Accidents can happen anywhere, but when they occur because of unsafe conditions on someone elseโs property, they are not just unfortunateโthey are preventable. Serious injuries can result when property owners neglect their duty to maintain a safe environment. If you have been hurt on someone else’s property, you may be entitled to compensation; that is where we step in. At McCravy, Newlon, Sturkie, & Clardy, our experienced Greenwood premises liability lawyers are here to help you understand your rights and pursue the justice you deserve.
What Is Premises Liability?
Premises liability refers to property owners’ responsibility to ensure their premises are safe for visitors. This duty extends to both commercial and residential property owners. When they fail to uphold this responsibility, and someone gets injured, the property owner may be held liable. These cases can arise in various situations, from slip and fall accidents in a grocery store to injuries caused by faulty construction at a rental property. Our Greenwood premises liability attorneys are familiar with the many ways these incidents can unfold, and we are committed to helping you hold negligent property owners accountable.
Common Types of Premises Liability Cases
Premises liability covers a wide range of accidents and injuries. Some of the most common cases we handle include:
- Slip and fall accidents: One of the leading causes of premises liability claims, slip and fall accidents occur when a person loses balance due to hazards like poorly maintained walkways, uneven surfaces, or wet floors. In many cases, these accidents result in severe injuries like broken bones, head trauma, or spinal cord injuries.
- Inadequate security: If a property owner fails to provide adequate security, visitors may become victims of violent crimes like assault or robbery. Property owners of places such as apartment complexes, parking garages, and shopping centers are expected to take reasonable steps to ensure safety, including proper lighting, surveillance, and security personnel.
- Defective conditions: Injuries can also occur due to defective or poorly maintained property features. This can include broken stairs, malfunctioning elevators, or faulty electrical systems. Property owners must regularly inspect and repair their premises to prevent these dangerous situations.
- Dog bites and animal attacks: Animal owners are responsible for controlling their pets, especially when they show aggressive tendencies. If you have been bitten or attacked by a dog or other animal on someoneโs property, you may be able to file a premises liability claim.
At McCravy, Newlon, Sturkie, & Clardy, our team has extensive experience handling these and other types of premises liability cases. We understand the pain and frustration that can accompany such injuries, and we are dedicated to helping you seek the compensation you need for medical bills, lost wages, and more.
Proving Liability in Premises Liability Cases
Premises liability cases require clear evidence to establish that the property ownerโs negligence directly caused your injury. To build a strong case, it is crucial to demonstrate the following:
- Duty of care: The property owner had a responsibility to maintain a reasonably safe environment for visitors.
- Breach of duty: The owner failed to meet this responsibility by allowing dangerous conditions to exist on the property.
- Injury: You suffered an injury as a result of this unsafe condition.
- Causation: The hazardous condition directly caused your injury.
While these elements may seem straightforward, proving them can be a complicated process that requires a deep understanding of South Carolina law. Working with an experienced Greenwood premises liability attorney is so important. At McCravy, Newlon, Sturkie, & Clardy, we have the knowledge and resources to investigate your accident, gather evidence, and craft a compelling case on your behalf.
Premises Liability and South Carolina Law
In South Carolina, premises liability laws are designed to protect individuals who suffer injuries due to unsafe property conditions. However, not all visitors are afforded the same level of protection.
The state recognizes three categories of visitors:
- Invitees: People invited to a property for business purposes, such as customers at a store, are owed the highest duty of care. Property owners must regularly inspect for hazards and address them promptly.
- Licensees: These are individuals who are on the premises with permission but for non-commercial reasons, like a social guest. The owners are legally required to warn licensees of known dangers but are not required to inspect for unknown hazards.
- Trespassers: Property owners generally owe little duty to trespassers, but they cannot willfully create dangerous conditions that could harm someone.
Knowing how the law applies to your specific situation can be challenging, but at McCravy, Newlon, Sturkie, & Clardy, we are here to guide you through the process. Our Greenwood premises liability lawyers will carefully evaluate the details of your case and explain how South Carolina law impacts your claim.
Compensation You May Receive
Every case brings unique circumstances, but common types of compensation include:
- Medical expenses: From emergency room visits to ongoing therapy, we fight for coverage of all your medical needs. This includes future medical care you might require.
- Lost income: Missing work during recovery should not mean financial hardship. We help recover both current and future lost wages.
- Pain and suffering: Physical pain and emotional distress deserve recognition. Our premises liability attorneys work to secure fair compensation for these non-economic damages.
Why Choose McCravy, Newlon, Sturkie, & Clardy?
When it comes to premises liability cases, experience and dedication make all the difference. At McCravy, Newlon, Sturkie, & Clardy, we have been serving the Greenwood community for years, and our clientโs well-being is our top priority. We take the time to thoroughly investigate each case, provide personalized legal counsel, and fight aggressively on behalf of our clients. Our reputation for success is built on a commitment to justice and a deep understanding of South Carolinaโs premises liability laws.
We believe every client deserves compassionate and skilled representation, no matter the size or complexity of their case. When you choose McCravy, Newlon, Sturkie, & Clardy, you can trust that you are in capable hands, and we will be with you every step of the way.
Contact McCravy, Newlon, Sturkie, & Clardy Today
Contact McCravy, Newlon, Sturkie, & Clardy today at 866-MCCRAVY to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced Greenwood premises liability lawyers. Let us help you hold negligent property owners accountable and secure the justice you deserve.