Going shopping or simply taking a leisurely stroll should never be a danger to your health and well-being. If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident in Charleston, South Carolina, the Charleston slip and fall attorney at Monge & Associates can help to ensure that you obtain the compensation you rightly deserve for your injuries, losses, and pain and suffering.
Our unwavering dedication to achieving the best results possible in each case has allowed us to recover millions of dollars in compensation for our past clients. Our Charleston slip and fall lawyers are prepared to go above and beyond to assist you in your fight for the fair compensation you rightfully deserve, be it due to a slip and fall accident, car accident, workplace injury, dog attack, or any other accident.
Charleston Slip And Fall Accident Resources
To immediately access the resources at any point on this page, click the corresponding links below.
Common Causes of Slip & Fall Accidents
Slip and Fall Accidents Can Lead to Serious Injuries
The Importance of Legal Representation
What Compensation May Be Available?
Different Types of Property Visitors
Winning a Slip and Fall Lawsuit
Time Limitations to File a Claim in South Carolina
Call a Lawyer Today
What Are Common Causes of Slip & Fall Accidents?
A slip and fall accident can happen anywhere, in supermarkets, shopping centers, restaurants, and even on private property. If you were injured in a slip and fall accident in Charleston, understanding the various factors that can cause or contribute to a slip and fall accident can empower you with the knowledge you need to assert your rights and take appropriate legal action.
A multitude of factors can lead to a slip and fall accident, some of which include:
- Torn Rugs and Carpeting: A loose, torn, or frayed carpet or rug can snag someone’s foot and cause them to fall.
- Cluttered Aisles and Walkways: Store aisles cluttered with merchandise and objects left in walkways can pose a significant risk to shoppers.
- Lack of Lighting: Insufficient lighting in parking lots, stairwells, and walkways can make it difficult for a person to see dangers ahead of them, increasing the possibility of an accident occurring.
- Poor Management: Negligent property management can result in unrepaired flooring, broken stairs, and missing handrails, all of which pose substantial risks to those visiting the premises.
- Snow and Ice: During the colder months, the accumulation of snow and ice on walkways can render them slippery and dangerous.
- Spills: Spilled liquids, oils, and other substances that are negligently left unattended on floors without the proper warning or prompt cleanup can set the stage for a slip and fall accident.
- Wet Flooring: Freshly mopped floors without proper warning signs or non-slip mats in place can create dangerous conditions for unsuspecting individuals.
Slip and Fall Accidents Can Lead to Serious Injuries
Experiencing a slip and fall incident can be more than just a momentary mishap; it often leads to significant physical harm. The dynamics of a fall, whether it’s a forward tumble, a backward slip, or a sideways trip, can result in a variety of injuries. These are not limited to the immediate impact of the fall but may also include injuries sustained in an attempt to brace yourself or avoid the fall.
Some of the typical injuries from these accidents are:
- Muscle or tendon tears
- Ankle sprains
- Soft tissue injuries like bruises
- Fractures in the wrists or elbows
- Hip fractures, particularly in the elderly
- Head injuries, including concussions
- Spinal injuries affecting the back and neck
The Importance of Legal Representation In a Slip And Fall Case
In the aftermath of a slip and fall accident, enlisting the aid of a skilled Charleston personal injury attorney is essential. Here is why working with an Charleston, SC slip and fall lawyer is in your best interest:
- A attorney can get you more money in less time: The complexities involved in slip and fall accident cases require a thorough investigation, the gathering of evidence, and meticulous analysis. An attorney knows what it takes to build a strong case and negotiate with the liable insurance companies to ensure you receive the maximum compensation possible in the shortest time.
- Go it alone, and you risk having your case dismissed over a technicality: The legal procedures and statute of limitations that apply to a slip and fall accident case can be complex. Without sufficient legal knowledge and experience, it is easy to inadvertently make mistakes that will jeopardize the success of your case. A lawyer will guide you through the legal landscape and ensure you meet the necessary legal requirements.
