Experienced Slip-and-Fall Attorneys in Columbia Representing South Carolina Accident Victims
Slip-and-fall accidents can happen anywhere, from a store or commercial property to a friend’s house or even a public park. If you’ve been injured in a serious slip-and-fall accident, the physical, emotional and financial consequences can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to go through it alone.
At Smith, Born, Leventis, Taylor & Vega, we believe that you have the right to a safe environment, and you should be compensated after an accident caused by someone else’s negligence.
Our goal is to ensure that you receive the maximum compensation possible after a slip-and-fall accident.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about how we can help you and your family get the justice and compensation you deserve.
Our team has helped countless slip-and-fall accident victims, and we’re ready to fight for you too.
Common causes of slip-and-fall accidents
Below are some of the most common causes of slip-and-fall accidents that we see at our law firm.
Hazardous surfaces
Slip-and-fall accidents can occur when you walk on surfaces that are wet, uneven or covered in debris. The property owner or manager may have failed to address the hazard or provide adequate warning signs. Additionally, they may have failed to regularly inspect and maintain the surfaces in question, making them unsafe for visitors or employees.
Spilled substances and leaks
Spilled or leaked substances such as oil, grease or cleaning solutions can create slippery surfaces, increasing the risk of slip-and-fall accidents. Property owners and managers should ensure that spills are cleaned up promptly and that warning signs are posted in the affected area until the surface is dry and safe to walk on.
Excessive displays and clutter in a store
One of the common causes of slip-and-fall accidents in stores can be related to an excessive number of displays, counters and clutter. For example, a clothing store with many displays and counters can create a hazard for shoppers if the displays are placed too close together or if there are items on the floor that can cause someone to trip.
Inadequate lighting
Poor lighting can make it difficult to see hazards, obstacles or uneven surfaces, increasing the risk of slip-and-fall accidents. Inadequate lighting can also make it difficult to navigate stairs, hallways and other potentially hazardous areas. The property owner or manager may have failed to provide adequate lighting or address any lighting issues, putting visitors or employees at risk.
Weather conditions
Slip-and-fall accidents frequently occur because of weather conditions like rain, snow and ice. Property owners or managers are responsible for ensuring that their premises are safe, even during inclement weather, so they may be held liable for slip-and-fall accidents that occur because of weather-related issues.
Building code violations
Building code violations can include issues such as staircases that are too steep, handrails that are not secure or inadequate signage. The property owner or manager may have failed to address building code violations that posed a risk of slip-and-fall accidents, putting visitors or employees at risk.
Distractions
Distractions such as cell phones, conversations or loud noises can make it difficult to focus on walking safely, increasing the risk of slip-and-fall accidents. While property owners and managers aren’t necessarily responsible for all distractions, they should take steps to minimize distractions in areas where slip-and-fall hazards are present.
Physical conditions and disabilities
Individuals with certain physical conditions or disabilities may be at a higher risk for slip-and-fall accidents. Property owners and managers should take these factors into consideration and provide additional safety measures if necessary.
Footwear
The type of footwear you’re wearing can also contribute to slip-and-fall accidents. Shoes with slippery soles or high heels can make it difficult to maintain your balance on uneven surfaces or when the floor is wet. Proper footwear can help prevent slip-and-fall accidents, especially in workplaces or environments where hazards are common.
If you’ve been injured in a slip-and-fall accident because of a manager or property owner’s negligence, it’s important to consult with a slip-and-fall accident attorney to explore your legal options and determine the best course of action for seeking compensation for your injuries.
What types of injuries are common in slip, trip and fall accidents?
- Head injuries are a common type of injury in slip-and-fall accidents, especially in cases where the victim hits their head on a hard surface, such as the ground or a wall. Head injuries can range from mild concussions to more serious traumatic brain injuries, which can have long-lasting effects on a person’s health and well-being.
- Soft tissue injuries such as sprains, strains and bruises are also common in slip-and-fall accidents. These injuries can be painful and limit a person’s mobility, making it difficult to perform everyday tasks and activities.
- Fractured or broken bones are another common type of injury in slip-and-fall accidents, especially in cases where the victim lands on a hard surface such as concrete or tile. Broken bones can be painful and require extensive medical treatment, including surgery and physical therapy.
- Spinal cord injuries can result in severe pain, paralysis and other long-term health complications. These injuries can occur when the victim lands on their back or neck or if there’s a sudden jolt to the spine.
Mobility issues make some elderly individuals more prone to slip-and fall-accidents, and their injuries can also be more severe due to their age and physical condition. Common injuries among the elderly include hip fractures, head injuries and soft tissue injuries.
I slipped and fell in a store. What legal actions can I take?
If you get injured in a slip-and-fall accident in South Carolina, take the following steps to ensure your rights are protected.
Step 1: Seek medical attention
The first step after a slip-and-fall accident is to seek medical attention. Even if you feel fine, you should still get checked out by a medical professional to make sure there are no underlying injuries. In addition, seeking medical attention immediately after an accident can help to establish a link between your injuries and the accident.
Step 2: Document the scene
After a slip-and-fall accident, it’s vital to document the scene as much as possible. Take photos of the accident location, including any hazards that may have contributed to the accident. If there were any witnesses to the accident, try to get their contact information so you or your attorney can contact them later if necessary.
Step 3: Contact a personal injury attorney
The next step is to contact an injury attorney. Look for an attorney in your area who specializes in slip-and-fall cases and who has experience representing clients in similar situations. A good slip-and-fall attorney will be able to help you navigate the legal system and get you the compensation you deserve.
