Slip-and-Fall Accidents on Public vs Private Property
Slip-and-fall accidents can happen anywhere, but your legal rights depend on whether the fall occurred on public or private property. Common locations in Charleston include city sidewalks, parking garages, historic walkways, grocery stores, apartment complexes, and hotel entrances.
Understanding your responsibilities and the steps you can take is essential to obtaining compensation. Our slip-and-fall attorneys at John Price Law Firm, LLC, are prepared to assist in preserving evidence and ensuring the responsible party is held accountable for your losses if you have been injured in a slip and fall accident.
Why Slip-and-Fall Accidents Can Cause Serious Injuries
A fall is not a minor incident. When your feet slide out from under you, the impact can be sudden and severe. Many people sustain head, back, hip, or wrist injuries. Hazards such as uneven brick sidewalks, wet restaurant floors, loose dock planks, and poorly lit parking decks are common in Charleston.
Slip-and-Fall Accidents on Charleston Public Property
Public property includes sidewalks, parks, government buildings, parking garages, and city-owned facilities. Examples include:
- Broken pavement near the Battery and Waterfront Park
- Slippery walkways at Marion Square after rain
- Poorly lit parking decks downtown
- Loose boards on public docks and boat ramps
Cities and counties must keep public areas reasonably safe. When they fail to fix known hazards or ignore complaints, injured people may have the right to file a claim. In South Carolina, if you want to bring a claim against a government entity, you generally have two years to file a lawsuit. However, if you file a verified claim within one year, your deadline can be extended to three years from the date of the injury. Missing either of these deadlines can end your case before it starts.
Slip-and-Falls on Private Property in Charleston
Private property includes grocery stores, hotels, apartment complexes, restaurants, shopping centers, and office buildings. For example:
- Wet floors in grocery stores along Savannah Highway
- Slick hotel entrances near King Street
- Broken steps at apartment complexes on James Island
- Uneven flooring in historic buildings downtown
Property owners must remedy dangerous conditions or adequately warn visitors. Failing to address spills, broken flooring, loose mats, or poor lighting can place customers and guests at significant risk.
What Makes These Slip-and-Fall Accident Cases Complex
Slip-and-fall cases depend on verifiable proof. Property owners usually claim:
- The hazard just appeared
- No one knew about the danger
- Warning signs were posted
- The injured person was not paying attention
Video footage, maintenance logs, incident reports, and witness statements are critical for proving what happened to you. Otherwise, insurers usually deny responsibility.
How a Slip-and-Fall Attorney in Charleston Can Help You
A Charleston slip-and-fall lawyer can move quickly to secure surveillance video, maintenance records, cleaning logs, and incident reports. They can interview witnesses and document the hazard before the owner repairs it. Your attorney can likewise determine whether your claim involves a government entity and file the required notices on time. These prompt actions preserve evidence and protect your right to maximum financial compensation.
Get Legal Assistance From Our Slip-and-Fall Lawyers in Charleston
Falls cause broken bones, head injuries, back trauma, and long recovery periods. Medical bills and missed work add to the stress of an already painful situation. Take control of your recovery,-speak to our Charleston slip-and-fall attorneys today and discover how they can help. Contact us online, or dial 843-552-6011 now to arrange your confidential case review and start pursuing the compensation you deserve.