Slip and Fall Lawyer Greenville

Slip and Fall - Person tripping over a cord

A slip and fall may seem minor at first, but these accidents can lead to serious injuries that disrupt every aspect of your life. If hazardous conditions on someone else’s property caused your fall, you may be entitled to compensation. At Mann, Blake & Jackson, we’re here to help injured clients in Greenville pursue justice. An experienced slip and fall lawyer from our firm can help you hold the negligent party responsible and recover the damages you deserve. Contact us today at 864-777-4262 for a free consultation and learn how we can help you move forward.

Understanding the Slip and Fall Lawsuit Process in South Carolina

A slip and fall accident can happen quickly, but the effects often last much longer. Pain, lost income, medical bills, and the disruption of daily life can take a toll. If you’re thinking about filing a lawsuit after falling on someone else’s property, it helps to know what the process looks like before you get started.

Lawsuits can be stressful, especially if you’ve never been through one. But with the right information and legal support, the steps become more manageable.

Initial Steps After the Fall

Before a lawsuit is filed, there are steps you should take immediately after the incident. These early actions are often just as important as what happens in the courtroom.

Start by seeking medical attention, even if you don’t feel seriously injured. Some symptoms show up later, and a prompt medical evaluation will create a record that links your injuries to the fall. Make sure to follow through with all recommended treatment and keep copies of your medical records.

If possible, document the scene. Take photos of the hazard that caused your fall—whether it’s a wet floor, uneven sidewalk, or poor lighting. Write down the names of any witnesses, and file an incident report with the property owner or manager if one is available.

Talk to a Personal Injury Lawyer

Once your immediate needs are addressed, speak with a lawyer who handles slip and fall cases. Many offer free consultations and can help you understand whether you have a valid claim.

To have a strong case under South Carolina law, you will need to prove that:

There was a dangerous condition on the property
The property owner knew or should have known about the hazard
The owner failed to fix it or warn you
You were injured as a direct result

Your attorney will review the evidence, discuss your injuries, and explain what legal options are available. If you decide to move forward, they will begin building your case.

Investigation and Evidence Gathering

The investigation phase is critical. Your lawyer will work to gather all available evidence before it disappears. This may include:

Surveillance footage (which can be deleted quickly if not requested)
Maintenance logs or inspection records
Witness statements
Photos and videos of the scene
Your medical records
Expert opinions on safety codes or injury causes

This part of the process can take time, especially if the property owner is uncooperative. Still, a thorough investigation gives your case a stronger foundation and can make a big difference in negotiations or trial.

Filing the Lawsuit

If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, your lawyer will file a formal lawsuit. This document, called a complaint, outlines your legal claims and the damages you’re seeking.

In South Carolina, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is generally three years from the date of the accident. If you miss this deadline, you likely lose your right to sue—so it’s important not to delay.

Once the complaint is filed, the defendant (usually the property owner or their insurance company) is served with the paperwork and given a chance to respond. Their response is called an answer and typically denies liability.

The Discovery Phase

After the lawsuit is filed, both sides begin a process called discovery. This is where each party exchanges evidence, answers written questions, and gives sworn statements known as depositions.

During discovery, your lawyer may:

Submit written questions to the defendant
Request specific documents or records
Take depositions of the property owner, employees, or witnesses
Work with medical experts to explain your injuries

The other side will do the same. You may be asked to give a deposition or provide access to your medical history. Your lawyer will prepare you so you feel confident and know what to expect.

Discovery helps clarify the facts of the case and often leads to a better understanding of each side’s position. Many slip and fall claims are settled during or after this stage.

Negotiation and Settlement Talks

Throughout the process, there may be opportunities to settle the case without going to trial. Your attorney will negotiate on your behalf and present any settlement offers to you for review.

In South Carolina, most personal injury claims settle out of court. A settlement means the property owner or their insurer agrees to pay you a certain amount, and in return, you agree not to pursue further legal action.

You are not required to accept any offer. Your attorney will help you evaluate whether a proposed settlement is fair based on your medical costs, lost wages, future care needs, and pain and suffering. If a reasonable agreement can’t be reached, the case will move toward trial.

What Happens at Trial

If your case goes to trial, it will be presented before a judge or jury. Trials can last from a single day to several weeks depending on the complexity of the case.

Your lawyer will present evidence, question witnesses, and argue your side. The defense will do the same. At the end, the judge or jury will decide:

Whether the property owner was at fault
How much compensation you should receive

Trials are less predictable than settlements, but they may be necessary if the other side refuses to take responsibility. A strong legal team can help you prepare and represent your interests effectively in court.

Damages You May Be Entitled To

If your claim is successful, you may be awarded compensation for a range of losses, including:

Medical bills
Future medical care or rehabilitation
Lost income
Loss of earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Permanent disability or disfigurement

In rare cases involving gross negligence, punitive damages may also be awarded to punish the defendant.

The total amount depends on the specifics of your case, including how badly you were hurt, how much you lost financially, and how clear the liability is.

Timeline and Expectations

Every slip and fall case is different. Some settle within a few months, while others may take a year or more to resolve. Factors that affect the timeline include:

How soon you hire an attorney
The amount of available evidence
Whether liability is disputed
The complexity of your injuries
The willingness of the other side to negotiate

Your lawyer will keep you updated throughout the process and guide you through every step.

Filing a lawsuit after a slip and fall accident may feel overwhelming, especially when you’re still recovering. But knowing what to expect can take away some of the uncertainty. From the first investigation to settlement or trial, each step has a clear purpose and legal strategy behind it.

Let a Slip and Fall Attorney Help You Reclaim Control

Property owners have a legal responsibility to maintain safe conditions, and when they fail to do so, you shouldn’t have to bear the consequences. An experienced slip and fall attorney at Mann, Blake & Jackson can help you hold negligent parties accountable and fight for the compensation you need to recover. From medical expenses to missed work and long-term pain, we understand the ripple effects of a serious fall. If you were injured on someone else’s property in Greenville, now is the time to act. Call us at 864-777-4262 to schedule a free consultation and discuss your legal options.