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(843) 306-4144 (843) 306-4144 Property owners have a legal duty to ensure their property is safe for visitors. This responsibility extends to private homeowners, commercial businesses, companies, and public land. If an owner fails to address a hazardous condition and you get injured as a result, you may be able to file a claim for your losses.
A Charleston County premises liability lawyer could assist you in evaluating the situation and determining if you have a valid claim against the property owner. Given the potential for significant medical expenses and other damages from a fall or other accident, we are here to help you secure the compensation you need. Contact the Farmer Law Firm to speak with a dedicated personal injury attorney if you are considering legal action after an accident.
In South Carolina, premises liability laws require property owners to address dangerous conditions to protect visitors. Common types of accidents that lead to premises liability claims include:
A property owner’s duty to guests varies based on their reason for being on the property. For example, owners owe a higher duty of care to invited guests or customers than to trespassers. A Charleston County premises liability attorney could assess the specifics of your case and advise on the strength of your claim.
The duty of care owed by a property owner varies based on the visitor’s status. There are three main categories of visitors: invitees, licensees, and trespassers.
Invitees are people invited onto the premises for business purposes or the owner’s benefit. This includes patrons in a restaurant or at a store. Owners have the highest duty of care toward invitees, which includes addressing any potential hazards or warning of them when they are not immediately fixed and regularly inspecting the property to find and remedy any potential dangers.
Licensees are people who visit a property for their own benefit. This includes social guests or someone stopping to use the restroom at a store without the intention of buying anything or shopping around. Property owners are not required to inspect the premises but must still warn of any known dangers and address them within a reasonable timeframe.
Property owners have the least responsibility toward trespassers who enter their premises without permission. They must only refrain from intentionally or recklessly harming them.
Speaking with a Charleston County slip and fall attorney is the best way to determine whether a viable claim exists based on a visitor’s status.
When a Charleston County attorney successfully proves an owner or manager of a property was negligent, an injured person could receive compensation – also known as damages – for all losses associated with the accident. This typically includes economic and non-economic forms of harm like:
An attorney will be able to review the circumstances of the accident and the resulting injuries to estimate compensation.
It is important to note that South Carolina follows the modified comparative fault rule when it comes to negligence cases. This means an injured person’s compensation may be reduced by their percentage of fault if they are found partially responsible for their accident, and denied entirely if they are more than 51% responsible for the event, even if it occurred due to someone else acting negligently.
The days, weeks, and months after a serious injury can be emotionally tolling, and the cost of your medical bills can add up quickly. You may be entitled to compensation if you were injured on someone else’s property, whether it was a friend, neighbor, business, or public place. While no amount of money can reverse the pain you are experiencing, it can give you the means to move on after the accident.
Our firm is not like those billboard attorneys who see clients as just another file. We offer a personal, hands-on approach. When you reach out to us, you will work directly with experienced professionals who have the skills and knowledge to handle your case effectively. If you are considering legal action, contact a Charleston County premises liability lawyer for more information.