Sumter Slip and Fall Lawyer

Sumter Slip and Fall Attorney

Property owners have a responsibility to keep their premises safe and free of obstructions that could cause a slip-and-fall accident. Anyone who is harmed after slipping and falling on someone else’s property can consult with a Sumter slip and fall lawyer who understands South Carolina’s premises liability laws to determine whether you have a valid claim.

With the right attorney, you can receive compensation for your injuries by holding the at-fault property accountable through a personal injury lawsuit.

Examples of Slip-and-Fall Accidents

Slip and fall accidents can happen anytime and anywhere in South Carolina. You might slip and fall at home, on your way to work or school, at the grocery store, or while dining at your favorite local spot. Seniors are particularly vulnerable to these accidents and their resulting injuries.

While not every slip and fall leads to injury or necessitates a hospital visit, some do. When a property owner’s negligence causes someone to slip and fall, the injured person may suffer severe injuries.

• Wet floors: Wet floors are more common in grocery stores than in other areas. Spilled liquids or recently mopped floors can cause shoppers to take heavy tumbles that could require medical treatment. To keep patrons safe, grocery store managers usually require the employees to place yellow warning signs. These and other basic safety measures are often not done, causing the store to be liable.
• Icy sidewalks: Property owners who fail to clear ice and snow from sidewalks and walkways at nursing homes and other areas can be held liable if someone slips and falls. Those owners have what is known as a duty of care to maintain their sidewalks. When landowners fail to take their duty of care seriously, they can be held liable in civil court.
• Uneven floors: Raised or sunken areas of a store or restaurant or any unmarked changes in flooring can result in a trip that can seriously injure anyone who walks on that surface. Older adults are more likely to fall while walking on uneven floors because seniors are often less able to quickly catch themselves if their foot catches something.
• Loose Carpeting or Rugs: Poorly secured carpets or rugs in a hotel, office building, or apartment complex can cause someone to trip and fall.
• Cluttered walkways: Tripping hazards often lead to preventable falls. When items like boxes, bundles of wires, or merchandise are left on or near walkways, anyone could potentially trip over those items.
• Poor lighting: Lighting is an environmental factor that can cause people to fall where they might not otherwise have tripped. Poor lighting in stairwells, parking lots, or hallways can obscure obstructions, obstacles, or changes in floor level, which can lead to a fall.
• Broken handrails: Handrails perform important functions, especially for people who may need extra support while walking up or down stairs. When there is not sufficient support for people to use when walking, such as missing or damaged handrails, a serious fall can result in bodily injuries.

Any of these scenarios can potentially be grounds for taking legal action against the property owner. A knowledgeable slip-and-fall attorney understands the state’s laws and can compel the property owner to pay compensation for your injuries and lost wages.

Common Injuries That Can Result From a Trip Accident

Although many falls may not sound dangerous, around 46,000 people died in slip-and-fall incidents in 2022 in this country. Slip and fall accidents can result in a variety of injuries, some of which can be quite serious.

Falls can cause fractures in various parts of the body, including the wrist, arm, ankle, and hip. The impact of the fall can be especially dangerous for older adults whose bones may be more fragile.

Ligaments and muscles can be overstretched or torn during a fall, leading to painful sprains and strains. Ankle and wrist sprains are particularly common, as people often try to catch themselves with their hands or twist their ankles awkwardly when they lose balance. These injuries can cause significant pain, swelling, and bruising and may require immobilization or physical therapy to heal properly.

Slipping and hitting your head on a hard surface can lead to concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Even a seemingly mild head injury can have serious long-term effects and require immediate medical attention. The symptoms of TBI may not immediately manifest, and secondary injuries from internal bleeding and bruising can further complicate recovery.

Falls could cause herniated discs, fractured vertebrae, or even spinal cord damage. These injuries can lead to chronic pain, mobility issues, or, when neck and head injuries result, paralysis. Falling onto sharp or rough surfaces can result in cuts, lacerations, and abrasions. These injuries may require stitches and can sometimes lead to infections.

