Hurt on Someone’s Property? It’s Not Your Fault—We’ll Make the Insurer Pay Up.
A slip-and-fall accident can happen in the blink of an eye—one moment you're walking through a store, parking lot, or stairwell, and the next, you're on the ground in serious pain. These accidents might seem minor to others, but we know they often result in major injuries like broken bones, concussions, or even long-term mobility issues.
If you’ve been hurt on someone else’s property in South Carolina, you need to know this: you have rights. And you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, lost wages, and medical bills. At Christmas Injury Lawyers, we know how to fight back against property owners and their insurance companies who try to avoid paying what’s fair.
Understanding Premises Liability in South Carolina
Slip-and-fall accidents fall under an area of law called premises liability, which holds property owners responsible for dangerous conditions on their property.
What Is Premises Liability?
In South Carolina, property owners have a legal duty to keep their premises safe for visitors and guests. When they fail to do so, and someone gets hurt, they can—and should—be held accountable.
When Property Owners Are Responsible
- Failure to maintain safe conditions: Owners must regularly inspect and maintain their property.
- Leaky roofs, cracked sidewalks, and broken stairs are just a few common hazards.
- When these go unaddressed, the risk of injury skyrockets—and that’s on them, not you.
- Not warning about dangers: If there’s a hazard, there must be proper warnings.
- “Wet floor” signs, caution tape, or blocked-off areas are essential when danger exists.
- If these warnings are missing and someone gets hurt, the owner may be legally liable.
- Neglecting cleanup or repairs: Delayed responses can lead to injury.
- Whether it’s spilled liquid in a grocery aisle or ice on a restaurant walkway, quick cleanup is crucial.
- If staff or owners delay, they create a dangerous environment—and they can be held responsible.
Common Places Where Slip-and-Falls Happen
Slip-and-fall accidents don’t just happen in one setting—they can occur almost anywhere due to negligence.
Where These Injuries Often Occur
We’ve handled cases across South Carolina in a wide range of unsafe environments.
Frequent Locations for Slip-and-Falls
- Retail stores and supermarkets: Slippery floors, cluttered aisles, or faulty entry mats.
- Employees may fail to clean up spills promptly or place warning signs.
- Customers walking through are unaware of the hazard—and they’re the ones who pay the price.
- Restaurants and bars: Food and drink spills, dim lighting, or steps without railings.
- These businesses must regularly monitor customer areas for hazards.
- Neglecting safety measures can lead to serious head, back, or hip injuries.
- Apartment complexes and rental properties: Broken stairs, loose railings, or uneven walkways.
- Landlords are responsible for maintaining common areas where tenants and visitors walk.
- When maintenance is ignored, injuries happen—and the property owner may be held liable.
- Parking lots and sidewalks: Poor lighting, cracks, or ice buildup.
- Property managers must ensure parking areas are safe, especially at night or in bad weather.
- If they fail to fix known issues, they can be held accountable when injuries occur.
What to Do After a Slip-and-Fall Accident
How you respond after a slip-and-fall can make or break your injury case. Take the right steps to protect your health—and your rights.
Key Steps to Take Immediately
Even if you’re shaken or embarrassed, it’s important to document everything.
Protect Yourself Legally and Medically
- Report the incident: Tell a manager or property owner right away.
- Make sure there’s a written report of the accident.
- Ask for a copy before you leave, and note who you spoke with.
- Take photos: Document the scene, your injuries, and any visible hazards.
- These images can serve as crucial evidence if the property owner tries to clean up or fix the issue afterward.
- Include wide shots, close-ups, and anything else that shows what caused the fall.
- Get medical attention immediately: Your well-being is priority one.
- Even if injuries seem minor, getting checked out by a doctor helps you heal and creates documentation for your case.
- Medical records are a key part of proving the seriousness of your injury.
- Contact an experienced slip-and-fall attorney: Don’t face the insurance company alone.
- Property owners often deny responsibility or try to shift blame.
- We know how to fight back and build a strong premises liability case on your behalf.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
If someone else’s negligence caused your fall, you shouldn’t be stuck paying the price. South Carolina law allows injured victims to pursue compensation for a wide range of losses.
Damages You May Be Entitled To
Every case is different—but here’s what we commonly fight for on behalf of our clients.
Categories of Compensation
- Medical expenses: From ER visits to surgeries and ongoing treatment.
- Falls can lead to serious injuries that require extensive care.
- We pursue compensation for past and future medical costs.
- Lost wages and earning potential: If you can’t work, you’re entitled to recovery.
- Whether you missed a few days or face long-term disability, we document your losses.
- We work with financial experts when needed to calculate lost future income.
- Pain and suffering: Your physical and emotional trauma matters.
- We consider the full impact of the injury on your daily life and wellbeing.
- Emotional distress, anxiety, and lifestyle changes all factor into your case.
FAQs About Slip-and-Fall Cases in South Carolina
Do I have a case if I slipped but didn’t break any bones?
Yes. You can still pursue a claim even if your injuries aren’t immediately visible. Soft tissue injuries, head trauma, and long-term joint issues are common in slip-and-fall cases and can have lasting effects.
What if I was partly at fault for the accident?
South Carolina follows modified comparative negligence rules. That means if you were less than 51% at fault, you may still recover damages—though your compensation could be reduced based on your percentage of fault.
How long do I have to file a slip-and-fall claim?
In most cases, the statute of limitations in South Carolina is three years from the date of the accident. But it’s best to act quickly so evidence can be preserved and witnesses can be located.
What if the property owner says I was just being careless?
Insurance companies love to shift blame. We investigate thoroughly, gather evidence, and work with experts to prove that your fall was caused by negligence—not by your actions.
What does it cost to hire a premises liability lawyer?
We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing upfront and no fees at all unless we recover compensation for you.
Let’s Hold the Property Owner and Their Insurer Accountable
Don’t let a careless property owner—and their insurance company—off the hook. If you’ve been hurt because of a hazard that should’ve been fixed or warned about, you deserve answers and accountability.
Hurt on someone’s property? It’s not your fault—we’ll make the insurer pay up. Contact Christmas Injury Lawyers today for a free case review and let us get to work for you.
