experienced Hilton Head slip and fall attorney can give you a better understanding of your available compensation options.
Reach Out to a Hilton Head Slip and Fall Lawyer
From luxurious resorts to busy public spaces, you can experience a slip and fall at any time. You may be entitled to compensation under South Carolina’s premises liability laws if the accident happened due to a wet floor, uneven sidewalk, or another hazardous condition.
With the guidance of an experienced Hilton Head slip and fall lawyer, they can help you receive the full compensation you deserve. The Solomon Law Group, LLC is here to help hold negligent property owners accountable. Take the first step toward recovery and justice, and schedule a consultation today.
