Those who own or rent property are required to take reasonable measures to maintain it. There can be instances in which an individual does not take care of their property, and someone gets injured as a result. In these instances, the person who suffered the injury can file a personal injury lawsuit.
If you need a South Carolina premises liability attorney, trust the Shelly Leeke Law Firm. We have more than a decade of experience with personal injury lawsuits. Our South Carolina personal injury lawyers can help you sue an at-fault party on the grounds of premises liability.
How Premises Liability Works in South Carolina
Premises liability is closely related to negligence. In South Carolina, a person can file a lawsuit due to an injury that occurs on someone else’s property. However, the plaintiff, in this case, must show that the defendant was negligent in taking care of their property.
A person who owns or rents a property is not responsible for an injury that occurs if someone trespasses on their property. Comparatively, an individual can be held accountable if an authorized person is on their property. For example, if a homeowner invites a friend over and the friend gets injured, the homeowner can be held financially responsible.
By hiring a South Carolina premises liability lawyer, you can get plenty of legal insights. Your attorney can explain if you can seek damages as part of a premises liability case. Plus, your lawyer can get you up to speed on what to do to file a successful premises liability claim.
What You Need to Do to Prove a South Carolina Property Owner Is Liable for an Injury
Evidence can make or break a personal injury lawsuit. You may consider using a variety of evidence to support your claim that a property owner is liable for an injury you suffered on their property. Evidence you may want to use can include:
- Photos that show the negligent condition of a property
- Copies of any police reports relating to your accident
- Medical records that highlight the severity of your injury
A premises liability lawyer in South Carolina understands the challenges that come with proving a property owner was responsible for an injury. You can hire a premises liability attorney in South Carolina who commits time, energy, and resources to understand your case. From here, your lawyer can help you gather relevant evidence and present it to a judge or jury.
Why You Should Hire a South Carolina Premises Liability Lawyer Right Away
Time is limited to file a personal injury lawsuit in South Carolina. At most, you have up to three years from the date you suffered your injury to sue an at-fault party. Thus, if you wait more than three years to try to hire a premises liability lawyer, you will miss your chance to pursue damages.
A premises liability attorney will not wait to help you sue any negligent parties. Initially, your lawyer will gather information surrounding your case and submit the paperwork for your lawsuit. In the time before your trial, your lawyer can answer any of your legal questions and even debunk personal injury myths.
Expect your premises liability lawyer to serve as your legal advocate both now and in the foreseeable future. Your attorney will consider every available option to help you collect damages. In addition, your lawyer can give you insights into myriad legal topics, including how to prepare for a trial.
What to Expect Before Your South Carolina Premises Liability Case Goes to Trial
You may believe your premises liability case is strong, but there is always room for improvement. Before you present your case to a judge or jury, your attorney will look for ways to strengthen it. This requires you and your lawyer to work together to ensure that you are both on the same page regarding your legal strategy.
The best legal strategy is tailored to a plaintiff and their case. In a premises liability lawsuit, an attorney analyzes evidence and witness testimony. Next, the lawyer explores ways to present this evidence and testimony in a way that best supports their client’s argument.
It may take weeks or months to build a viable legal strategy. Regardless, a premises liability lawyer does the legwork to ensure that this strategy is well crafted. The attorney reviews the strategy carefully with their client prior to a trial and ensures that the strategy is executed properly.
How a Premises Liability Case in South Carolina Is Evaluated During a Trial
A judge or jury does not treat a premises liability case lightly. All aspects of a case are reviewed in detail. Then, a judge or jury determines if a plaintiff is awarded full or partial damages.
Your attorney is committed to helping you secure the most damages possible. As such, your lawyer will work diligently to ensure that a judge or jury understands why you should be awarded the full amount of the damages you request. If your attorney is successful, it will be clear to a judge or jury why a ruling should be made in your favor.
To position yourself for legal success, it pays to hire a premises liability attorney with a great track record and personal rapport. This attorney knows what it takes to win or settle a premises liability case. At the same time, the lawyer will not leave you guessing at any point during your litigation.
How to Select a South Carolina Premises Liability Attorney
Give the process of selecting a South Carolina premises liability lawyer the attention it deserves. Find a lawyer who has experience with premises liability cases. Meet with the attorney to learn how this legal professional can assist you.
Prior to meeting with a premises liability lawyer, you can put together a list of legal questions and concerns. During your meeting, you can share these questions and concerns. Consider how the attorney responds to them, as this will give you a good idea about how this lawyer deals with their clients.
Choose a premises liability lawyer who values communication. This attorney will be honest with you throughout your litigation. Most importantly, your attorney can help you navigate the legal process with precision and care.
Hire a First-Rate South Carolina Premises Liability Lawyer
The Shelly Leeke Law Firm offers comprehensive legal help in premises liability cases. We can connect you with an experienced premises liability lawyer. To get started, please contact us today.