Slip and Fall Lawyer Columbia, SC

Table of Contents

• How We Can Help You
• Proving Negligence After A Slip And Fall
• Conditions That Can Lead To Slip And Fall Accidents
• Infographic
• Slip And Fall Statistics
• FAQs
• Woron and Dhillon, Columbia Slip and Fall Lawyer
• Contact Our Firm Today

How We Can Help You

• Knowledge and Experience: With a deep understanding of the laws and regulations related to slip and fall accidents, our attorneys can guide victims through every step of the legal process.
• Investigative Resources: Our team can thoroughly investigate the circumstances of your accident, gather evidence, interview witnesses, and work with experts to strengthen your claim.
• Negotiation Skills: Often, it’s possible to resolve a claim through negotiation without going to court. Our firm’s seasoned attorneys can negotiate with insurance companies and responsible parties to seek the best possible compensation.
• Trial Ready: If a fair settlement isn’t possible, we are prepared to take your case to court and fight zealously for your rights.

Accidents can be life-altering, but you don’t have to navigate the aftermath alone. With the support of Woron & Dhillon, LLC, you can focus on recovery while they work diligently to secure the justice and compensation you deserve.

Seeking Compensation

Slip and fall accidents can result in injuries ranging from minor to severe, and victims may be entitled to compensation for various damages. Here’s a breakdown of the potential compensatory categories in slip and fall cases:

• Medical Expenses: This includes compensation for medical bills that are a direct result of the slip and fall accident. It can cover past, present, and future medical treatments, surgeries, physical therapy, prescription medications, and any other medical-related costs.
• Lost Wages: If the victim is unable to work due to the injuries from the accident, they may be compensated for lost income. This also includes potential future earnings if the person is permanently disabled or cannot return to their previous job role.
• Pain and Suffering: This compensation is for the physical pain and emotional distress the victim has experienced due to the accident. It can also account for any future pain and suffering that might result from long-term or permanent injuries.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If the injuries prevent the victim from enjoying daily activities, hobbies, or other forms of entertainment they used to participate in, they may be entitled to compensation.
• Loss of Consortium: This pertains to the damages suffered by a spouse or family member due to the victim’s injuries, especially if the injuries affect the relationship or the ability to maintain a marital relationship.
• Rehabilitation Costs: In some cases, victims need long-term physical or occupational therapy to regain function or learn to adapt to their injuries. The costs associated with this rehabilitation can be claimed.
• Permanent Disability or Disfigurement: If the slip and fall accident results in permanent disability or scars, the victim might be compensated for the long-term impact of such conditions.
• Out-of-Pocket Expenses: These are expenses directly related to the injury but might not fit into other categories. It could include costs like transportation to medical appointments, over-the-counter medications, assistive devices, or modifications made to a home due to the injury.
• Wrongful Death: In tragic cases where a slip and fall accident leads to the death of a victim, the surviving family members might be entitled to compensation. This can cover funeral costs, loss of financial support, and emotional suffering.
• Punitive Damages: These are less common and are awarded not as a compensation for the victim’s losses but as a punishment for the defendant, especially if their negligence was particularly egregious or malicious.

Proving Negligence After A Slip And Fall

Proving negligence in a slip and fall accident is crucial for a successful personal injury claim. Generally, the victim (plaintiff) must demonstrate that the property owner or manager (defendant) failed to maintain the premises in a safe condition, leading to the accident. Here are the elements needed to establish negligence: 

• Duty of Care: Begin by establishing that the defendant owed a duty of care to the plaintiff. For instance, business owners have a responsibility to ensure that their premises are safe for customers.
• Breach of Duty: Demonstrate that the defendant breached this duty. This means proving that they either caused the hazardous condition or, having been aware of its existence, failed to address it in a timely and adequate manner.
• Cause in Fact: Establish that the defendant’s breach of duty directly resulted in the accident. Simply put, had it not been for the defendant’s negligence, the accident would not have occurred.
• Proximate Cause: Show that the injuries you sustained were a foreseeable consequence of the defendant’s negligence. If, for example, you slipped on a wet floor without warning signs and broke your arm, then the injury was a foreseeable outcome of the condition.
• Damages: Prove that you suffered actual damages (like medical expenses or lost wages) as a result of the accident. Without verifiable damages, even if there was negligence, there’s no basis for compensation.

Evidence To Support Your Claim

• Accident Report: If your fall happened at a business, report it immediately and ensure that they create an official report.
• Witness Statements: Gather statements from anyone who saw the accident or the hazardous condition.
• Photographic Evidence: Photographs or videos of the scene can be invaluable. Capture the exact location, the hazardous condition, and any other relevant details like the absence of warning signs.
• Medical Records: Seek medical attention promptly after the accident, even if you feel fine. Not only is this crucial for your health, but the records also serve as evidence of the injuries directly resulting from the fall.
• Footwear and Clothing: Preserve the shoes and clothing you were wearing at the time of the accident. They may be inspected for any contributing factors.
• Weather Reports: If the slip and fall happened outdoors due to weather conditions like rain or ice, obtaining weather reports can help establish the existence of the hazard at the time of your accident.
• Previous Incidents: Discover if there have been prior accidents or complaints regarding the same hazard. This can strengthen the argument that the property owner was aware (or should have been aware) of the danger.

