Countless South Carolina residents and visitors suffer severe injuries every year from slip-and-falls, dog bites, swimming pool accidents, amusement park accidents, and other premises liability accidents. Unfortunately, some people injured in these incidents do not recover the compensation they need — or do not seek compensation at all — due to mistaken beliefs about their rights, personal injury law, and the legal system.
Here is the truth about five common misconceptions regarding South Carolina premises liability claims:
Misconception 1: Only Slip-and-Fall Accidents Are Covered in Premises Liability Claims
Slip-and-falls are among the most common premises liability cases, but they are far from the only type of accident that may qualify for compensation. Our personal injury attorneys help clients seek compensation for injuries resulting from many kinds of dangerous property conditions, including falling objects, broken stairs, poor lighting, faulty railings, dog bites, and negligent security. If you were hurt because a property owner or other responsible party failed to keep their property safe, you may have a valid claim, even if your injury was not the result of a fall.
Misconception 2: Property Owners Are Automatically Liable for Premises Liability Claims
Just because someone else owns the property where you were hurt does not automatically mean they are legally responsible for your injuries under premises liability law. In South Carolina, you must prove that the owner knew or reasonably should have known about the dangerous condition and failed to fix it or warn you in time. Liability is not automatic, but the owner can and should be held accountable if they acted carelessly.
Misconception 3: If There Is a Warning Sign, You Cannot Sue the Owner
A warning sign may help a property owner reduce their risk of a premises liability case, but it does not give them a free pass. If the warning is unclear, hidden, or fails to address all hazards on the premises, the owner may still be liable. For example, a “Wet Floor” sign may not excuse a property owner’s or manager’s failure to clean up a spill promptly or block off a hazardous area.
Misconception 4: Compensation Is Limited to Medical Expenses
Medical bills are a significant part of any personal injury case, but they are not the only losses for which you can seek compensation. You can also pursue money for your lost wages, reduced earning capacity, pain, suffering, emotional distress, and other losses. If your injury caused long-term effects, like the inability to work, permanent scarring, or substantial lifestyle changes, our lawyers can explain and calculate your claim’s true value.
Misconception 5: Plaintiffs Can Only Sue Commercial Property Owners
Premises liability does not just apply to businesses. You can file a claim against a negligent homeowner, landlord, property manager, or even a government entity if their negligence caused your injury. Whether you slipped at a grocery store, were injured at a neighbor’s house, or fell on a poorly maintained sidewalk, the key question is whether the property owner failed to act responsibly.
Contact Our South Carolina Premises Liability Lawyer to Fight for Compensation
Jebaily Law Firm has represented injured people in South Carolina for over 50 years, and we’ve recovered millions of dollars for clients who suffered injuries on someone else’s property. Our skilled premises liability attorneys are ready to investigate your potential premises liability lawsuit, identify who’s responsible for your injuries, and fight to hold them financially accountable so you can recover the resources you need.
Call now or complete our contact form for a free consultation about your potential personal injury claim.