A medical emergency can create a stressful burden for the injured person and their family. Medical bills can mount quickly, even if the injured party has health insurance. One way you can receive compensation from the at-fault party is by hiring a personal injury lawyer who can hold the negligent party accountable.

What Can a Slip-and-Fall Attorney Do for Me?

A slip-and-fall attorney can help an injured person recover compensation from the property owner’s insurance. Most property owners have liability insurance to cover accidents on their property, including slip and fall incidents. If they do not, compensation could be recovered from the property owner directly.

An attorney will file a claim with the property owner’s insurance company on behalf of the injured person, including documentation of the incident, medical records, and evidence of negligence. To strengthen your case, your attorney can gather evidence by:

• Documenting your injuries
• Reviewing medical records
• Taking photos from the scene of the accident
• Relying on professionals to evaluate the extent of your physical and emotional injuries

Your personal injury lawyer may negotiate with the insurance company to reach a fair settlement by presenting evidence and arguing the extent of the property owner’s liability and the compensation due.

If a fair settlement is reached, the insurance company pays the agreed amount. The attorney may advise filing a lawsuit if the other side is unwilling to offer a fair settlement. The at-fault party may be required to cover your legal expenses and potential judgments. Throughout this process, your attorney will work to protect your rights and to make sure you receive maximum compensation for your injuries.

FAQs

Q: How Much Compensation Can I Receive for a Trip and Fall?

A: The compensation you receive with the help of a slip-and-fall attorney depends in large part on the type and severity of your injuries. Personal injury law is written to provide a legal means of compelling negligent individuals and groups to pay for the damage and suffering they cause.

Q: What Happens if the Property Owner is Uninsured or Underinsured?

A: If the property owner is underinsured or uninsured, your lawyer may turn to the courts by filing a personal injury lawsuit on your behalf. One of the jobs of a personal injury lawyer is to explore every means possible to find compensation for your injuries. An uninsured property owner can still be held liable for any harm they caused someone due to the negligent maintenance of their property.

Q: What Is the Average Payout for a Slip and Fall in SC?

A: The average payout for a slip-and-fall in South Carolina varies significantly. On the lower end, minor injuries may lead to a smaller settlement that covers medical expenses. When the injured party requires significant medical treatment, misses time from work, or becomes disabled due to their injury, the settlement can be considerably larger.

Q: How Long Does It Take to Settle a Slip and Fall Case in SC?

A: Slip and fall cases can be settled quickly when the negligent party accepts responsibility for their actions and offers a fair settlement amount in Sumter, SC. This could be in reply to a demand letter. When the at-fault party fights liability, the total time it can take to settle a case could take several months or potentially years.

Q: Can I Sue After a Fall?

A: Yes, you can sue the at-fault party who caused you to slip and fall. Due to the complexity of South Carolina’s personal injury laws, you may find that hiring an attorney has many benefits. Your lawyer can handle the process by sending a demand letter, filing a lawsuit, and negotiating a fair settlement for your injuries. The majority of cases settle before going to trial, but your attorney can represent you before a jury or judge if needed.

Schedule Your Slip-and-Fall Consultation Today

Slip-and-fall accidents are one of the more common types of personal injury cases brought before the courts in South Carolina. The injuries sustained from a fall can be life-changing for the victim. Beyond the physical harm that was done, victims are often left with emotional scars from the incident.

No amount of money can undo those situations, but a personal injury lawyer can take steps to prevent you from suffering financial harm due to someone else’s misconduct. At Deas Law Firm, we will work tirelessly to make sure you receive fair compensation for your slip and fall injuries. Our clients trust us to fight for their rights. Contact our office today to discuss your personal injury case.

Contact Deas Law Firm Today

At Deas Law Firm, we work tirelessly for you to make sure you are fairly compensated on your personal injury case. From slip and fall cases or even catastrophic injury cases, Deas Law Firm is ready to fight for you and your rights. Call us today or fill out the online form to discuss your personal injury case.