A slip and fall accident can happen in the blink of an eye. This can occur when you grab a coffee, shop for groceries, or visit a friend’s home. Unfortunately, the effects of the accident can linger long after the fall itself.
From sprains and fractures to more serious head or spinal injuries, a slip and fall can disrupt your daily life, making even routine tasks difficult. While some falls result from a misstep, others happen because of unsafe conditions a property owner should have prevented.
When that’s the case, you have the right to seek compensation for your losses. Premises liability holds property owners accountable when their negligence causes harm. However, proving liability can be difficult. At The Solomon Law Group, LLC, we can assist.
Find out how our Columbia slip and fall accident lawyer can make a difference with your claim.
What Causes Most Slip and Fall Accidents?
Slip and fall accidents can happen almost anywhere, from grocery stores, shopping centers, offices, or even someone’s home. Some of the most common causes include:
- Spills, leaks, or recently cleaned floors without warning signs
- Cracked sidewalks, potholes, and uneven flooring
- Dim or burned-out lights in parking lots, hallways, or near sidewalks
- Items left in aisles, hallways, or stairwells that block your path
- Stairs and ramps without proper handrails
- Ice, snow, and rain are not treated, leaving behind a slick surface
Sometimes, people just trip and fall, and no one is to blame. However, when a property owner or another party knows about a danger, you might be able to take legal action in a premises liability claim.
Your legal team must prove these four elements for a successful slip and fall case:
- A dangerous condition existed: The property had a hazardous condition that posed a risk of harm to others.
- The property owner was negligent: The owner knew or should have known about the hazard and did not fix it in time.
- The hazard caused your injury: This unsafe condition directly led to your fall and injuries.
- You suffered damages: Your injuries resulted in financial loss, such as medical bills and lost wages.
In some cases, the property owner may argue that you were partially to blame for the accident. Why would they shift the blame? In personal injury cases, that means your compensation may be reduced if you’re found partially at fault under the comparative negligence rule.
For this reason, you will want to work with an experienced Columbia slip and trip accident lawyer to help identify the responsible parties and use evidence to provide their fault in the incident.
Property Visitor Classifications in South Carolina
When it comes to slip and fall cases in South Carolina, your legal rights depend partly on your status as a visitor. State law classifies property visitors into invitees, licensees, and trespassers.
Each group is owed a different level of care from property owners. That can impact whether you’re eligible to seek compensation after an accident.
Invitees
If visiting a business or public space like a grocery store, shopping mall, or restaurant, you are considered an invitee. Property owners are legally responsible for keeping their premises safe and free from hazards.
For example, if you slip on an unmarked wet floor at a store, you may have a valid claim because the business should have taken steps to prevent the accident.
Licensees
A licensee enters a property for their own purposes with the owner’s permission, such as a social guest at a private home. Property owners must address known hazards and warn licensees of any dangers that may not be obvious. For instance, if you visit a friend and trip over a loose floorboard they knew about but did not mention, you might have grounds for a claim.
Trespassers
You’re classified as a trespasser if you enter someone’s property without permission. Property owners are not obligated to keep the premises safe, but they cannot intentionally create hazards to cause harm. However, children are treated differently under the law.
If an owner has something dangerous but attractive to children, like an unfenced swimming pool, they may be held liable if a child is injured.
If you’re unsure where your situation falls, a Columbia slip and fall attorney can help clarify your rights and guide you through the legal process.
A Slip and Fall Lawyer Can Identify Responsible Parties for Your Accident
In most cases, the property owner is the primary person liable in these cases. But sometimes, others may have been responsible for the incident. These can include property managers, employees, or renters. The responsibility level depends on the property type and why you were there.
Some of these examples include:
- Businesses: Store owners and managers must maintain safe conditions for customers. They must clean up spills, repair hazards, and warn people of dangers.
- Private residences: Homeowners must keep their property safe for invited guests. While they’re not responsible for every possible danger, they can be held liable if they know about a hazard and fail to address it.
- Public property: Slip and fall accidents on sidewalks, parks, or government buildings can be more complicated because claims against government entities involve specific rules and deadlines.
What Type of Compensation Could You Expect to Recover?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports over 139.8 million visits to the emergency rooms each year, many of those from slips and falls. Treatment and recovery from these incidents can vary from person to person. Some individuals might quickly recover and only need a few days to heal from bumps and bruises.
On the other hand, some people, such as children and older adults, may need several weeks, months, or even years to recover fully.
In a few situations, some may never recover. They may even pass away from the injuries suffered in the incident.
As you can expect, treatment can leave you with many bills and put you in a financial bind. Your Columbia slip and fall accident lawyer can help determine if you might be owed compensation for some of the following damages:
- Hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, and other treatments
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
Compensation varies, and there is no set amount that you might be able to recover. The number will depend on the severity of your injuries, the impact on your daily life, and the extent of the property owner’s negligence.
Finding the Right Slip, Trip, and Fall Attorney Is Important
Slip and fall cases can be complicated, especially when other parties might try to blame you for the incident. Plus, many insurance companies want to close the claim quickly, so they’ll often provide an offer that is less than you deserve. An experienced attorney can help throughout this process by:
- Investigating specifics of the accident scene and collecting evidence
- Gathering witness statements and expert testimony to solidify your claim
- Handling all communication with insurance companies so you can focus on healing
- Building a strong case to support your claim for damages
Are you ready to get help with your claim? The Solomon Law Group, LLC, is here to guide you during this time.
Get Help from a Columbia Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer Today
If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident, you need legal assistance. These claims can quickly become complicated, and if you are not careful, you could lose your chance of recovering compensation.
At The Solomon Law Group, LLC, we will take the time to hold these property owners accountable.
An experienced Columbia slip and fall lawyer can answer your questions and help you take the next step.
Contact us today for a free consultation.
