Hurt in a Slip and Fall Accident in Columbia? Contact Our South Carolina Premises Liability Lawyer Today
At Hart Law, our Columbia slip, trip, and fall accident attorney is committed to fighting for justice and the maximum financial compensation for injured victims. If you or your loved one suffered a serious injury in a fall accident, we are here to help. A negligent business or property owner may bear legal responsibility for your fall under South Carolina premises liability law.
Contact our Columbia slip and fall accident lawyer today for a free, no-obligation initial consultation by calling us at (803) 771-7701.
What to Do After a Slip and Fall Accident in Columbia, South Carolina
Were you hurt in a slip and fall in Columbia or elsewhere in South Carolina? You must take a proactive approach to protect your health, well-being, and your ability to recover financial compensation. Here are four steps to take after suffering a slip and fall injury in Columbia:
- Seek Immediate Medical Care: All slip and fall accident injuries should be evaluated by an experienced medical professional. See a doctor right away for your slip and fall. Not only is doing so crucial for your health but it is also required to be eligible to bring a claim.
- Document Your Slip and Fall: Evidence matters. Slip and fall accident claims are fault-based legal cases in South Carolina. Take clear photographs of the accident scene, including any hazards, before conditions change or are remedied. You should also try to obtain contact information from witnesses and preserve other relevant evidence.
- Report the Accident to the Business/Property Owner: You should notify the responsible business or property owner that a slip and fall accident has happened. You do not have to give a full statement at this point in the process. Simply give notification of an accident.
- Consult With a Lawyer Before an Insurer: Most slip and fall accident claims are defended by property insurance companies. Do not go through the claims process alone. Consult with a top-tier Columbia slip and fall accident lawyer right away after a bad accident.
Understanding Premises Liability Law
Slip and fall accidents/trip and fall accidents are premises liability claims in South Carolina. Under state law, property owners and property occupiers (businesses) have a legal obligation to maintain safe conditions for those lawfully entering their premises. A person who suffers injuries due to a dangerous property condition may be entitled to compensation if they can prove the property owner’s negligence contributed to their accident.
Notably, the duty of care owed by a property owner or occupier depends on the status of the person entering the property. Invitees are owed a high level of care. In contrast, trespassers are only owed a very limited duty of care.
Common Slip/Trip Hazards that May Be Negligence
Slip and fall accidents can happen for a wide range of different reasons. While it is impossible to list every potential hazard, certain recurring issues commonly lead to injuries and claims of negligence. Some of the hazards that may support a slip and fall claim in South Carolina include:
- Wet or Oily Surfaces: Spills, tracked-in rainwater, or recent floor mopping that is not properly marked can create dangerously slick surfaces.
- Uneven Flooring: Cracked pavement, broken tiles, or loose floorboards may cause guests to lose their balance.
- Loose Rugs or Mats: Poorly secured rugs or mats that slide when stepped on can cause sudden and unexpected falls.
- Clutter or Debris: Boxes, cords, merchandise, and other objects left in walkways may obstruct pedestrians and create a foreseeable risk of tripping.
- Defects in Stairways: Missing or damaged handrails, along with uneven or rotted steps, often lead to severe trip-and-fall incidents.
- Poor Lighting: Inadequate illumination in stairwells, hallways, parking lots, or other areas makes it difficult for visitors to spot potential tripping hazards.
The Elements of Fault in a South Carolina Slip and Fall Accident Claims
How do you bring a successful slip and fall/trip and fall accident claim in South Carolina? You must be prepared to present a strong case. Indeed, to prevail in a slip and fall lawsuit in South Carolina, the victim must prove each element of a negligence claim. Here are the four elements:
- Duty of Care: The property owner must have owed a duty of care to maintain reasonably safe conditions for lawful visitors or to warn them of known hazards.
- Breach of Duty: The property owner must have failed to uphold this duty. For example, they did not clean up a spill within a reasonable timeframe or failed to fix a known broken step.
- Causation: The property owner’s breach directly caused or contributed to the slip and fall accident. Causation is required to prove negligence.
