Premises Liability Lawyer Anderson

If you’ve been injured due to unsafe conditions on someone else’s property in Anderson, you may have a premises liability claim. Property owners have a responsibility to maintain safe environments for visitors, and when they fail in this duty, they should be held accountable for any harm caused. At Mann, Blake & Jackson, our skilled premises liability lawyer is here to guide you through the legal process and help secure the compensation you deserve. Contact us today at 864-777-4262 for a free consultation to discuss your case and explore your options for justice.

Why Property Owners Are Liable for Accidents That Happen on Their Property

Property owners in South Carolina have a legal duty to ensure that their premises are safe for visitors. This responsibility extends to both private property and commercial establishments. If an accident occurs on someone’s property due to unsafe conditions, the property owner may be held legally responsible. Understanding why property owners are liable for accidents on their property is important, particularly if you have been injured as a result of hazardous conditions.

The Legal Duty of Property Owners

Under premises liability law, property owners have a legal obligation to maintain safe conditions on their property. This means that they must address any hazards that could potentially harm visitors. This responsibility includes maintaining walkways, addressing uneven flooring, ensuring proper lighting, and repairing any defective or dangerous features of the property.

The extent of a property owner’s duty depends on the type of visitor involved in the accident. Generally, visitors fall into three categories: invitees, licensees, and trespassers. The legal obligations of the property owner vary based on the classification of the person injured:

Invitees: These are individuals who are invited onto the property for a business purpose, such as customers in a store, clients in a business office, or guests at a public event. Property owners have the highest duty of care toward invitees. They must not only fix any known dangers but also take proactive steps to identify and remedy potential hazards before an invitee is harmed.
Licensees: These are individuals who are on the property with the owner’s consent but not for a business purpose, such as social guests. Property owners are responsible for warning licensees about known hazards but do not have the same obligation to actively fix unsafe conditions unless the hazard is known and severe.
Trespassers: These are individuals who enter the property without the owner’s consent. Property owners owe trespassers a very limited duty of care. They cannot intentionally harm trespassers but generally are not responsible for keeping the property safe for them unless the trespasser is a child, in which case there may be special rules governing liability.

If an accident occurs due to dangerous conditions, property owners can be held responsible for failing to meet their obligations to any visitors, especially invitees.

Common Causes of Accidents on Properties

Various accidents can occur on a property due to unsafe conditions. These can lead to injuries, and if caused by negligence, the property owner may be liable. Some of the most common causes of accidents include:

Slips and falls: One of the most common types of accidents is a slip and fall, which can happen due to wet floors, ice, uneven surfaces, or cluttered walkways. If a property owner is aware of these hazards and doesn’t fix them or provide adequate warning, they can be held liable for any resulting injuries.
Poor lighting: Insufficient lighting can create hazards, particularly in stairways, hallways, parking lots, and other high-traffic areas. Poorly lit spaces increase the risk of accidents and injuries, and property owners have a responsibility to ensure that areas are properly illuminated to keep visitors safe.
Falling objects: Items that are not properly secured or maintained can fall and injure people. This can happen in places like warehouses, stores, or even residential properties. Property owners should regularly inspect and secure any items that could potentially fall and cause harm.
Negligent maintenance: Failure to repair broken stairs, uneven flooring, or damaged railings can create dangerous situations for visitors. When property owners neglect to perform necessary maintenance, they may be held liable for accidents caused by these hazards.
Inadequate security: In some cases, property owners may be held responsible if their premises are not properly secured, leading to accidents or injuries due to criminal activity. If a property owner fails to provide adequate security, they may be liable for injuries that occur as a result of criminal activity on the premises, such as assaults or robberies.

Factors That Determine Liability in Premises Liability Cases

Not every accident on someone’s property will result in liability. To prove that a property owner is legally responsible for an injury, several factors need to be established:

The property owner’s knowledge of the hazard: A property owner can only be held liable for unsafe conditions if they knew or should have known about the hazard. If the dangerous condition was something that existed for a long time or was obvious, the owner is expected to fix it or warn visitors. If the owner was unaware of the issue but could have discovered it through regular inspections, they may still be held accountable.
The property owner’s failure to act: If a hazard was present and the property owner failed to take reasonable steps to correct it, the property owner may be held responsible. This could include failing to repair broken steps, clean up spills, or provide adequate signage to warn visitors of potential risks.
The visitor’s behavior: In some cases, the visitor’s actions may affect the outcome of the case. For example, if the injured person was engaging in risky behavior or was not paying attention to their surroundings, this might reduce the property owner’s liability. However, even if the visitor was partly at fault, they may still recover some compensation.
Severity of the injury: The extent of the injury is also an important consideration. Serious injuries resulting from a property owner’s negligence are more likely to result in higher compensation. However, even less severe injuries can be grounds for compensation if the accident was caused by hazardous conditions on the property.

Proving Negligence and Seeking Compensation

To hold a property owner legally responsible for an accident on their premises, you will need to demonstrate that they were negligent in maintaining their property. This typically requires gathering evidence, such as:

Photographs of the scene of the accident
Statements from witnesses who saw the incident occur
Medical records to show the extent of the injuries
Expert testimony, if necessary, regarding the dangerous condition

Once negligence is proven, you may be able to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. It’s important to have legal representation when pursuing a claim against a property owner, as they may have insurance or legal teams working to defend them.

Property owners in South Carolina have a legal duty to keep their premises safe for visitors. When they fail to uphold this responsibility, they can be held accountable for accidents that happen as a result. Whether it’s a slip and fall, a poorly lit area, or a lack of security, the law holds property owners responsible for hazardous conditions that lead to injuries. If you have been injured on someone’s property due to their negligence, it’s essential to speak with a skilled personal injury lawyer. They can help you navigate the legal process, gather evidence, and seek compensation for the harm you’ve suffered.

Consult with a Dedicated Premises Liability Attorney

If you’ve been injured due to unsafe conditions on someone else’s property in Anderson, you deserve to understand your rights and explore your legal options. At Mann, Blake & Jackson, our experienced premises liability attorneys are committed to helping you secure the compensation you need to recover. We offer a free consultation to discuss the specifics of your case. Call 864-777-4262 today to schedule your appointment and take the first step toward justice. Let us help you get the results you deserve.