Premises liability injuries can happen due to a variety of conditions and scenarios, from slipping on a wet floor to structural collapses or inadequate security. In South Carolina, property owners and businesses must take reasonable steps to ensure their premises are safe for visitors or they may be held liable. Below, we outline ten of the most common types or premises liability cases, their injuries, and what you need to know about your legal rights if you’ve been injured on someone else’s property.
What is Premises Liability?
Premises liability is a legal concept that holds property owners and businesses responsible for accidents and injuries that occur on their property due to unsafe conditions. In South Carolina, it is expected for business or property owners to make a reasonable effort to maintain a safe environment for visitors. However, premises liability cases can be very complicated, which is why we always recommend contacting a lawyer as soon as possible to help review your particular case.
10 Common Premises Liability Injuries
When people think of premises liability injuries, slip and fall accidents often come to mind, and for good reason. Slip and fall injuries are one of the most common injuries on someone else’s property. However, premises liability covers more than falls, and knowing the most common types of premises liability injuries can help you recognize when you may have a valid claim.
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Slip and Fall Accidents
While the most common occurrence of slip and fall accidents happen due to spilled liquids, other examples include slipping on snow or ice, slippery floors, or because of poor lighting. Slip and fall injuries also include injuries that are due to tripping and falling. These can be caused by torn carpeting and uneven surfaces.
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Negligent or Inadequate Security
Instances of negligent or inadequate security that can lead to premises liability injuries include inadequate lighting, lack of working security cameras or guards, and poorly maintained property and/or landscaping that creates blind spots.
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Animal and Dog Bites
Animal and dog bites can be caused by negligence on the owner’s part or not warning visitors of a potentially dangerous animal.
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Falling Objects
Examples of falling objects that can cause premises liability injuries include merchandise falling off display shelves, objects falling from balconies or windows, and shelves or ceilings collapsing.
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Swimming Pools
Common themes in premises liability injury cases that involved swimming pools include lack of a fence surrounding the pool, lack of adequate supervision, defective equipment, and unsafe conditions, like slippery surfaces and inadequate lighting.
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Inadequate Maintenance
Premises liability injuries can be caused by a number of scenarios brought about by inadequate maintenance. These include, but are not limited to, deteriorated structures, missing handrails, rotting steps or porch boards, and uneven steps.
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Elevator and Escalator Accidents
Elevators and escalators are complex machinery that can lead to serious injury if they malfunction while being used, and property owners are responsible for ensuring proper installation and maintenance. Causes of malfunction that can lead to a valid premises liability case include, but are not limited to, design defects, improper installation, and faulty wiring.
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Toxic Exposure
Exposure to mold, asbestos, lead paint, and other chemicals or materials that pose a health risk can lead to a wide range of premises liability injuries, from skin irritation to long-term illnesses.
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Fire
Premises liability injuries due to fire exposure can include burn injuries, smoke inhalation, and emotional trauma. You can also submit property damage as a type of premises liability case due to fire. A property owner may be liable if they failed to maintain fire safety equipment, neglected electrical problems, or ignored fire hazards.
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Electrocution
Electric shocks can be caused by a number of reasons, including poor or negligent wiring issues, overused circuits, exposed power lines, damaged or frayed electrical cords, and permanent use of temporary wiring. The severity of injuries due to electric shock range from burns to cardiac arrest to death and are dependent on the type of current, the path the current travels through your body, and how long you were exposed to the current.
Premises liability injuries are more common than many people realize, and understanding the type of injury is only the first step. To protect your legal rights and ensure the best chance at recovering damages, it’s critical to act within the time allowed by law. So what is the statute of limitations for premises liability cases in South Carolina? Here’s what you need to know.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit for a Premises Liability Injury in SC?
In South Carolina, the statute of limitations for filing any type of premises liability case is generally three years from the date of the incident. However, if your claim involves a state or federal agency, you may be required to file much sooner.
Because these deadlines can impact your ability to seek compensation, it’s crucial to consult with a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. A South Carolina premises liability injury lawyer can assess your case, help gather evidence, and ensure your claim is filed within the required timeframe.
Our Personal Injury Lawyers for Premises Liability Cases in South Carolina
If you’ve been injured on someone else’s property in South Carolina, it’s crucial to understand your legal rights and the responsibility of property owners to maintain a safe environment. Whether your injury was caused by a slip and fall accident, inadequate security, or dangerous property conditions, having the right legal representation is key to obtaining the compensation you deserve.
At Harvey and Battey, we specialize in premises liability injuries and have over 100 years of experience helping injured victims throughout Beaufort and the Lowcountry areas of South Carolina. Our personal injury attorneys William B. Harvey III, Thomas A. Holloway, J. Samuel Scoville, and Austin Blake, are dedicated to providing personalized, compassionate service to each client. We believe in being your law firm for life, offering trusted guidance and advocacy every step of the way.
If you’ve been injured on someone else’s property, don’t navigate the complexities of premises liability cases alone. Contact us today for a free initial consultation. Let our experienced South Carolina premises liability injury lawyers help you understand the different types of premises liability cases and fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.