Getting hurt on someone else’s property may give you grounds for seeking compensation if they neglected to keep the area safe. Property owners, managers, and operators must know about and fix hazards, or they can be held liable by a Myrtle Beach premises liability lawyer.
At Shelly Leeke Law Firm, we have managed cases like this for over a decade with experience, knowledge, and integrity. We believe you should not have to face medical bills when someone else is at fault. Contact us for a free case review with a Myrtle Beach personal injury lawyer today.
Why Choose Shelly Leeke for Your Myrtle Beach Premises Liability Claim
When you are hurt on a property, you need a Myrtle Beach premises liability attorney who understands the area and how to interpret the law for your circumstances. At Shelly Leeke Law Firm, we listen to your concerns and answer your questions during a free initial consultation. When you hire us, we provide valuable services to build your case, such as:
- Identifying all liable parties
- Conducting a thorough investigation into the details of your accident
- Gathering evidence of negligence and your injuries
- Calculating your settlement needs
- Negotiating with insurance companies and defense attorneys
- Litigating your case effectively in court when needed
We try to settle your case as quickly as possible but prepare for the courtroom from the beginning. We know you may have high medical bills and other expenses after a premises accident, and we work to secure the maximum compensation available. We communicate with you regularly so you know what is going on with your case.
Your attorney will also work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you can get the skilled legal representation you need without paying a lot upfront. Shelly Leeke Law Firm offers a record of success that helps you feel confident about our ability to help you.
Understanding Premises Liability Law in South Carolina
Anyone who owns, leases, manages, or operates a property is legally obligated to keep it safe for others. Both homeowners and commercial owners owe you a duty of care and can be held liable for any harm that comes to you on their property. Your premises liability lawyer in Myrtle Beach, SC, will assess your case to determine your visitor classification, which will impact your case.
Invitee
Invitees are on the property for some business purpose. For example, a shopper in a store is an invitee, but so is a plumber who is called for repairs. Invitees are owed the highest duty of care, and the property owner must actively seek out dangers and repair them to keep the premises safe.
Licensee
Licensees have permission to visit the property but are not owed the same level of care. A property owner must warn licensees about any known hazards, but they are not required to seek out problems. For example, if you know about a loose board on your front steps, you should tell visitors to be careful using it.
Trespasser
Trespassers are not owed any duty of care by property owners, with one exception. They cannot purposely take any action to harm trespassers. Additionally, South Carolina has special laws regarding attractive nuisances, such as pools, swingsets, or other items that may lure children onto the property.
Property owners must take precautions to prevent children from accessing the potentially hazardous nuisance. If they do not, the child’s parents can hold them accountable with the help of a premises liability attorney in Myrtle Beach, SC.
Common Kinds of Premises Liability Cases in Myrtle Beach, SC
There are a number of ways you can be injured on someone else’s property. Some of the most common types of cases our firm handles include situations such as:
Slip, Trip, and Fall Accidents
If a property owner fails to correct flooring issues, such as puddles, ripped carpet, poor lighting, or broken steps, customers can fall and injure themselves severely. Suffering a slip-and-fall accident can leave you with a traumatic brain injury or limited mobility afterward, requiring lengthy medical care.
Unsafe Building Conditions
Without property alarms for fire and carbon monoxide, tenants or guests could suffer serious injury or death. Other unsafe conditions include faulty wiring, leaks, and improperly stored chemicals.
Elevator and Escalator Accidents
An escalator or elevator malfunction can be extremely damaging. Regular inspection and repair are required to keep these devices working properly. If your attorney finds the property owner failed to maintain this equipment, you may have a stronger case for compensation.
Property Security Failures
If you are injured by someone in a parking lot or other property because the owner failed to secure it, you may be eligible to file a claim. You may also be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against the person who hurt you, giving you an opportunity for further compensation.
Dog Bites and Animal Attacks
Animal attacks fall under a homeowner’s insurance policy or commercial business owner’s coverage. In Title 47, Chapter 3, Article 2, South Carolina law states that owners of dogs and other animals are strictly liable for any harm their pet causes to others. There is no “one-bite” rule in SC, as there is in other states. If you or a loved one is injured, you can file a dog bite accident lawsuit.
What Your Premises Liability Lawsuit Might Be Worth
The value of your claim will depend on the circumstances of your situation. Every case is unique, and it takes an experienced Myrtle Beach premises liability attorney to make an appropriate estimate.
Common losses you can include are those which are economic and those which are non-economic. Doctor bills with a specific price are an example of economic damages, while your pain and suffering are non-economic. Other losses you might claim include:
- Hospital bills for ICU and ER treatment
- Lost income while you recover
- Lost benefits and future earnings if you are disabled
- Property repair or replacement
- Mental anguish
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disability
- Amputation or loss of limb
- Depression, sleep disturbances, and other mental conditions
- Rehabilitative therapy costs
The team at Shelly Leeke Law Firm will help you consider all your losses so you do not face a financial burden as the result of someone else’s negligence. You deserve to have every penny returned to you when you have been harmed, and our attorneys will make every effort to ensure you receive justice.
Speak with a Premises Liability Attorney in Myrtle Beach, SC
You must act right away to file your premises liability claim. The South Carolina statute of limitations is only three years from the date you are injured. If you wait too long, you could lose your chance to seek compensation. A Myrtle Beach premises liability lawyer from our firm can manage your case while you focus on getting better.
Use our convenient contact form to schedule a free consultation with the team at Shelly Leeke Law Firm today.