- An attorney can negotiate on your behalf: Big corporations and insurance companies employ teams of lawyers and insurance adjusters whose jobs are to find ways to minimize their financial liabilities and pay out as little as possible. By retaining the services of a Charleston slip and fall attorney, you effectively level the playing field. Our attorneys will negotiate aggressively on your behalf, protect your rights, and pursue the compensation you need and deserve.
What Compensation May Be Available After a Slip And Fall?
The right Charleston slip and fall lawyer can help you obtain compensation for the following damages and more:
- Medical Expenses: Slip and fall accidents often result in serious injuries that require extensive medical attention, including doctor’s visits, hospital stays, surgical procedures, prescription medications, and rehabilitation.
- Lost Wages: If your slip and fall accident causes you to miss work or renders you temporarily or permanently disabled, you may be entitled to compensation for past and future lost wages and income.
- Pain and Suffering: A slip and fall accident can cause tremendous physical pain and emotional distress and profoundly affect your overall quality of life. A seasoned attorney can thoroughly evaluate the full extent of your pain and suffering and secure appropriate compensation. In some cases, a slip and fall may even cause fatal injuries to a loved one. In such a case, a Charleston wrongful death lawyer with our firm will fight for justice on behalf of your family.
- Property Damage: In slip and fall cases where personal belongings, such as clothing, jewelry, or electronic devices, are damaged or irreparably destroyed, you may be entitled to compensation for the cost of repairing or replacing those items.
Different Types of Property Visitors under South Carolina Law
In South Carolina, property owners’ legal obligations toward individuals on their premises are defined by the visitor’s classification. The visitor’s status at the time of the accident is integral in determining the extent of the owner’s liability in slip and fall cases.
The categories and corresponding duties of the property owner are as follows:
- Invitees: These visitors are on the property for business or commercial reasons, such as shoppers in a retail store. Property owners owe invitees the highest duty of care. This includes regularly inspecting the premises for potential hazards, conducting necessary repairs, and providing clear warnings of any dangers.
- Licensees: These are guests who visit for non-commercial reasons, like friends attending a barbecue. Property owners must ensure the safety of licensees by fixing known dangers and warning them about any risks that the visitors are unlikely to discover on their own.
- Trespassers: These are individuals who enter the property without permission or legal rights. The property owner’s duty toward trespassers is much more limited. Generally, owners are only required to refrain from willful or wanton conduct that could intentionally harm the trespasser.
What Do You Need to Prove to Win a Slip and Fall Lawsuit?
To secure a settlement in a slip and fall lawsuit, you need to show that the property owner was negligent. To accomplish this, you will need to establish a series of important elements:
- Duty of Care: You must show that the property owner owed a legal duty of care to you as a visitor. For instance, if you are an invitee, such as a customer in a store, the owner’s duty includes maintaining the property in a safe condition and regularly inspecting for potential hazards.
- Breach of Duty: Proving a breach of duty involves demonstrating that the property owner failed to fulfill their obligations. For example, if you are injured as a licensee or social guest, you must show that the owner knew about a hazard but did not fix it or failed to warn you about it.
- Causation: Establishing causation requires linking the owner’s breach of duty directly to your accident. This means proving that the hazard on the property was the direct cause of your slip and fall incident.
How Long Do You Have to File a Claim in South Carolina?
The legal window for filing a slip and fall claim in South Carolina is governed by the statute of limitations. Generally, this period is three years from the date of the accident. While exceptions to this rule are rare, they do exist under specific circumstances. Delayed filing will likely result in the court dismissing your claim, so it is important to contact an attorney as soon as possible.
Contact Our Charleston Slip And Fall Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a slip and fall accident in Charleston, South Carolina, it is crucial that you seek the assistance of an attorney as soon as possible. Contact Monge & Associates at 888-477-0597 for a free consultation with our Charleston slip and fall attorneys. We are committed to safeguarding the rights of accident victims in South Carolina, fighting for their recovery, and ensuring they receive maximum compensation for their losses.
Remember, with our Big Settlement Guarantee, should you fail to receive a settlement offer higher than what you received before you hired us, you will owe us no fees and will be free to take your case files and seek new legal representation. Allow us to be your trusted advocates during this difficult time, so you can focus on recovering from your injuries while we handle the legal complexities of your case.