Each year approximately one million nationwide people require medical attention for a slip and fall accident injury (National Floor Safety Institute). Slip and falls are largely preventable with the proper safety precautions from businesses and property owners. There are many different types of slip and fall accidents. Here, our Greenville slip and fall injury lawyer highlights the most common causes of slip and fall accidents.
Background: Slip and Fall Accident Claims are Premises Liability Cases
In South Carolina, slip and fall accident cases fall under the legal practice area of “premises liability” law. A business or property owner may be responsible for a slip and fall accident that happens on its premises—but only if that accident happened because of negligence.
In other words, businesses and property owners are not automatically liable for a slip and fall accident in South Carolina. Instead, their liability depends on the victim proving that their fall accident injuries happened because the defendant failed to take proper care. All serious slip-and-fall accidents in Greenville should be carefully investigated by an experienced attorney.
Five of the Most Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents in Greenville, SC
- Wet Floors
Wet (slippery) floors are a leading cause of slip-and-fall accidents. These accidents can happen in a wide range of different places, including supermarkets, restaurants, office buildings, and apartment buildings. Slip and fall accident risk due to a wet floor is heightened when spills are not promptly cleaned up and when floors remain wet after mopping without a proper warning sign. Businesses and property owners in South Carolina may be liable for an unmarked wet floor.
- Loose Clutter/Debris
Another common slip-and-fall hazard is loose clutter and debris in walking paths. It can be a serious safety hazard common in retail stores, workplaces, and public buildings. When items are accidentally dropped or not stored properly, they may end up tripping an unsuspecting person. Small objects—from tools to electrical cords—can easily go unnoticed until they cause someone to trip. Establishments need to keep walking areas clear of dangerous safety hazards.
- Broken Floor Boards
Broken and uneven floorboards present another slip-and-fall hazard. They can be a big issue because they are often caused by poorly maintained premises. Indeed, these irregularities can create unexpected dips or rises in the walking surface, catching pedestrians off-guard. Flooring issues are particularly dangerous in dimly lit areas or places with heavy foot traffic. Businesses and property owners are responsible for regular floor maintenance. When needed, they should conduct comprehensive repairs to mitigate the risk of fall accidents.
- Tattered Carpets
Similar to broken and damaged flooring, tattered rugs/carpets can also pose a serious safety risk. Indeed, worn carpets are an all-too-common cause of fall accidents. Loose carpet fibers or edges can easily snag on shoes or walkers—and it can result in a fall accident that causes serious harm to the victim. Notably, high-foot traffic areas are prone to carpet wear and tear. Businesses and property owners in South Carolina should monitor and address carpeting issues. Regular maintenance is a must. Carpeting should be replaced when it poses a safety hazard.
- Poor Lighting
Poor lighting can obscure one’s ability to see obstacles or changes on a walking surface. Reduced visibility could be a big factor in causing a slip and fall or trip and fall accident. Lighting is a big issue in parking lots, stairwells, and corridors that are dimly lit. Inadequate lighting can prevent a person from noticing hazards such as wet floors, sudden changes in the steps, clutter/debris, or uneven surfaces until it is too late to take corrective action. Businesses and property owners in South Carolina should ensure that all areas that they are responsible for are well-lit.
Statute of Limitations for Slip and Falls in South Carolina
Slip and fall accident claims are time-sensitive. Under South Carolina law (S.C. Code § 15-3-530(5)), there is a three-year statute of limitations for premises liability cases, including slip and fall accidents. If you wait too long to take legal action after being hurt by one of the most common slip and fall hazards, you may miss out on your opportunity to recover compensation. Be proactive: Consult with a Greenville, SC slip and fall injury lawyer right away after a bad fall.
Recovering Compensation for a Slip and Fall Accident Injury
Through a slip and fall accident claim in South Carolina, injured victims can seek compensation for both economic losses and non-economic damages. Unfortunately, the property insurance companies that typically defend these cases want to pay out less. Our Greenville, SC slip and fall accident lawyer helps injured victims fight for the maximum settlement, including for:
- Emergency room treatment;
- Hospital bills and other costs;
- Rehabilitative care;
- Loss of wages and loss of future earnings;
- Pain and suffering;
- Disability or disfigurement; and
- Wrongful death of a family member.
Why Trust South Carolina Premises Liability Attorney William A. Jordan III
Slip and fall accident injury claims are complicated. Businesses and property owners must be held accountable for safety hazards that cause slips, trips, and falls. Our founding attorney William A. Jordan III has the skills and experience to handle all types of premises liability claims. With a proven record of client testimonials and successful case results, we invest the time, resources, and attention to detail to handle every slip and fall accident claim with the personal care that it deserves.
Contact Our Greenville Slip and Fall Accident Attorney Today
At Jordan Law Center, our Greenville slip-and-fall accident lawyers fight aggressively for justice in complex cases. We demand the best for our clients. If you or a loved one was hurt in a slip-and-fall accident, please do not hesitate to contact us right away for a free review of your case. With an office in Greenville, we handle slip-and-fall accident injury claims throughout the entire region.
“There is not enough GREAT THINGS I could say about Jordan Law Center.”