Life changes in an instant when you slip and fall. The physical suffering alone can be overwhelming, but add the stress of lost wages and mounting expenses, and the situation quickly becomes unbearable.
For over 75 years, West Law Firm Personal Injury Lawyers has helped Summerville residents recover after slip and fall accidents. Our family-owned firm understands the challenges you face because we have guided countless neighbors through similar situations since 1945.
Why Slip and Fall Cases Matter in Summerville
Slip and fall accidents might seem minor compared to other injuries, but their impact can last for years or even a lifetime. These incidents happen daily throughout Summerville and the surrounding Lowcountry area:
- At local shopping centers, where spilled liquids remain uncleaned
- On poorly maintained sidewalks with uneven surfaces
- In apartment buildings with inadequate lighting
- At workplaces without proper safety measures
- On residential properties with hazardous conditions
Many victims hesitate to seek legal help because they feel embarrassed or worry they might be blamed for their injuries. This hesitation often leads to accepting minimal compensation that fails to cover long-term needs.
How South Carolina Law Protects Slip and Fall Victims
South Carolina premises liability laws establish clear responsibilities for property owners. These laws require landowners and businesses to maintain reasonably safe conditions for visitors and warn about potential hazards. When they fail to meet these obligations, injured parties have legal rights to compensation.
The legal system recognizes different categories of visitors, each with varying levels of protection:
- Invitees receive the highest level of protection. These include customers at businesses, patients at medical facilities, and other individuals explicitly invited onto a property.
- Licensees enter properties for their purpose, but with permission. Social guests fall into this category, and while they receive less protection than invitees, property owners still must warn them about known dangers.
- Trespassers generally receive minimal protection, though property owners cannot deliberately set traps or cause intentional harm even to those entering without permission.
Our Summerville slip and fall accident lawyers thoroughly examine the circumstances of your accident to determine which category applies to your situation and build the strongest possible case.
Common Injuries in Summerville Slip and Fall Accidents
The impact of hitting the ground can cause serious damage to your body. Our clients frequently report:
- Head injuries and traumatic brain injuries that affect cognitive function
- Broken wrists, arms, and ankles from attempting to break the fall
- Back and spinal cord injuries that limit mobility
- Hip fractures – particularly dangerous for older adults
- Severe bruising and soft tissue damage
Many injuries worsen over time without proper medical attention. This makes immediate medical care essential after any fall, even if you initially feel fine. Medical records also provide crucial evidence for your legal claim.
Obstacles to Fair Compensation in Slip and Fall Cases
Insurance companies employ numerous tactics to minimize payouts. Their representatives often contact victims quickly after accidents, offering settlements that sound generous but fall far short of covering actual expenses. They might request recorded statements, hoping you will say something they can use against you later.
Property owners frequently claim they lacked knowledge of dangerous conditions or had insufficient time to address problems. Some even try to shift blame to the victim, suggesting carelessness caused the accident.
Our legal team anticipates these strategies and prepares accordingly. We gather evidence systematically – securing surveillance footage before it disappears, consulting with medical experts, and interviewing witnesses on time to document the full extent of your injuries.
The West Law Firm Difference
Our roots run deep in the Lowcountry. Since 1945, our family has served this community, building trust through honest representation and dedicated advocacy. We pride ourselves on personalized attention – when you call us, you speak with actual attorneys who know your case, not anonymous case managers at a massive firm.
From our office in Moncks Corner, we serve clients throughout Summerville and surrounding areas.
Our Summerville slip and fall accident attorneys regularly visit accident scenes personally, giving us firsthand knowledge of local properties and potential hazards.
Our approach focuses on thorough preparation and strategic negotiation. Insurance companies know our reputation for building strong cases and taking matters to trial when necessary. This knowledge often motivates them to offer fair settlements without prolonged litigation.
Remember that time matters after an accident. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget details, and legal deadlines approach quickly. South Carolina law allows only three years to file personal injury claims, a period that passes surprisingly fast during recovery.
Contact Our Summerville Slip and Fall Attorneys Today
The aftermath of a slip and fall accident creates confusion and uncertainty. Medical bills pile up while you cannot work, and insurance companies pressure you to accept inadequate settlements.
West Law Firm Personal Injury Lawyers provides the guidance you need during this difficult time.
Our experience with Summerville slip and fall cases gives us insight into local properties, insurance practices, and medical resources that benefit your claim. Call our office today to schedule a confidential consultation with an experienced Summerville slip and fall accident lawyer.