You can suffer an injury at someone’s home or business in Cayce, SC due to no fault of your own. If the owner of the space was negligent, you can sue for compensation. To do so, hire a Cayce personal injury lawyer.
Working with a lawyer who has experience in premises liability cases is key. The Shelly Leeke Law Firm can connect you with a Cayce premises liability lawyer who has a track record of success. Get in touch with us today.
How a Premises Liability Claim Works
A premises liability claim is considered to be a civil action. The claim involves seeking compensation from a property owner who did not take proper care of their space, which led to an injury. Examples of lawsuits based on premises problems include:
- Slippery surface
- Insufficient lighting
- Cracked or uneven sidewalk
- Lack of signage
- Not restraining or holding back an animal
To file a liability claim, you must suffer an injury due to any of these reasons or any others. A Cayce premises liability attorney will learn about your injury and help you figure out if your claim is legitimate. If so, they will submit your lawsuit in accordance with South Carolina’s statute of limitations of three years.
Common Types of Premises Liability Accidents
People can suffer everything from minor burns to traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) due to property issues. It only takes a single property problem to lead to an accident, injury, and personal injury lawsuit. Common reasons why people submit liability claims against negligent property owners include:
Slip and Fall Accident
Slick floors, debris on walkways, and other hazards can lead to slips and falls. Regardless, the owner of a space is responsible for identifying and addressing these dangers. If an individual ignores or chooses not to remove such issues and you get hurt as a result, you can file a slip and fall accident claim.
Porch Collapse
If a porch is rotting or has structural damage, the space is unsafe. The porch can be compromised if too many people are visiting at once, which can cause it to collapse. Following a porch collapse that causes an injury, you can sue the owner, since they were responsible for maintaining the space.
Fire
A business owner may decide not to install fire alarms or not maintain these systems. If a fire happens, you and many other people can suffer burns. The owner was negligent, and you are eligible to sue them on the grounds of premises liability.
Elevator or Escalator Accident
When an elevator or escalator does not work correctly, an arm or leg can get stuck in it, which can result in an amputation or other severe injuries. Under no circumstances should a property owner let visitors use a faulty elevator or escalator. If you get injured by this type of equipment, file a claim against the owner.
Dog Bite
When you pet a dog, you probably do not expect the animal to attack you. If a dog bites you, the trauma that follows can impact you for many years to come. After a dog bite accident, it is in your best interests to seek damages from the pet’s owner.
The team at the Shelly Leeke Law Firm is very familiar with personal injury lawsuits for these reasons and many others. Our premises liability lawyer in Cayce will walk you through the steps to take if you get hurt due to a negligent property owner. To find out more, please reach out to us.
What to Do After a Premises Liability Accident
How you respond to an accident that takes place on someone else’s property has far-flung effects. With an appropriate response, you boost your chances of being able to show that the owner of the land was negligent, which led to your accident and injury. Here are things you should to do to respond to a premises liability accident without compromising a potential request for damages:
- Take photos and videos of the accident scene.
- Notify the homeowner or submit a report to the business owner about your accident.
- Go to a doctor.
Along with these things, contact a lawyer who specializes in premises liability lawsuits. Prepare a list of questions before you meet with this legal professional. Then, the attorney can answer frequently asked questions and any others you have about personal injury lawsuits.
Why You Need to Protect Yourself in a Premises Liability Case
A negligent property owner may be fully aware of the consequences of their actions. Rather than accept responsibility for their negligence, the owner and their insurance company will attempt to shift the blame onto you. Some of the things this individual and their insurer will do to avoid having to pay you compensation include:
- Showing That There Was an Assumption of Risk: They will argue that you knew about the risks you were taking when you visited a property where hazards were present.
- Saying That They Had No Idea That There Were Any Dangers: You will need to prove that an owner knew about a hazard that led to your injury if this individual claims that they had no indication this problem was there in the first place.
- Citing Comparative Negligence: Negligence laws apply in South Carolina, which an owner and their insurer may use to show that you were primarily or fully responsible for your injury.
- Indicating That You Were Trespassing: An owner may say that you illegally went on their property at the time you were injured.
A premises liability attorney in Cayce understands these common defenses used against plaintiffs. Your lawyer learns about your accident and injury and prepares a personalized legal strategy. They make sure you can dispute any argument from the defendant and present an argument that compels a judge or jury to rule in your favor.
Partner with a Premises Liability Lawyer
A premises liability claim can be a long, drawn-out process, especially if you choose to pursue your case on your own. The Shelly Leeke Law Firm will take care of your claim and keep you up to date every step of the way. Please contact us today to schedule a free case consultation.