Conditions That Can Lead To Slip And Fall Accidents

Slip and fall accidents can happen anywhere and at any time. While sometimes they may seem minor, they can lead to severe injuries and sometimes even fatal consequences. These accidents often occur due to certain dangerous conditions, some of which are highlighted below:

• Wet and Slippery Floors

One of the most common causes, wet floors can arise from spilled liquids, recent mopping, or water tracked in from outside during rainy or snowy days.

• Uneven Surfaces

Broken or irregular pavements, carpeting, or tiles can create tripping hazards. Gaps, potholes, or sudden changes in floor level are also culprits.

• Inadequate Lighting

Dimly lit areas can make it challenging to see obstacles or changes in the walking surface.

• Cords or Wires

Electrical cords, computer cables, or other types of wires across walkways can be a tripping hazard.

• Loose Floorboards or Rugs

Over time, certain areas of flooring can wear out, leading to raised edges or loose sections.

• Cluttered Floors

Leaving objects on the floor can easily cause someone to trip and fall, especially if they are not expecting an obstruction.

• Broken or Missing Handrails

A lack of proper support on staircases or ramps can make it easy for someone to lose their balance.

• Weather-Related Hazards

Ice, snow, and rain can create slippery surfaces, especially if they are not promptly and adequately addressed.

• Poorly Maintained Staircases

Broken steps, uneven step heights, or the absence of non-slip surfaces can be dangerous.

• Chemical or Oil Spills

In places like factories or garages, these spills can make surfaces extremely slippery.

Infographic

Slip And Fall Statistics

If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident caused by the negligence of another party, you may be able to pursue a personal injury claim for financial compensation for the losses you have suffered.

In the majority of personal injury claims – about 95 percent – the parties end up settling before the case actually goes to trial. In order to get a fair and just settlement, victims of accidents should have a slip and fall lawyer advocating for them instead of trying to negotiate with the insurance company themselves.

If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident caused by another party, you may be entitled to financial compensation under South Carolina law. Call our office to find out what legal options you may have for losses your injuries have caused.

FAQs

What is the statute of limitations on a slip and fall in South Carolina?

In South Carolina, the statute of limitations for slip and fall accidents is three years. This means that if you’ve been injured in a slip and fall incident on someone else’s property, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit against the responsible party. If you fail to file within this time frame, you may be barred from pursuing compensation for your injuries in a court of law. 

How long after a slip and fall accident can I sue?

In South Carolina, individuals who have suffered injuries from a slip and fall accident have a designated time frame within which they can initiate legal proceedings against the responsible party. This period, known as the statute of limitations, is three years from the date of the accident. If a victim fails to file a lawsuit within this three-year window, South Carolina courts will typically refuse to hear the case, and the victim may lose their right to seek compensation. 

What is premises liability?

Premises liability refers to the legal responsibility of property owners and occupiers to ensure that their premises are reasonably safe for visitors. If someone is injured on another person’s property due to unsafe conditions, the property owner or manager may be held liable for the injuries. Common instances of premises liability include slip and fall accidents due to wet floors, injuries from falling objects, accidents caused by poor property maintenance, or injuries resulting from inadequate security. The extent of the owner’s responsibility can vary based on the relationship with the visitor, whether they are an invitee, licensee, or trespasser. In any case, the key factor in premises liability is the owner’s or occupier’s negligence in maintaining a safe environment.

How do we prove negligence after an accident?

Negligence in slip and fall accidents pertains to the failure of property owners or managers to uphold a reasonable standard of care, leading to unsafe conditions that result in injury. When an individual is injured on another’s property, proving negligence is crucial for a successful personal injury claim. This involves demonstrating that the property owner was aware, or should have been aware, of the hazardous condition but did not take appropriate measures to rectify or warn visitors about it. Whether it’s a wet floor, uneven pavement, or a poorly lit staircase, if a property owner’s negligence directly leads to a slip and fall accident, they can be held legally responsible for the resultant damages and injuries.

Woron and Dhillon, LLC, Columbia Slip and Fall Lawyer

1328 Richland St, Columbia, SC 29201

Contact Our Firm Today

If you or a loved one has experienced a slip and fall accident in South Carolina, reach out to us. We’re prepared to safeguard your rights and advocate for the compensation you rightfully deserve. Contact our Columbia slip and fall lawyer today to request a free case evaluation.