Step 4: Provide information to your attorney
Once you’ve hired a slip-and-fall attorney, it’s important to provide them with as much information as possible about the accident. This includes any medical records related to your injuries, photos of the scene, and the contact information for any witnesses. Your attorney will use this information to build a strong case on your behalf.
Step 5: Your attorney will gather evidence and negotiate a settlement
Your attorney will gather further evidence and negotiate with the other party’s insurance company on your behalf to get you maximum compensation for your injuries. By letting your attorney handle the legal process, you can focus on your recovery.
How long do I have to file a slip-and-fall injury claim in South Carolina?
In South Carolina, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim for a slip-and-fall accident is typically 3 years from the date of the accident.
If you don’t file a lawsuit against the property owner or manager within this 3-year timeframe, you likely won’t be able to collect any compensation for your injuries.
It’s important to note that there are some exceptions to the 3-year statute of limitations, such as if the injured person was a minor at the time of the accident or if the defendant is a government entity. In these cases, the time limit for filing a claim may be shorter or longer than 3 years.
It’s always best to consult with a personal injury attorney as soon as possible after a slip-and-fall accident to ensure that you meet all applicable deadlines for filing a claim. Waiting too long to file a claim can result in your case being dismissed, so it’s important to act quickly to protect your rights if you want to seek compensation for your injuries.
Our South Carolina accident attorneys can provide you with guidance on the specific time limitations that apply to your case and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
South Carolina compensation for slip-and-fall accidents
In South Carolina, if you’re injured in a slip-and-fall accident due to the negligence of a property owner or manager, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. The amount of compensation you can receive will depend on several factors, including:
- The severity of your injuries,
- The amount of your current and future medical expenses, and
- The impact that your injuries have on your daily life and ability to work.
In general, compensation for slip-and-fall accidents in South Carolina may include the following:
- Medical expenses. Compensation for medical expenses can cover the costs of hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy and other medical treatment related to your injuries.
- Lost wages. If you’re unable to work due to your slip-and-fall injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages. This can include wages you would’ve earned if you had not been injured, as well as any future lost earnings.
- Pain and suffering. Compensation for pain and suffering may be available for the physical and emotional pain you’ve experienced as a result of your slip-and-fall injuries. Pain and suffering can include physical pain, emotional distress and mental anguish.
- Property damage. If your personal property, such as a cellphone or laptop, was damaged in the slip-and-fall accident, you may be entitled to compensation for the cost of repairing or replacing the damaged property.
- Punitive Damages. In some cases, you may be entitled to punitive damages in addition to other compensation. Punitive damages are awarded to punish the defendant for their negligent behavior and to deter similar behavior in the future.
It’s important to note that South Carolina follows the principle of comparative negligence, which means that the amount of compensation you receive may be reduced according to your percentage of fault if you’re found to be partially to blame for your slip-and-fall accident.
A personal injury attorney can help you understand your legal options and determine the best course of action for seeking compensation for your injuries.
What happens when a slip-and-fall injury results in death?
When a slip-and-fall injury leads to someone’s death, the family of the deceased person may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the property owner or manager if the accident was caused by their negligence or failure to maintain a safe environment.
Wrongful death lawsuits allow the family of the deceased to seek compensation for damages.
In South Carolina, damages that may be recoverable include:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of financial support and services
- Loss of companionship and guidance
- Pain and suffering of the deceased before their death
To file a wrongful death lawsuit in South Carolina, the family of the deceased person must typically demonstrate the following:
- The property owner or manager had a duty to maintain a safe environment;
- The property owner or manager breached that duty; and
- Their breach of duty caused the slip-and-fall accident that led to the person’s death.
Why should I hire Smith, Born, Leventis, Taylor & Vega personal injury attorneys in Columbia, South Carolina?
If you’ve been injured in a slip-and-fall accident anywhere in South Carolina, hiring an experienced accident attorney is a crucial first step in protecting your legal rights and seeking the compensation you deserve.
At Smith, Born, Leventis, Taylor & Vega, our attorneys have the knowledge and resources necessary to handle even the most complex personal injury claims.
We have extensive expertise in slip-and-fall cases
Our slip-and-fall attorneys have the knowledge and experience necessary to navigate the legal system and build a strong case on your behalf. We understand the relevant laws and regulations, and we know how to gather evidence and present it effectively in court.
We can help you get maximum compensation
Our attorneys can help you maximize the compensation you receive for your injuries by evaluating the full extent of your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other factors, and work to negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf.
We can handle the negotiations with the insurance companies
Insurance companies are often involved in slip-and-fall accident cases and may try to offer you a low settlement or deny your claim altogether by placing the blame for the accident partially or fully on you. We can handle communications with insurance companies on your behalf and will work to protect your legal rights.
We can help you with the legal process
Going through a slip-and-fall accident case can be stressful and overwhelming, especially when you’re dealing with injuries and ongoing medical treatment. We can provide you with legal representation and support throughout the process, giving you peace of mind and allowing you to focus on your recovery.
We don’t charge a fee unless YOU win your case
Many slip-and-fall accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, and we are no exception. We only get paid if you win your case, making it a cost-effective option for people who are worried about the expense of hiring an attorney.
Get a free consultation with our Columbia accident attorneys
Slip-and-fall accidents can cause physical and emotional trauma that remains long after your initial injuries have healed. In some cases, you may even be dealing with a severe injury or disability that requires life-long medical care and treatment, but you don’t have to face these challenges alone.
At Smith, Born, Leventis, Taylor & Vega, our team will handle every aspect of your case, so you can focus on your recovery and getting back to your life.
Contact us today to schedule your first free consultation and learn more about how we can help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.
