Slip and fall accidents might seem like relatively minor incidents, but they can lead to serious injuries and life-altering consequences. If you or someone you love has suffered an injury in a slip and fall accident, you should know that South Carolina law protects your right to seek compensation when unsafe conditions cause you harm.
At Murphy Crantford Meehan, we are proud to represent injured people in Florence, SC. Our team understands the impact an injury can have on your life, and we are here to help. If you need a slip and fall accident lawyer in Florence, we’re ready to stand by your side and help you take the next steps toward getting the compensation you deserve.
What Is a Slip and Fall Injury?
A slip and fall injury happens when someone falls because of a dangerous condition on someone else’s property. These cases are part of an area of law known as premises liability. Property owners have a responsibility to make sure their property is safe for anyone who visits. When they don’t, and someone gets hurt because of that, the property owner may be held legally responsible.
Slip and falls can happen almost anywhere, like in grocery stores, restaurants, schools, parks, sidewalks, and even in homes. Whether you’re shopping in downtown Florence or walking into a business near Magnolia Mall, unsafe conditions can lead to serious accidents.
Common Causes of Slip and Fall Injuries
Slip and fall accidents are often more serious than people realize. A simple fall can lead to broken bones, head injuries, and even a spinal cord injury. Below are some of the most common causes of slip and fall injuries.
Wet and Uneven Walking Surfaces
Floors that are wet or surfaces that are uneven can easily cause someone to lose their balance. Spilled liquids, loose floorboards, potholes in parking lots, cluttered aisles, and worn-out carpets are all dangers that can lead to serious falls. In busy areas of Florence, like Five Points or Florence Center, these hazards can easily catch someone off guard.
Weather Conditions
Weather can create dangerous conditions if not handled properly. Rain, ice, and even wet leaves can make walkways slippery. Property owners are expected to clear sidewalks or at least warn visitors about the hazards. Without action, these areas become traps for accidents, especially in parking lots or sidewalks near businesses on Palmetto Street.
Poor Lighting
When lighting is bad, hazards are harder to see. Poor visibility can hide obstacles like uneven pavement or debris. Dim parking lots or dark stairwells are common places where falls happen because of poor lighting. In Florence’s older neighborhoods or shopping centers, proper lighting is essential but often neglected.
Damaged or Broken Handrails
Stairways and ramps should have sturdy handrails to help prevent falls. Missing or broken handrails can leave people without support when they need it most. Whether at an office building or a hotel in Florence’s historic district, handrails should be kept in good condition to keep people safe.
Our Track Record of Success
At Murphy Crantford Meehan, we have successfully helped many clients recover damages after serious slip and fall accidents. Some of the verdicts and settlements we have helped our clients recover include:
- $650,000 – Our client suffered serious injuries after falling from a broken chair, and the business owner was held responsible for their negligence in property maintenance.
- $375,000 – We secured a strong settlement for our client, who slipped and fell because of unsafe conditions at a local business.
- $250,000 – Following a slip and fall caused by hazardous conditions at a local business, we proved the owner’s negligence and recovered fair compensation.
These results reflect our commitment to helping clients recover after being injured due to someone else’s carelessness.
Damages You Can Recover
If you’ve been hurt in a slip and fall accident, you may recover compensation for several costs and losses, such as medical bills to cover all of your current and future costs of care, lost wages for the loss of income due to injury, pain and suffering for the impact the accident has on your life, future medical expenses for ongoing treatment, and other out-of-pocket costs related to your injury. These damages can help you move forward without the added stress of financial strain.
Steps to Take After a Slip and Fall Accident
The steps after a slip and fall accident can make a big difference in your ability to recover compensation. Acting quickly can provide you with the best chance of building a strong case against the responsible party. Some of the things you should do include:
Seek Medical Attention and Document Injuries
Getting checked by a doctor right away creates a record that links your injuries directly to the accident. Some injuries, like a head injury due to slip, might not show symptoms immediately, but early medical documentation is key to your claim. A doctor can also catch injuries you didn’t even realize you had. Having medical records also makes it tougher for insurance companies to question whether your injuries are real or how serious they are.
