A premises liability lawsuit requires legal representation.
In South Carolina states, if you are injured while on property that belongs to someone else, the property owner can be held responsible if the accident was caused by the owner's negligence. Specifically, property owners have a duty to ensure their buildings and grounds are safe for legal visitors, inspect the premises to identify potential hazards, and repair or mitigate hazards in a timely fashion. Also, they may be obligated to post warnings or erect barriers that signal a potential hazard. Some examples of unsafe conditions may be:
- Poor lighting
- Negligent maintenance
- Negligent security
- Building code violations
- Negligent design and construction
Among the most common causes or premises liability lawsuits are slip and falls, animal attacks, swimming pool accidents, and assault.
Slip and Falls
Slip and falls are one of the leading causes of death and injury in older adults. Such accidents can occur in a variety of settings, including:
- Wet/greasy/waxed floors
- Wet or icy parking lots
- Uneven curbs
- Blocked pathways and aisles
- Loose or broken floorboards
- Loose or torn carpet
- Exposed trees roots
- Dangerous staircases
- Potholes
Dog and Animal Attacks
In South Carolina, if you are the victim of an unprovoked dog bite or attack, the dog owner or person having the dog in his or her care is liable for your injuries. Dog/animal attacks can result in serious cuts and bruises as well as significant injuries from being knocked to the ground. While children and older adults are usually the most vulnerable to animal attacks, a dog or other animal can cause serious damage to anyone. These cases can be as complex as any other premises liability lawsuit and require legal representation.
Swimming Pool Accidents
Swimming pool accidents are can happen at hotels, water parks, community facilities, and backyard pools. Public and private swimming pool owners can be held liable if their negligence leads to or contributes to:
- Drownings
- Submersion injuries
- Falls on pool decks
- Infection or disease from untreated water
- Exposure to toxic chemicals