Columbia Premises Liability Lawyers

Injured on Someone Else's Property in Columbia, SC?

If you or a loved one has been injured on someone else's property, you may be entitled to compensation. Premises liability law holds property owners responsible for maintaining a safe environment for visitors and guests. At Mann Blake & Jackson Law, we have experienced premises liability lawyers who can help you navigate the legal process and fight for your rights.

Our Columbia premises liability lawyers have represented clients in a variety of cases, including slip and fall accidents, dog bites, negligent security, and more. We understand the complexities of these cases and work tirelessly to gather evidence and build a strong case on your behalf.

Call (803) 525-1645 or fill out our online contact form today to schedule a free consultation.

What is Premises Liability?

Premises liability is a legal concept that holds property owners and occupants responsible for injuries and accidents that occur on their property due to unsafe or hazardous conditions. In essence, it imposes a duty on property owners and occupants to maintain a safe environment for anyone who enters the premises. If they fail to do so and someone gets injured as a result, they may be held liable for damages.

The following are the common cases of premises liability:

• Slip and Fall Accidents: These are among the most common premises liability cases. They occur when someone slips, trips, or falls on a property due to a hazardous condition such as wet floors, uneven surfaces, or poorly maintained walkways.
• Trip and Fall Accidents: Similar to slip and fall cases, trip and fall accidents happen when someone trips over an obstacle or hazard on a property, such as loose cables, debris, or uneven flooring.
• Inadequate Security: Property owners can be held liable if they fail to provide adequate security measures, leading to criminal activities like assault, robbery, or vandalism on their premises.
• Defective Conditions: This includes cases where a property has structural defects or hazardous conditions like broken staircases, faulty railings, or inadequate lighting that result in injuries.
• Dog Bites: If a dog owner allows their aggressive or unrestrained dog to injure someone on their property, they may be liable for the injuries suffered.
• Swimming Pool Accidents: Property owners with swimming pools are often responsible for ensuring that the pool area is safe, including installing proper fencing and gates to prevent accidents or drownings.
• Elevator and Escalator Accidents: Property owners or managers may be liable for accidents involving elevators and escalators if they fail to maintain and inspect them regularly.
• Negligent Maintenance: Failure to maintain the property in a reasonably safe condition can lead to various accidents. For example, a leaking roof causes a slip and fall due to water accumulation.
• Retail Stores and Business Premises: Customers injured in stores due to unsafe conditions, such as merchandise falling from shelves or slippery floors, can file premises liability claims against the store owners.

Determining Liability in a South Carolina Premises Liability Claim

Determining liability in a premises liability claim in South Carolina, as in other jurisdictions, typically involves assessing several key factors. These factors help establish whether the property owner or occupier is legally responsible for injuries that occurred on their premises. Here's a general overview of the process:

• Duty of Care: The first step in determining liability is to establish the duty of care owed by the property owner or occupier to the injured party. In South Carolina, the duty of care varies depending on the legal status of the person on the property:
  • Invitee: Those who are invited onto the property for the benefit of the owner or occupier (e.g., customers in a store) are owed the highest duty of care. The property owner must maintain the premises in a reasonably safe condition and regularly inspect for hazards.
  • Licensee: Individuals who are on the property with permission but for their own purposes (e.g., social guests) also deserve a reasonable level of care, including warnings about known hazards.
  • Trespasser: While the duty of care to trespassers is limited, property owners still must refrain from willful or wanton conduct that could cause harm.
• Notice of Hazard: To establish liability, it must be shown that the property owner knew or should have known about the hazardous condition that caused the injury. This includes both actual knowledge (they were aware of the hazard) and constructive knowledge (they should have been aware of it through reasonable inspection and maintenance procedures).
• Causation: It's crucial to establish a direct link between the hazardous condition and the injuries sustained. The injured party must demonstrate that the condition on the property was a substantial factor in causing their injuries.

Property owners in South Carolina may raise various defenses to refute liability. These can include showing that they took reasonable steps to maintain the property, that the injured party was not an invitee or licensee, or that the dangerous condition was open and obvious.

Ready to Fight for You Today

Our Columbia premises liability attorneys are dedicated to getting you the compensation you deserve. We will work with you to determine the extent of your injuries and losses and fight to hold the responsible party accountable. Our attorneys will negotiate with insurance companies and, if necessary, take your case to court.

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and discuss your case. Our Columbia premises liability lawyers have the experience and dedication to help you get the justice you deserve.