The winter months in South Carolina are often accompanied by a few snowstorms. Sometimes these storms include ice. Albeit pretty, these storms can be very dangerous, and they frequently lead to personal injuries. In particular, these snow and ice storms regularly cause injuries from slip and falls. These slip and fall injuries can lead to fractures, as well as being devastating and long lasting. Thus, during the winter months, it is very important that you engage in protective measures to prevent being injured in a slip and fall accident.
Preventing Slip and Falls
Of course, there are actions that you can take to help prevent slip and falls in snow and/or ice. This list is non-exhaustive. First of all, before the snowfall, it is important that you spread snow salt outside in areas you normally walk. This will help melt the snow and/or ice to prevent slipping. Yet, be sure to purchase your snow salt well ahead of the storm, as it could sell out once the snow starts falling. Second, it is important that, while walking outdoors, you take smaller and slower steps than you normally would. You should also watch where you step. Third, it is critical that you wear shoes with sufficient tread. Your shoes should have sufficient grip to prevent slipping and falling.
South Carolina’s Premises Liability Law
If you are on someone’s property and are injured from a slip and fall, it is vital that you know and understand your legal rights as you may be entitled to compensation. If you decide to file a lawsuit against the property owner, you must do so within three years of your injury. This is known as South Carolina’s statute of limitations.
To win your case here, you must be able to show that the property owner was negligent. This requires you to establish certain elements:
- You must show that the property owner owed you a duty
- You must show that the property owner breached that duty
- You must show that this breach was the actual cause of your injury
- You must show that the this breach was the proximate (foreseeable) cause of your injury
- You must show damages
For the first element, duty, your classification on the property will determine the degree of duty owed to you. If you are not a trespasser, then you will typically be classified as an invitee or licensee. An invitee is a person who is invited, expressly or impliedly, to enter one’s property. The property owner owes an invitee the duty of exercising reasonable care for his safety. The property owner is liable for any injuries that result from the breach of this duty. Property owners must warn invitees of hidden dangers of which the property owner knows of, or should know of.
On the other hand, a licensee is a person who is privileged to enter the land of another with consent. A social guest is an example of a licensee. Regarding licensees, property owners are not required to exercise care to make the premises safe, and have no obligation to warn of dangers.
If You Were Injured, Take Action Now
If you have been injured from a slip and fall on another’s property in South Carolina, you should take action now before it is too late. You should seek the assistance of an experienced personal injury attorney to help ensure that you are adequately compensated. Fortunately, such an attorney can be found at the Solomon Law Group. Contact the Solomon Law Group today for a consultation.