- Damages: Finally, the victim must have suffered actual harm, such as medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, or other losses, as a direct result of the slip and fall.
Know the Statute of Limitations for a Premises Liability Claim
You have a limited amount of time to file a premises liability claim. Under South Carolina law (S.C. Code § 15-3-20), these cases are subject to a three-year statute of limitations. There are very few exceptions to that deadline. In other words, you must have a personal injury lawsuit within three years of the date of your slip and fall accident—otherwise, you may miss out on your opportunity to take legal action.
You do not want to fall behind the business/property owner or their insurance company: Consult with a Columbia premises liability lawyer right away.
We Help Slip and Fall Accident Victims Fight for the Maximum Compensation
In South Carolina, slip and fall accident victims have the right to seek compensation for the full scope of their damages, including for any non-economic losses. How much can you expect to recover through a slip and fall accident case? The answer depends entirely on your ability to prove fault and the extent of your damages.
Unfortunately, the other side—defendants and their insurers—fight to pay out less to injured victims. Our Columbia, SC slip and fall accident lawyers fight for the absolute maximum settlement or verdict for our clients. Recovery may include:
- Emergency medical costs;
- Hospital bills;
- Other health care expenses;
- Rehabilitative treatment;
- Loss of wages;
- Diminished earnings;
- Pain and suffering;
- Mental anguish;
- Long-term disability; and
- Reduced quality of life.
How Our Columbia, SC Slip and Fall Accident Attorneys Can Help
Navigating a slip and fall accident claim can be hard. It is normal to have a ton of questions about your rights and your options. Our founder and lead attorney Christopher R. Hart is committed to helping victims and families get justice. With demonstrated leadership in personal injury law and a record of client testimonials, we know how to handle complex premises liability claims.
Among other things, our Columbia slip/trip and fall accident lawyer is ready to:
- Listen to your story and answer your personal injury questions;
- Conduct a thorough investigation of your slip and fall accident;
- Handle the settlement negotiations with proper insurance companies; and
- Develop a personalized strategy focused on helping you get the best results.
Slip and Fall Injury Claims in Columbia: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is a Property Owner Always Liable for a Slip and Fall Accident?
No. Slip and fall accidents are fault-based cases in South Carolina. As a consequence, liability is not automatic. A business or property owner is not legally responsible simply because an accident happened on their property. A property owner’s responsibility to pay damages depends on whether they owed a duty of care, violated that duty, and caused the victim’s injuries as a result. In other words, you must prove that the property owner’s negligence contributed to your fall accident.
How Does Comparative Negligence Work in Slip and Fall Accident Cases?
Broadly defined, comparative negligence is a legal principle that reduces a plaintiff’s recovery proportionally to the degree of fault in causing their injury. In South Carolina, if you are partially responsible for your slip and fall accident, the amount of your damages will be reduced accordingly. 10 percent at fault for your slip and fall? You will be liable for 10 percent of your damages. However, in South Carolina, if your share of fault is determined to be more than 50 percent, you cannot recover compensation against another party.
What is the Average Slip and Fall Injury Settlement in South Carolina?
There is no true “average” settlement in a slip and fall accident claim. Instead, each case is evaluated based on the specific circumstances. A wide range of factors will be considered—including liability and the extent of your damages. A slip and fall accident settlement could be in the five, six, or even seven figures. An experienced Columbia, SC slip and fall accident lawyer will help you fight to secure the absolute maximum compensation.
Contact Our Columbia Slip and Fall Injury Lawyer for a Free Case Review
At Hart Law, our Columbia slip and fall accident attorney provides top-tier legal guidance and support to victims and families. We have what it takes to hold negligent businesses and property owners accountable for slip and fall accidents. If you or your loved one suffered a serious injury in a fall, please do not hesitate to contact us today for a free, no-obligation initial consultation.
We represent slip and fall accident victims in Columbia, Richland County, Lexington County, and beyond. You can also call us at (803) 771-7701.