Slip and Fall Accident

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Our Slip and Fall Lawyers Explain South Carolina Premises Liability Laws

You’ve likely seen these type of accidents as the punchline of a joke or sitcom. However, slip and fall accidents are no laughing matter. They can cause serious injury and long-term disability. In fact, according to the National Floor Safety Institute, slip and falls or (also called trip and falls) account for more than one million hospital emergency room visits every single year. While some of these injuries are relatively minor and won’t result in lasting damage, 20-30% of all slip and fall accidents will result in moderate to severe injuries. In these cases, you often need slip and fall lawyers on your side to prove negligence.

Unfortunately, slip and fall injury claims are some of the most difficult personal injury cases in South Carolina. This is because the burden of proof lies with the accident victim. In order to win your case, your South Carolina slip and fall accident lawyer must clearly establish beyond a reasonable doubt that:

  • The property owner knew of the safety hazard or should have anticipated the hazard
  • The owner of the property’s negligence caused the hazard
  • The property owner ignored the safety hazard or failed to fix the hazard in a reasonable amount of time
  • You sustained injuries as a result of the property owner’s negligence
Photo of a Slip and Fall Accident Injury in Rock Hill

Immediately After a Slip and Fall Accident

When you’ve fallen on another person’s property, in a department store, or in a business, you may initially feel embarrassed. During this time, injured accident victims often downplay their own injuries. They may simply wish to leave the store to return home, believing they are relatively injured. As such, an incident report is never filed and your injuries and accident are never documented. When this occurs, seeking compensation from the store, property owner, or business can become increasingly more difficult. After all, without evidence or an incident report, it may be just your word versus theirs. As such, it is important to take the following steps after a slip and fall accident to protect your right to file a claim:

  • Remain Calm
  • Call a Manager
  • Fill Out an Incident Report
  • Seek Medical Help
  • Document Evidence
    • Take Pictures of Hazard
    • Motorcyclists hit while parked on the shoulder
    • Gather Eyewitness Contact Info
    • Write Your Own Account
    • Get Incident Report Copy
  • Call an Attorney

What If I Am Partly To Blame?

Property owners and insurance companies will attempt to reduce their own liabilities by arguing that you are partly to blame for the accident. This is a common tactic used even if there is little evidence to support their claims. If you are partly to blame for the slip and fall accident, South Carolina’s comparative negligence rule means that you will still be able to seek compensation for your injuries. However, it is important to know that your compensation will be reduced by the amount of fault you bear.

For example: Jon was found to be 10% responsible for his slip and fall accident because he was on his phone at the time of the fall. He was awarded $10,000 for his injuries, however because he was found to be partly to blame for the accident, he only received $9,000 in damages.

As you can see, having an experienced and skilled South Carolina slip and fall accident lawyer on your side can be invaluable. Without a lawyer you may be assigned more fault for the accident than you should be and you may be prevented from receiving the money you need to fully recover.

Common Slip and Fall Accident Injuries

Slip and fall accidents can lead to catastrophic injuries. Common injuries in a slip and fall accident include:

  • Brain injuries. Blunt force trauma from a slip and fall accident may lead to a traumatic brain injury, including a concussion.
  • Brachial plexus injuries. Some fall victims may suffer brachial plexus injuries while trying to catch themselves during a fall. This type of injury involves damaging nerves that control arm and hand movement.
  • Broken bones. Blunt force trauma from a fall can cause broken bones, including fractures.
  • Spinal cord injuries. Some slip and fall victims may suffer spinal cord injuries and resulting paralysis.
  • Internal bleeding. Blunt force trauma from a fall can also injure the internal organs. Internal bleeding may be possible after a slip and fall accident.

Never wait to seek medical attention after a slip and fall accident. Some types of injuries, such as those caused by internal bleeding, may be fatal if left untreated.

Compensation for Slip and Fall Injuries

If you can demonstrate the other party’s negligence, then you may be eligible to recover compensation for your damages. Compensation from a settlement or verdict may cover damages that include:

  • Medical bills
  • Rehabilitation expenses
  • Funeral expenses
  • Home modifications
  • Lost income (including future earnings)
  • Pain and suffering

Some types of slip and fall injuries can lead to millions of dollars in medical bills, lost income and other expenses. It is crucial to speak with a personal injury attorney following a serious slip and fall injury.

Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents

Slip and fall accidents can occur in many types of settings, including in a home, business or on public property. Common causes of slip and fall accidents include:

  • Poor lighting. Some slip and fall accidents occur in hallways or stairwells with inadequate lighting.
  • Construction. Walking through an area with construction may increase the risk of a slip and fall accident. Uneven surfaces, tools or slippery surfaces may pose a hazard. In some cases, individuals or businesses may fail to properly mark a construction zone.
  • Slippery surfaces. Wet or cold weather can significantly increase the risk of a slip and fall accident.
  • Uneven surfaces. Some businesses or homes may have uneven surfaces that increase the risk of a slip and fall accident. Damaged rugs or flooring may also cause a slip and fall injury.

Contact Our Rock Hill, South Carolina Slip and Fall Accident Lawyers Today

If you or someone you love has been injured in a slip and fall accident in Rock Hill, Fort Mill, Lancaster, or anywhere in the state of South Carolina, we can help. At the Law Offices of F. Craig Wilkerson, our Rock Hill slip and fall accident attorneys know how to investigate all aspects of a slip and fall accident to determine if a landlord or property owner is to blame.

Call us today at (803) 324-7200 (Rock Hill), (803) 289-7202 (Lancaster), (803) 396-5200 (Fort Mill), or fill out our confidential contact form. With offices conveniently located in Rock Hill, Fort Mill, and Lancaster, we are here when you need us. Call us today for a free consultation.