Slip and fall accidents can result in serious injuries that disrupt your life. With many resorts, restaurants, public beaches, and other businesses located in Myrtle Beach, property owners must make sure that these spaces are safe for everyone.
When they fail to do so, they could be liable for injuries and other damages to those who are hurt on their properties. If you have been seriously injured, South Carolina law affords you the right to pursue compensation from these negligent parties.
At The Solomon Law Group, LLC, we know the frustration of getting hurt on another person’s property. With mounting medical bills and lost wages, you want to hold someone accountable for the accident. Contact our Myrtle Beach slip and fall lawyer to help you understand what actions you can take in your case. Initial consultations with our legal team are always free.
What Are Slip and Fall Accidents
When a person slips, trips, or falls due to hazardous conditions on a property, that is known as a slip and fall accident. Many times, these incidents lead to injuries. For some groups, falls can be deadly. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over one million older adults are hospitalized for fall-related injuries. Additional CDC data shows that falls are the leading cause of injury-related death in those ages 65 and older.
Property owners and management are responsible for keeping spaces safe for visitors, invitees, and other legally allowed individuals. When they fail to do so, then that can lead to a Myrtle Beach personal injury claim. Some of the most common causes of slips, trips, and falls include:
- Wet or slippery floors
- Uneven surfaces
- Obstacles in a walkway
- Insufficient lighting in stairwells or hallways
- Ice, snow, and rain
- Faulty or missing handrails on staircases
Where Do They Occur in Horry County?
Slips and falls can happen to anyone, anywhere, and at any time. These locations can include:
- Retail stores
- Hotels and resorts
- Restaurants
- Office buildings
- Residential properties
- Public spaces, including parks and beaches
- Workplaces
If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident in the area, you may have suffered a few substantial injuries. In these cases, you will want to contact a Myrtle Beach slip and fall lawyer to learn about the actions you need to take.
Premises Liability and Your Case
Premises liability principles involve the legal responsibility of property owners and occupiers (such as business tenants) to maintain a safe environment for visitors. Under premises liability law, if someone is injured due to a hazardous issue that should have been addressed, then the property owner can be held liable for injuries. There are a few key elements of these claims.
Under these principles, property owners owe a duty of care to ensure their premises are reasonably safe for visitors. This duty varies depending on the visitor’s status, such as invitee, licensee, or trespasser.
Also, the property owner must have breached their duty of care by failing to address or correct a hazardous issue, such as a broken handrail.
As a result, the hazardous condition must be shown to directly cause the injury. In turn, the injured party must have suffered actual damages, such as medical expenses or lost wages.
Under these principles, there are several types of visitors. Based on their classification, they may not be able to recover compensation. Invitees are individuals invited on the property for the owner’s benefit, such as customers in a store. These persons are owed the highest duty of care. Owners must make sure that the property is safe by inspecting the premises and addressing potential hazards.
Another group is licensees. These people, such as social guests, are allowed on the property for their own purposes. While owners are not required to inspect the premises for hazards, they must warn licensees of known dangers, such as a broken floor tile.
Trespassers enter the property without permission. In these cases, the property owners owe them a minimal duty. All they have to do is avoid inflicting any willful harm, such as setting up a booby trap.
Can I Get Compensation for Medical Bills If I Slipped and Fell in Myrtle Beach?
Yes, you can seek compensation for medical bills if you’ve been injured due to hazardous conditions on someone else’s property in Horry County. Along with lost wages and pain and suffering, you can also claim costs related to medical treatment. These medical expenses can include:
- Emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, and urgent care.
- Visits to specialists, physical therapy, and any ongoing medical treatment required for recovery.
- Prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications related to the injury.
- Costs for any necessary medical devices, such as braces, crutches, or wheelchairs.
If you want to seek this compensation, you need to document all your medical expenses. Keep all medical bills, invoices, and receipts related to your treatment. You may want to request copies of your medical records to document the extent and nature of your injuries. Don’t forget to keep a record of any additional medical expenses incurred during your recovery. Calculating your costs can make seeking compensation from the responsible parties easier.
However, when you have been injured, you need to take a few additional steps. First, you always need to report the Myrtle Beach slip and fall accident. When injured, make sure to inform the property owner or manager about the incident and your injuries. With that, you can show that the injury occurred on their property.
After that, you may want to notify the insurance company. This is when you submit your medical bills, records, and other evidence to support your claim. With this step, you can connect the hazardous condition and your injury.
Many choose to have a Myrtle Beach slip and fall lawyer help with the claim. Negotiating with an insurer can be complicated. They often try to offer a low settlement, hoping you will quickly accept. You will want to evaluate every offer to make sure it covers all your medical expenses and other related costs.
If you cannot reach a fair settlement with the insurance company, your slip and fall attorney in Myrtle Beach may need to file a lawsuit against the property owner or insurance company to seek compensation through the Horry County court system.
Our Myrtle Beach Slip and Fall Lawyer Is Ready to Help
If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident in Myrtle Beach, you need to understand your rights and the steps needed to pursue compensation. Proving liability in these cases can be challenging, requiring a detailed investigation and thorough legal knowledge.
The Solomon Law Group, LLC is here to guide you through this process. We will ensure that property owners are held accountable for their negligence. With our experience in premises liability and personal injury law, we can help you seek the compensation you deserve for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. Contact us today to discuss your case with our attorneys.
