When you walk into the grocery store or someone’s home, you don’t expect to experience an accident and suffer injuries. While such an event may not be on your to-do list for the day, it can happen at any time. Sustaining injuries on someone else’s property requires the assistance of a premises liability lawyer.
What Is Premises Liability?
Premises liability is a legal concept arising from cases where an individual suffers injury as a result of an unsafe condition on someone’s property.
A majority of personal injury cases involve negligence — premises liability cases are no different. When establishing negligence for a premises liability case, victims need to prove the property owner owed them a duty of care and breached this duty, therefore resulting in their accident, injuries, and other losses.
Just because you suffer an injury on someone’s property does not automatically mean you have a valid premises liability case. You must prove the property owner or occupier knew or should have known of the dangers on their property and failed to do anything about it.
A premises liability lawyer can review the details of your case and determine whether you have a claim. If so, they will build a strong case on your behalf and pursue the fairest possible compensation.
Common Accidents Resulting in Premises Liability
Premises liability cases can arise for several different reasons. Injuries sustained on another’s property are usually caused by at least one of the following:
- Slip and falls
- Elevator or escalator accidents
- Insufficient security
- Swimming pool accidents
- Poor lighting
- Defective steps
- Loose flooring or handrails
- Exposed electricity
- Obstructed walkways
Accidents or incidents involving premises liability can happen almost anywhere, from homes and apartment complexes to hotels and retail stores.
What Duties do South Carolina Property Owners and Occupiers Have?
Property owners and occupiers owe most individuals a duty. However, the type of duty depends on the legal status of the visitor. Keep reading as our premises liability lawyer defines these duties.
Invitee
Invitees are invited onto the property by the owner. Invitees are usually customers going into businesses such as stores or supermarkets. Property owners owe invitees a duty to keep their premises safe at all times to avoid harm.
Licensee
A licensee is given consent to enter the property, for example, when a homeowner invites a friend over. Property owners do not have to make their property safe for licensees, but they do have a duty to warn them of any potential dangers.
Trespasser
Trespassers have no legal right to be on the property. As a result, property owners do not owe trespassers a duty.
What Kind of Compensation Can I Recover for My Injuries?
If you’re injured on another person’s property, you may be entitled to financial recovery for your injuries and other losses.
Damages for premises liability cases could include:
- Medical expenses
- Loss of earning potential
- Lost wages
- Rehabilitation therapy costs
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
A premises liability lawyer can determine who’s at fault for your injuries and hold them responsible for your tangible and intangible losses.
Consult with an Experienced Premises Liability Lawyer Today
Our premises liability lawyer at Lowcountry Law, LLC is passionate about helping injured clients obtain a fair monetary recovery for their physical and mental harm. We use our skills and resources to handle claims from beginning to end. From conducting a thorough investigation to engaging in settlement negotiations — we’ve got you covered.
We serve clients in Mount Pleasant and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and the surrounding areas. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.
