Accidents can happen anywhere. A slip and fall on a wet floor, being cut by a broken handrail, or being hit by a falling object are all common types of injuries which can occur in public places, and all can result in serious and potentially disabling injuries. Accidental injuries are often not an accident at all, but occur as the result of someone’s reckless or negligent behavior. When you are visiting a store, restaurant, office, park of any other public place, you have a reasonable expectation of being protected from certain harms. Failing to protect guests on public property makes the owner of that property liable for personal injury lawsuits. If you have suffered this type of injury, you may be able to collect damages for the harm you have suffered.
Duty Of Care to Invited Guests
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Under South Carolina legal rules , premises liability cases revolve around the duty of care that property owners owe to people who come onto their property. ‘Duty of care’ refers to the amount of effort put into making the property safe in order to prevent injuries. If you own property and someone trespasses on that property, the duty of care you owe that person is low. If you own property and open it for the use of others, such as in a public park, or if you actually invite others onto your property, such as in a store or restaurant, your duty of care is high. This duty can be translated into the following:
- Making sure walkways are clear and that any spills are mopped up right away;
- Making sure there are handrails on stairs and that stairwells are lighted;
- Keeping entrances and exits clear and free from clutter or obstructions;
- Alerting visitors to potential dangers, such as construction or the potential for falling objects; and
- Taking care of general maintenance tasks, such as making sure light fixtures are secured, wood flooring is secured, or that carpeting is nailed down.
Failing to adhere to this duty of care is negligent, and may result in the property owner or operator being liable for damages in a personal injury lawsuit.
Damages in Premises Liability Cases
When you suffer an injury as the result of someone’s negligent actions, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, which is referred to as damages in a personal injury lawsuit. Under South Carolina law , the types of damages you may be entitled to include the following:
- Economic damages, including medical expenses, loss of income or wages, and rehabilitative costs;
- Non-economic damages, including pain and suffering, physical impairment, scarring, and loss of enjoyment or quality of life; and
- Punitive damages, meant to punish particularly reckless or negligent behavior.
Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney Today
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury in a public place, it is important to speak with an experienced South Carolina personal injury attorney right away. At the Lauren Taylor Law, we have the legal knowledge and expertise to advise you on holding responsible parties accountable through a premises liability lawsuit. We can assist you in terms of determining the types of damages you may be entitled to, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Serving all of Upstate South Carolina, call or contact us online for a free case review.
South Carolina divorce attorney Lauren Taylor practices family law in Charleston and Greenville. She graduated from the Charlotte School of Law, and has been practicing for more than ten years.
Since the firm’s inception in 2012, Mrs. Taylor has helped hundreds of people navigate the uncertainties surrounding the family and criminal court process.
She has cultivated a team that ensures each case has a strategy crafted specifically to the clients needs and desires.
Her commitment to top notch service has led her to open two additional offices in the low country where she now resides with her husband Michael and her golden retriever, Buster.