Who is Responsible if I Fall on Ice?
Although South Carolina is not known as a “cold” state, it absolutely gets winter weather. Snow and ice can be a very serious safety issue if it is not marked, addressed, and removed in a timely manner. A business or property owner may be liable for an ice-related slip and fall. At The Law Office of D. Craig Brown, LLC, we put slip and fall accident victims first. Here, our Florence slip and fall accident lawyers provide a guide for legal responsibility if you fall on ice in South Carolina.
Slips on Ice Can Happen in Many Locations (Parking Lots Most Common)
South Carolina can be dangerous in snowy or icy conditions. Too many businesses and property owners fail to take proactive steps to remove (or warn about) ice. These accidents can happen in many different spots. According to data from SFM Mutual Insurance, the most common location for ice-related slip and fall accidents in parking lots. Falls can also happen on sidewalks, entryways, outdoor staircases, and driveways.
Who is Responsible if I Fall on Ice in South Carolina?
In South Carolina, if you fall on ice, the property owner or occupier may be legally responsible under premises liability law. The law requires owners to maintain their property in a reasonably safe condition for visitors. If the owner knew (or should have known) about dangerous icy conditions and failed to take reasonable steps to address them (such as salting, shoveling, or warning), they may be held liable for resulting injuries. Responsibility may vary depending on whether the victim was an invitee, licensee, or trespasser. For example, businesses owe a higher duty of care to customers than homeowners do to social guests.
Note: South Carolina follows a modified comparative negligence rule. A slip and fall victim can still recover compensation as long as they are less than 51% at fault.
We Help Slip and Fall Accident Victims Maximize Their Compensation
Hurt in a slip and fall accident on snow or ice in South Carolina? You have the right to seek compensation for the full extent of your damages, including your non-economic losses. Unfortunately, businesses, property owners, and their insurance companies fight hard to pay out as little as possible. Our South Carolina slip and fall accident lawyers can help victims secure the maximum financial compensation. You may be able to recover monetary compensation for:
- Ambulance costs;
- Emergency room care;
- Hospital bills;
- Other health care costs;
- Loss of wages;
- Loss of earning power;
- Pain and suffering;
- Mental distress;
- Long-term disability; and
- Wrongful death.
Consult With Our Florence, SC, Slip and Fall Accident Attorney Today
At The Law Office of D. Craig Brown, LLC, our Florence slip and fall accident lawyer handles the full range of cases, including falls on ice. Give us a call now or contact us online today for a free, no-obligation case evaluation. With an office in Florence and an office in Orangeburg, we handle fall accident claims throughout the region in South Carolina.