If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident in Lancaster, SC, we understand that the following physical pain and emotional distress can be overwhelming. At our law firm, experienced attorneys are ready to guide you through this difficult period with dedication and professionalism while fighting for the compensation that’s owed to you.
With more than 150 years of combined legal experience, you can trust that we will get you what you need so you can focus on your recovery. Contact one of our Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys by calling (803) 902-7065 to schedule a free consultation with a Lancaster slip and fall accident lawyer.
How Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys Can Help If You’ve Been Injured in a Slip and Fall Accident in Lancaster, SC
If you’re in a slip and fall accident in Lancaster, South Carolina, we can handle all legal aspects of your claim, allowing you to focus on your recovery. Here’s how we can help:
Investigate
At the beginning of the personal injury claims process, we’ll investigate every aspect of your case extensively. We will analyze where the accident took place and gather all available evidence, like witness testimony, pictures of the scene, or videos from security cameras if available.
Negotiate
Aftеr our investigation has taken shape into a compelling case, we will nеgotiatе on your bеhalf with insurancе companiеs. Our attorneys know how to deal with insurancе companiеs’ tactics and will work hard to ensure you rеcеivе what you’re entitled to and arеn’t taken advantagе of.
Representation at Trial
In instances where negotiations do not result in satisfactory settlements, we can take things further by representing you during trial to try to win an appropriate verdict.
If you need help after a slip and fall in Lancaster, South Carolina, we’re here for you. Contact Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys to schedule a free consultation with a Lancaster personal injury lawyer.
How Common Are Slip and Fall Accidents?
Despite sounding harmless and being so common, falls are a significant public health concern:
- Falls are the leading cause of injury for adults ages 65 years and older.
- Over 14 million, or 25% of older adults, report falling every year.
- One out of five falls causes a serious injury such as broken bones or a head injury.
- Data shows that of the 5,190 fatal workplace injuries in 2021, 680 were associated with falls from elevations – about 13%.
These statistics underscore the serious impact falls can have. Being aware and taking appropriate precautions is critical in preventing these types of accidents.
What is My Lancaster Slip and Fall Accident Case Worth?
The value of your slip and fall accident claim depends on a combination of different factors. No two cases are alike, but understanding the potential worth typically requires an examination of the following key elements:
The Severity of Injuries
One determining factor is the magnitude or severity of your injuries. More severe injuries usually translate to higher medical bills, longer recovery times, possible implications for future earning capacity, and more pain and suffering. For these reasons, the more severe your injuries, the higher your claim is likely worth.
Insurance Policy Limits
Insurance policy limits also play a critical role in determining the worth of your case. Policies have maximum amounts they will pay, and these can vary significantly from one policy to another. Regardless of how severe your injuries are, the defendant’s insurance coverage can limit how much you can recover.
If your damages exceed the policy limit, you will have to file a personal injury claim against the defendant to try to recoup your losses.
The Strength of Evidence Against the Defendant
The quality of your evidence can greatly impact the valuation of a slip and fall case. If you have strong evidence that clearly proves negligence on the part of the defendant, it likely increases your chances for a higher settlement or award.
The Competence of Your Attorney
Additionally, your attorney’s competence will affect the outcome of your case. A skilled lawyer will be able to navigate the complexities of personal injury law and fight on your behalf.
They know how to build a strong case by assembling and interpreting relevant evidence, negotiating effectively with insurance providers or opposing counsel to include pain and suffering damages, and presenting compelling arguments in court if necessary.
Determining the financial worth of a slip and fall accident case involves careful consideration of several factors. A skilled Lancaster personal injury attorney can assist you in evaluating those aspects to help you get what you’re entitled to under South Carolina law.
What Kinds of Damages Are Available to Slip and Fall Accident Victims in Lancaster, South Carolina?
If you’ve been the victim of an accident, you stand a chance to recover various types of damages depending upon the specific circumstances related to your injury. Here are the main categories:
Economic Damages
Economic damages include quantifiable costs such as medical expenses (both current and future), lost wages if your injuries forced you to take time off work, reduced earning capacity, out-of-pocket expenses, and property damage.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages encompass more intangible losses related to your mental or emotional injuries, such as pain and suffering, psychological distress, decreased quality of life because of permanent disability or disfigurement, and loss of companionship.
