If you were injured while visiting a residential, commercial, or public property, and the hazard was known or should have been reasonably known by a property owner and no one acted to fix it, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, emotional distress, and more. Please continue reading to learn more about how a slip and fall happens, who can face liability for your damages, and how an experienced Chesterfield County Premises Liability Lawyer can assist you during these difficult times.
How Do Slip and Fall Accidents Happen?
Slip and fall accidents can occur for a multitude of reasons. However, they typically arise from a property owner’s failure to keep their premises hazard-free or failure to warn others of potential dangers. Common hazards that can result in a slip and fall accident include, but are by no means limited to, the following:
- Wet surfaces
- Uneven flooring
- Debris on the ground
- Missing handrails
- Broken stairs
- Cracked pavement
- Inadequate lighting
- Weather conditions (rain, snow, ice, and sleet)
Slip and fall accidents can be much more serious than you realize. Many assume these incidents cause minor injuries. However, this is not always the case. You may suffer devastating injuries that result in astronomical medical bills and severely reduce your quality of life.
Who is Responsible for Paying My Medical Bills Following a Slip and Fall?
Following a slip and fall injury, your health insurance will cover the cost of your medical care. However, if your injuries exceed your coverage as provided in your policy, you can pursue a personal injury claim for the remaining costs.
In most cases, the property owner where the slip and fall occurred can be held liable for compensating damages resulting from the incident. Under premises liability law, property owners in South Carolina are obligated to maintain a safe environment for guests. If they fail to do so, they can be held legally responsible for any damages that occur as a result of their negligence.
It’s important to understand that the level of care owed to someone depends on their status as an invitee, licensee, or trespasser. Invitees are owed the greatest duty of care under the law. These individuals have an explicit or implied invitation to enter a property for business purposes, like a customer in a store. Property owners are required to take reasonable steps to ensure their safety by regularly inspecting the premises for hazards and warning them of any known dangers.
Licensees are owed a lesser duty. These are individuals who are permitted to be on the property with the owner’s consent, like a social guest. As such, property owners must warn them of any known dangerous conditions. Property owners generally don’t owe a duty of care to trespassers. These are individuals who don’t have permission to enter a property. They can only be held liable in very limited circumstances, such as if they intentionally caused harm. This means if you were trespassing at the time of the incident, you likely won’t have a valid claim for compensation.
At the Cockrell Law Firm, P.C. we understand the impacts of a slip and fall accident. Connect with our firm today so we can help you fight for the compensation you deserve and need to get your life back on track.
