If you or a loved one recently suffered injuries in a slip and fall, then you know how serious these accidents can be. People often cannot work due to their slip and fall injuries and must undergo lengthy and expensive medical care. An experienced Fort Mill personal injury lawyer, however, can help you get through those challenges and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Attorney David Blackwell and our legal team at David Blackwell Law can bring decades of legal experience to your slip and fall accident case and dedication to providing you with the highest level of service and attention. Contact our Fort Mill slip and fall lawyers today to learn more about how we will assist you and allow us to review your case in a free consultation.
We serve clients across South Carolina, including Lancaster, Indian Land, and Rock Hill.
Who Is Liable for Slip and Fall Injuries?
Generally, property owners – or those who manage or otherwise control property – owe a duty to provide safe conditions to those who lawfully visit their property. They must also take reasonable steps to warn them of any unsafe conditions which they cannot immediately correct. If a lawful visitor suffers injuries because the property owner or manager fails to live up to that duty, the visitor has the right to demand full and fair compensation.
The three key questions to ask in any slip and fall case are:
- Did the property owner or manager know or should they have reasonably known about the unsafe condition that caused your injury? In other words, did the property owner or manager have “notice” about the condition? How long the hazard existed can be an important factor in determining whether the party had notice.
- Did the property owner warn you or the public in any way about known hazards or risks? For example, if a property owner mops the floor, the owner should rope off the area or, at the very least, put out a “wet floor” sign to adequately warn visitors.
- Who is responsible for property repairs? It makes sense that liability falls on the party who was in the best position to make conditions safe or to warn visitors about unsafe conditions.
To avoid liability, a property owner or manager may try to shift blame for the accident to the person who slipped, tripped and fell. They may claim that the hazard was an “open and obvious” one. At David Blackwell Law, we will challenge any attempts to blame you for your slip and fall accident.
What Kind of Damages Can Be Recovered in a Slip and Fall Case?
Slip and falls can occur in an instant – but leave lingering, painful harm. Some of the most common slip and fall injuries are:
- Traumatic brain injury (such as concussions)
- Back and spine injuries (with slipped or bulging discs being common)
- Broken bones (including hip and wrist fractures)
- Soft tissue damage (such as torn ligaments).
If you recently were hurt in a slip and fall due to the negligence of a property owner or manager, attorney David Blackwell and our legal team will pursue just compensation for you, including:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost income and loss of future earning ability
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Punitive damages (in exceptional cases)
- Wrongful death damages (if a slip and fall caused a loved one’s death).
In most slip and fall cases, the compensation comes from an insurance policy that the property owner or manager carries. If presented with a strong case for liability and damages, the insurance company will be more likely to settle the claim. That is why we thoroughly investigate the slip and fall cases we handle for our clients at David Blackwell Law, including gathering and reviewing all medical records and consulting with experts. We prepare solid cases for damages and demand the maximum amount for our clients. If an insurance company refuses to accept liability and/or challenges damages, we are always ready to go to trial for those we serve.
What Is Considered a Slip and Fall?
A “slip and fall” is a type of premises liability case. It arises when a dangerous condition, or hazard, causes one to fall and suffer bodily injury on another person’s property. The fall becomes a legal claim when it occurs because of something the property owner or manager did or failed to do. The goal is to make the person “whole” – or as close to it as possible.
Slip and falls can occur anywhere, including commercial property and private homes. Most of the cases we encounter at David Blackwell Law involve falls in places such as stores, malls, office buildings, sidewalks, parking lots, swimming pools, and public parks. The most common hazards that cause these slip and falls include:
- Poor lighting
- Loose or missing handrails
- Clutter or debris in aisles and walkways
- Cracks or holes in pavement
- Unmarked elevation changes
- Torn, frayed, or loose carpeting
- Loose or broken stairs
- Spilled food or liquids
- Wet, icy, or slushy floors.
It is important to contact a lawyer who serves Fort Mill as soon as possible after you or a loved one suffers a slip and fall injury. Many property owners try to fix or remove a hazard as soon as an accident happens. Your attorney will take immediate steps to preserve evidence and prepare your claim.
Get Help from Our Expert Fort Mill Slip and Fall Attorneys
Our Fort Mill personal injury attorneys at David Blackwell Law, take pride in providing professional and compassionate service to every one of our clients. We believe that our clients deserve the highest level of care and attention. Our aim is to pursue full and fair compensation for them as well as to ensure that they are treated with the respect they deserve.
We do not charge for initial consultations. We also charge no legal fees unless we secure compensation for our clients. We do not want concerns about paying for a lawyer to get in the way of getting legal help that people need after a devastating accident such as a slip and fall.
To learn more about how David Blackwell Law can serve you after a slip and fall in Fort Mill, contact us today.