Accidents on someone else’s property happen without warning. These incidents often lead to serious injuries that impact your daily life, work, and financial stability.
At West Law Firm Personal Injury Lawyers, our Summerville premises liability lawyers fight for people injured due to property owner negligence throughout Summerville and the surrounding areas. Our firm has served the Lowcountry since 1945, building a reputation for client-focused representation and successful outcomes.
What Defines Premises Liability in South Carolina?
Premises liability refers to the legal responsibility property owners have to maintain safe conditions for visitors. When they fail in this duty, and someone gets hurt as a result, the injured person may have grounds for compensation.
South Carolina law requires property owners to take reasonable steps to prevent foreseeable harm. This does not mean owners must guarantee absolute safety, but they should address known hazards and conduct regular inspections to identify potential dangers.
The specific duty of care varies based on why you were on the property:
- Invitees receive the highest level of protection. These include customers at businesses, patients at medical facilities, or anyone invited for purposes that benefit the property owner. Owners must regularly inspect their premises and fix or warn about known hazards.
- Licensees enter property for their own purposes with permission, such as social guests. Owners must warn them about known dangers but do not have the same inspection requirements as with invitees.
- Trespassers generally receive limited protection, though property owners cannot set deliberate traps to harm them. Special rules apply to child trespassers under the “attractive nuisance” doctrine.
Common Premises Liability Cases in Summerville
Our Summerville premises liability lawyers handle various accident types:
Slip and Fall Accidents
These represent the most frequent premises liability claims we handle. Causes include:
- Wet floors without warning signs
- Uneven walking surfaces
- Poor lighting in stairwells
- Loose railings or steps
- Cluttered walkways
- Recently waxed or polished floors
The serious injuries from these accidents often include broken bones, spinal injuries, and traumatic brain injuries that require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
Inadequate Security
Property owners should provide reasonable security measures to prevent foreseeable criminal activity. This becomes especially important at apartment complexes, hotels, shopping centers, and parking garages throughout Summerville.
When security lapses lead to assaults or other crimes, property owners may bear partial responsibility. Our Summerville premises liability attorneys examine security protocols, lighting conditions, access controls, and crime history in the area to establish negligence.
Swimming Pool Accidents
South Carolina weather makes pools popular year-round. However, pool owners must implement safety measures, including proper fencing, functioning gates, clear warning signs, and adequate supervision. When these precautions fail, devastating accidents occur.
Dog Bites and Animal Attacks
South Carolina follows a “strict liability” standard for dog bites. This means dog owners typically bear responsibility when their animals bite someone, regardless of whether the dog previously showed aggressive tendencies.
Retail Store Incidents
Retail establishments must maintain safe shopping environments. We represent clients injured by falling merchandise, collapsing displays, shopping cart accidents, and other retail hazards.
Proving Your Premises Liability Case
Successful premises liability claims require proving several key elements:
- The defendant owned, leased, occupied, or controlled the property
- The defendant acted negligently regarding the property
- You suffered actual harm
- The defendant’s negligence directly caused your injuries
Our premises liability attorneys in Summerville gather crucial evidence to support these elements, including:
- Surveillance footage
- Witness statements
- Maintenance records
- Previous incident reports
- Building code violations
- Expert testimony
Damages Available in Premises Liability Cases
Injured victims can seek compensation for:
- All costs related to your injury treatment, including emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, medication, physical therapy, and future medical needs.
- Wages lost while recovering, plus reduced earning capacity if your injuries affect your ability to work long-term.
- Physical pain and emotional distress caused by your injuries.
- Replacement or repair costs for personal items damaged in the accident.
- Compensation for activities you can no longer participate in due to your injuries.
Time Limits for Filing Your Claim
South Carolina imposes a three-year statute of limitations for premises liability lawsuits. This period typically begins on the date of your accident. Missing this deadline usually means losing your right to seek compensation.
Certain exceptions exist for minors and cases involving government entities, which have shorter notice requirements. This makes consulting with a premises liability attorney in Summerville promptly after your accident essential to protect your legal rights.
Why Choose West Law Firm for Your Premises Liability Case?
Our Moncks Corner law firm brings together decades of experience with personalized attention. As a family-owned practice with deep roots in the Lowcountry since 1945, we truly understand the communities we serve.
Our premises liability lawyers in Summerville provide:
- Direct access to your lawyer throughout your case
- Thorough investigation of all accident circumstances
- Aggressive negotiation with insurance companies
- Trial-ready preparation if fair settlement offers do not materialize
Contact Our Summerville Premises Liability Lawyers Today
Property owners who neglect safety put everyone at risk. If their negligence caused your injuries, West Law Firm Personal Injury Lawyers stands ready to help you seek justice and fair compensation.
Contact our experienced Summerville premises liability attorneys today for a free consultation about your case. We will explain your legal options clearly and develop a strategy tailored to your specific situation.