Summerville Slip and Fall Lawyer

Summerville residents deserve safe environments when they visit local businesses, walk through public spaces, or enter someone else’s property. A sudden fall might seem like an isolated accident, but it often reveals negligence that needs to be addressed through the legal system.

Trey Harrell represents clients throughout Summerville who have suffered injuries from dangerous property conditions. We know how quickly a slip and fall can disrupt your income, health, and daily routines. Our Summerville personal injury lawyers build strong claims that hold negligent property owners accountable.

What Makes Property Owners Liable in South Carolina

South Carolina law establishes clear standards for property owner responsibility. Under common law principles and statutory guidelines, property owners must maintain reasonably safe conditions for people who lawfully enter their premises. This duty varies depending on the visitor’s classification.

Business owners must regularly inspect their property, fix hazards promptly, and warn visitors about dangers that cannot be immediately corrected. Grocery stores, restaurants, retail shops, and other commercial establishments in Summerville must take active steps to prevent injuries.

Property owners also have responsibilities toward licensees, who enter property with permission but not for business purposes. Social guests fall into this category. While the duty is somewhat lower than for invitees, property owners still must avoid willful or wanton conduct and warn about hidden dangers they know about.

South Carolina Code Section 15-78-60 addresses claims against government entities, which have limited liability protections. Filing deadlines and procedures differ when your fall occurs on public property like a Summerville park, sidewalk, or government building.

Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents in Summerville

Our Summerville slip and fall lawyers have dealt with numerous falls caused by preventable hazards throughout Summerville.

• Wet floors without warning signs remain one of the most frequent culprits. Spills in grocery stores, recently mopped floors at retail locations, and rain-soaked entryways create slippery surfaces that cause serious falls.
• Uneven surfaces account for many trip and fall accidents. Cracked sidewalks, broken pavement in parking lots, and damaged flooring inside buildings can catch people off guard. Torn carpeting, loose floorboards, and changes in floor elevation without proper marking also lead to injuries.
• Poor lighting makes existing hazards even more dangerous. Dim stairwells, dark parking garages, and inadequately lit walkways prevent people from seeing obstacles in their path. Property owners must provide sufficient lighting in all areas accessible to visitors.
• Weather-related hazards pose particular risks. While South Carolina winters are mild, ice and snow can still accumulate on Summerville properties. Failure to clear walkways, salt icy patches, or warn about slippery conditions can result in liability.

Injuries That Result from Falls

Slip and fall accidents cause a wide range of injuries, some more severe than others. Hip fractures are particularly common among older adults and often require surgery and extensive rehabilitation. These injuries can permanently affect mobility and independence.

Traumatic brain injuries occur when someone strikes their head during a fall. Even what seems like a minor bump can cause concussions, internal bleeding, or long-term cognitive problems. These injuries demand immediate medical attention and careful monitoring.

Spinal cord damage from falls can lead to partial or complete paralysis. Back injuries, herniated discs, and nerve damage may require ongoing treatment and cause chronic pain. These injuries often prevent people from returning to their previous employment.

Broken bones affect victims of all ages. Wrists, arms, ankles, and legs frequently break when someone tries to catch themselves during a fall. Recovery can take months and may involve surgery, physical therapy, and time away from work.

Types of Properties Where Falls Occur

Slip and fall accidents happen across various property types throughout Summerville. Each location presents distinct hazards and legal considerations:

• Retail stores and shopping centers where spills, cluttered aisles, and merchandise in walkways create dangers
• Restaurants and food establishments with wet floors, kitchen grease, and food debris
• Apartment complexes and rental properties with poorly maintained stairs, broken handrails, and inadequate lighting
• Hotels and lodging facilities where guests encounter wet pool areas, damaged carpeting, and unmaintained grounds

These locations see high visitor traffic, which increases both the risk of accidents and the property owner’s duty to maintain safe conditions.

How South Carolina Law Affects Your Claim

South Carolina follows a modified comparative negligence rule under Code Section 15-38-15. With this law, you can recover damages as long as your fault does not exceed the defendant’s fault. However, if you are 50 percent or more responsible for your fall, you cannot recover anything.

Insurance companies often argue that victims should have watched where they were walking or seen obvious hazards. They try to shift the blame to reduce their payout. We combat these arguments with strong evidence showing the property owner’s negligence was the primary cause of your injuries.

Note that you have three years from the date of injury to file a claim. While this might seem like plenty of time, waiting too long can hurt your case. Witnesses become harder to locate, memories fade, and evidence disappears. Starting your claim promptly with an experienced Summerville slip and fall lawyer by your side helps protect your rights.

What Compensation Can You Recover

Victims of slip and fall accidents may recover several types of damages. Economic damages include all financial losses directly tied to your injuries. Medical expenses, both past and future, form a significant portion of most claims. This covers emergency treatment, hospitalization, surgery, medication, physical therapy, and any ongoing care you will need.

Lost wages compensate you for income you could not earn while recovering. If your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job or limit your earning capacity, you may also recover lost future earnings. These calculations require careful analysis of your employment history and career prospects.

Non-economic damages acknowledge the physical discomfort, emotional distress, and limitations you now face. South Carolina does not cap non-economic damages in most personal injury cases.

Areas We Serve in Summerville

Our firm represents clients throughout Summerville and the surrounding communities. We serve residents in zip codes 29483 and 29485, covering all neighborhoods in the greater Summerville area. Whether your accident occurred downtown, in a residential neighborhood, or at a commercial property along major roads, we can help. Our Summerville slip and fall lawyers also assist clients throughout Dorchester County and the Charleston metropolitan area.

Contact Trey Harrell Today

Property owners must be held responsible when their negligence causes injuries. You should not have to bear the financial burden of someone else’s failure to maintain safe premises. Our firm provides the skilled representation you need to pursue justice and fair compensation.

Remember, Trey Helps! Contact our office today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward recovery.