Collect Evidence at the Scene
Taking pictures of what caused your fall, like wet floors or uneven ground, can give you strong evidence to support your case. Photos capture the dangerous condition before it can be fixed or removed. Taking pictures from several different angles and distances can help to give a clear view of the hazard. If possible, take a few videos too. They can help show how the scene looked in real life when you are filing a personal injury lawsuit.
Report the Accident to the Property Owner or Manager
Reporting your accident ensures there’s an official record. This step helps show that the property owner knew about the accident and might prevent them from denying it happened. Try to get a copy of the incident report, and if they won’t hand one over, snap a photo of it for your records. Keeping a written record can make a big difference if you need to prove your case later and prove who is liable for your fall injury.
Preserve Clothing, Shoes, and Other Items Worn During the Accident
Your clothes and shoes could show signs of the fall, such as rips, stains, or scuffs. They can help tell the story of how the accident happened. Don’t wash or repair anything. Instead, keep the items exactly as they were. Put them in a bag or safe place where they won’t get damaged further.
Gather Witness Information
Witnesses can describe what they saw and back up your account. Their statements can be important if the property owner denies being at fault. Try to get their names, phone numbers, and a quick summary of what they saw. The more witnesses you have, the stronger your case can be.
Keep Every Bill and Receipt Linked to the Injury
Keeping track of your expenses helps show the financial toll the injury has had on your life. Bills for medical treatment, therapy, or even transportation costs can all be included. Even small expenses add up, so save everything just in case. A clear record of costs can help you ask for fair compensation later on.
Contact an Experienced Florence Slip and Fall Attorney
A slip and fall injury lawyer in Florence can explain your rights and guide you through the process of filing a claim. Having someone on your side increases your chances of getting the compensation you need. They can also deal with insurance companies, so you don’t have to stress about it. The right premises liability attorney in Florence will fight so that you’re not left paying for someone else’s mistake.
Avoid Posting About the Accident on Social Media
Anything you post can be used against you later. Even a simple update or photo could give insurance companies a reason to question your injuries or blame you for the accident. Keeping details of your accident off social media helps protect your claim. It’s better to talk things through with your premises liability lawyer in Florence first before sharing anything online. A few minutes of caution now can save you a lot of trouble later.
Frequently Asked Questions
When you’re dealing with an injury from a fall, it’s normal to have questions. Here are some answers to the ones we hear most often.
What kind of evidence is most important in a Florence slip and fall claim?
In a slip and fall claim, the best evidence usually includes photographs of the hazardous condition, medical records showing your injuries, and witness statements. A property’s maintenance records or incident reports can also be useful. The goal is to prove that the property owner failed to keep the area safe and that failure led to your injury.
Does South Carolina law treat slip and fall accidents differently on public vs. private property?
Yes, South Carolina law has some differences depending on whether the accident happened on public or private property. Generally, private property owners have a duty of care to visitors, but public entities like cities have certain legal protections. However, even with those protections, it’s still possible to hold a public entity responsible if their negligence caused your injury.
Can I still recover damages if I was partially at fault for my fall in Florence?
Yes. South Carolina law follows a modified version of the comparative negligence doctrine, which means you can still recover damages if you were less than 51 percent at fault. However, your compensation would be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were 20 percent responsible, your premises liability claim settlement would be reduced by 20 percent.
Contact Our Slip and Fall Accident Lawyers in Florence, SC Today
Slip and fall accidents can happen when you least expect them. At Murphy Crantford Meehan, we understand what you’re going through, and we are ready to help. If you are looking for a slip and fall accident attorney in Florence, call us today for a free consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your options, and fight to get you the compensation you deserve.
