Premises Liability Lawyer South Carolina

If you’ve been injured due to unsafe conditions on someone else’s property in South Carolina, you may have a valid premises liability claim. At Mann, Blake & Jackson, our experienced premises liability lawyers are here to help you seek compensation for injuries caused by hazardous conditions such as slippery floors, poor lighting, or unsafe structures. We are dedicated to holding property owners accountable for their negligence. Contact us today at 864-777-4262 for a free consultation and learn how we can assist you in pursuing the compensation you deserve.

Steps to Take After an Injury on Someone Else’s Property in South Carolina

Premises liability accidents can happen anywhere—a slip in a grocery store, a fall on an uneven sidewalk, or an injury caused by unsafe conditions in a rental property. In South Carolina, property owners are responsible for maintaining safe environments. If they fail to do so, and you get hurt as a result, you may have a premises liability claim. Knowing the steps to take after an accident is critical for protecting your rights and securing fair compensation.

Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Your health should always be your first priority. Even if your injuries seem minor, it’s important to get checked out by a medical professional. Some injuries, like concussions or internal damage, may not show symptoms right away. Prompt medical attention also establishes a record of your injuries, which can be valuable if you decide to pursue a claim later.

When you visit the doctor, be honest about your symptoms and how the accident happened. Follow all prescribed treatments and keep copies of your medical records, bills, and any related documentation. These will be important when calculating damages in your case.

Report the Accident

Let the property owner, manager, or tenant know about the accident as soon as possible. Reporting the incident creates a record of what happened and gives the property owner an opportunity to address the hazardous condition. If the accident occurred in a business, ask to speak to a manager and request that they document the incident in an accident report.

Make sure to request a copy of any report they create. If the property owner does not write a report, keep detailed notes about who you spoke to, when the conversation occurred, and what was discussed.

Document the Scene

Evidence is a key component of any premises liability claim. If you are able, take steps to document the accident scene right away. Use your phone to capture photographs or videos of the hazardous condition that caused your injury. This could include broken stairs, wet floors without warning signs, or poorly lit areas.

Also, photograph your injuries to show their immediate impact. If there were witnesses, ask for their names and contact information. Statements from people who saw the accident or the unsafe condition can strengthen your claim.

Preserve Evidence

In addition to documenting the scene, save any physical evidence related to the accident. This might include the shoes you were wearing, torn or damaged clothing, or objects involved in the incident. For example, if a faulty handrail caused your fall, it could be useful to photograph the defect and any damage it caused.

Avoid repairing or discarding items until your case is resolved. Your attorney may need to use these items to demonstrate how the accident occurred or to counter claims by the property owner.

Avoid Speaking to Insurance Adjusters

After reporting the accident, you may be contacted by the property owner’s insurance company. It’s important to remember that their goal is to minimize payouts. Anything you say to an adjuster could be used to downplay your injuries or shift blame onto you.

Instead of providing a statement, let the adjuster know that you are seeking legal counsel. An experienced attorney can handle communications with the insurance company on your behalf, ensuring that your rights are protected.

Understand South Carolina Premises Liability Laws

In South Carolina, property owners owe a duty of care to individuals who lawfully enter their property. The level of responsibility varies based on the status of the visitor:

• Invitees: These are people invited onto the property for business purposes, such as customers in a store. Property owners must inspect for hazards and address them promptly.
• Licensees: These are social guests or individuals allowed on the property for non-business purposes. Owners must warn them of known dangers.
• Trespassers: Property owners generally owe little duty to trespassers, though they cannot intentionally harm them.

Understanding your legal status helps clarify whether the property owner may be held liable for your injuries. Your attorney can explain how these laws apply to your case.

Consult an Experienced Attorney

Premises liability claims can be complex. The property owner may deny responsibility, or the insurance company may offer a low settlement that doesn’t cover your expenses. Hiring a skilled attorney ensures that your case is handled properly.

An attorney will investigate the accident, gather evidence, and negotiate with the insurance company. If necessary, they can take your case to court to seek the compensation you deserve. South Carolina law allows victims to recover damages for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses related to the accident.

Be Aware of Deadlines

South Carolina has a statute of limitations for personal injury claims. You generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to seek compensation.

However, some factors can affect the timeline. For example, if the property is owned by a government entity, you may face shorter deadlines and additional procedural requirements. Consulting an attorney early ensures that you meet all necessary deadlines and preserve your claim.

Focus on Your Recovery

While the legal process unfolds, prioritize your health and well-being. Attend all medical appointments, follow your treatment plan, and avoid activities that could worsen your injuries. If the accident has impacted your mental health, consider seeking support from a therapist or counselor.

Your recovery should be at the center of your efforts. A skilled attorney can handle the legal complexities, allowing you to focus on healing and moving forward.

Experienced Premises Liability Attorney Ready to Protect Your Rights

If you’ve been injured due to unsafe conditions on someone else’s property in South Carolina, you deserve compensation for your suffering. At Mann, Blake & Jackson, our premises liability attorneys are committed to helping you hold property owners accountable for their negligence. We will work diligently to ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve. Call us today at 864-777-4262 for a free consultation, and let us help you take the next step toward securing the justice you deserve.