Punitive Damages
In rare circumstances where it can be established by clear and convincing evidence that the defendant’s conduct was willful, reckless, or in gross disregard of your rights, you may also be awarded punitive damages. These are not intended to compensate for a loss; rather, they serve as punishment for the negligent party and are intended to deter others from engaging in similar behavior.
Can I Recover Compensation If I’m Being Blamed For a Slip and Fall Accident in South Carolina?
Yes, in South Carolina, you might still recover damages even if you are partly to blame for your slip and fall accident. This is because of modified comparative negligence followed by the state.
This law allows plaintiffs who are less than 51% responsible for an accident to seek damages. However, the total compensation awarded is reduced according to your percentage of fault.
For instance, if you were determined to be 20% at fault for your injury and had $10,000 in damages, the amount you receive will be reduced by 20% – so you will take home $8,000.
We’ll Fight to Recover Compensation For All of Your Slip and Fall Injuries
Slip and fall accidents can result in various kinds of injuries, some minor and others potentially even life-threatening.
Some of the most common include:
- Broken bones and fractures
- Sprains and strains
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Nerve damage
- Back injuries
- Neck injuries, including whiplash
Regardless of what type of injury occurred, it’s essential to seek medical attention to make sure you’re on the path to healing.
What Causes Most Slip and Fall Accidents in Lancaster, South Carolina?
In South Carolina, various factors can lead to slip and fall accidents in different environments.
Some of the most common causes include the following:
- Wet or slippery surfaces
- Uneven or damaged flooring
- Poorly maintained walkways
- Inadequate lighting
- Broken handrails
- Workplace accidents
It’s crucial to be aware of these common causes so you can better protect yourself from potential slip and fall accidents.
How Do I Prove Negligence After a Slip and Fall Accident in South Carolina?
Establishing negligence following a slip and fall accident in South Carolina requires satisfying four key elements:
Duty of Carе
You must first demonstrate that thе defendant owed you a duty of carе. In terms of propеrty ownеrs or occupiеrs—whether residential, commеrcial, or public—thеy havе an ongoing lеgal responsibility to provide reasonably safе prеmisеs for visitors. This is their duty of care.
Brеach of Duty
Nеxt, you need to prove that thе defendant failеd in fulfilling thеir obligation. This could bе through actions likе neglecting rеgular maintenance or ignoring reported hazards.
Causation
This involves showing that your accidеnt occurred as a rеsult of this breach duty. For example, you fеll because there was liquid on thе ground that thе propеrty owner failеd to clean up.
Damagеs
Finally, you must prove that as a rеsult of thе fall, you еxpеriеncеd harm, which usually includes injuriеs and financial losses, likе mеdical expenses.
Demonstrating nеgligеncе aftеr a slip and fall accidеnt in South Carolina requires a thorough undеrstanding of thе lеgal procеss. It’s important to consult an еxpеriеncеd attornеy as soon as possiblе aftеr your accidеnt to havе thе bеst chance of sеcuring fair compеnsation for your injuriеs.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After a Slip and Fall Accident in South Carolina?
After experiencing a slip and fall accident in South Carolina, the statute of limitations typically gives you three years from the date of your injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. If this time period elapses before you initiate legal proceedings, it’s likely your case will be dismissed and any chance to obtain compensation lost.
However, exceptions may exist depending on the specific circumstances surrounding your case, with certain situations allowing for an extension beyond that typical three-year limit and others shortening the deadline.
Always speak with a lawyer as soon as possible after your injury to ensure you don’t miss out on your chance to file a claim.
Contact Our Experienced Lancaster Slip and Fall Accident Lawyers For a Free Case Evaluation
If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident in South Carolina, it’s essential to get the legal help you need. Our firm has experienced attorneys who can help navigate the complexities of personal injury cases and will do whatever it takes to help you get justice.
Contact one of our Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys by calling (803) 902-7065 to schedule a free consultation with a Lancaster slip and fall accident lawyer.