Experienced Columbia Slip and Fall Lawyer

If you were injured on someone else’s property, you might be feeling overwhelmed. One moment you were walking, and the next, you were in pain. Now, you are likely dealing with doctor visits, medical bills, and missed time at work. You do not have to face this alone.

At The Super Lawyer, we help people who have been hurt due to unsafe conditions. As your Columbia slip and fall lawyer, we fight to protect your rights. We understand premises liability law in South Carolina and know how to hold negligent property owners accountable. We offer a free consultation to review your case and help you understand your options.

What is a Slip and Fall Accident?

A slip and fall accident falls under a legal category called premises liability. This means that property owners have a legal responsibility, or a duty of care, to keep their property safe for visitors. When they fail to fix dangerous conditions or fail to warn you about them, they can be held responsible for your injuries.

These accidents can happen anywhere in Columbia, from grocery stores and shopping malls to apartment complexes and public sidewalks. It is not just about being clumsy; it is about safety violations that cause real harm.

Common Causes of Slip and Fall Injuries in Columbia

Slip and fall accidents often happen when you least expect them. In Columbia, we frequently see injuries caused by specific hazards in stores, restaurants, and public areas. Common causes include:

• Wet or slippery floors: Spills that are not cleaned up promptly in supermarkets or restaurants.
• Uneven surfaces: Cracked sidewalks, torn carpeting, or loose floorboards.
• Poor lighting: Dark stairwells or parking lots where you cannot see where you are stepping.
• Cluttered walkways: Boxes, cords, or debris left in aisles or hallways.
• Weather conditions: Entrances that become slippery due to rain, where the owner failed to place mats or warning signs.
• Broken handrails: Loose or missing railings on stairs in apartment complexes or office buildings.

Proving Negligence in Your Case

To win a slip and fall case, simply getting hurt is not enough. We must prove negligence. This means showing that the property owner or manager knew—or should have known—about the danger and did nothing to fix it.

In South Carolina law, we look for two types of notice:

• Actual Notice: The owner knew exactly about the spill or hazard (for example, a customer told them) but ignored it.
• Constructive Notice: The hazard existed for so long that the owner should have discovered it during routine inspections.

Property owners often try to use the open and obvious doctrine as a defense. They might argue that the danger was so clear that you should have avoided it. Our job is to gather evidence to show that the hazard was not obvious and that the owner failed in their duty to keep you safe.

Types of Injuries from Slip and Fall Accidents

Falls can cause severe, life-changing injuries. We help clients recover compensation for a wide range of physical trauma, including:

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• Broken bones: Hip fractures, wrist breaks, and ankle injuries are very common.
• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Concussions and other head injuries from hitting the floor.
• Spinal cord injuries: Damage to the back or neck that can lead to chronic pain or paralysis.
• Soft tissue injuries: Sprains, strains, and tears in ligaments or muscles.

Compensation You Can Recover

A serious fall can be expensive. When we file a claim on your behalf, we seek to recover all the costs associated with your injury. This includes:

• Medical expenses: Reimbursement for ambulance rides, hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, and medication.
• Lost wages: Pay for the time you had to take off work to recover.
• Pain and suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
• Punitive damages: In rare cases where the property owner acted with extreme recklessness, the court may award extra damages to punish them.

Steps to Take Immediately After a Slip and Fall

What you do right after an accident can make a big difference in your case. If you are injured in Columbia, follow these steps:

1. Seek medical attention: Your health is the priority. Go to a doctor or emergency room immediately, even if you feel okay. Some injuries take time to show up.
2. Report the accident: Tell the manager, landlord, or property owner about the fall right away. Ask for a written accident report.
3. Take photos: Use your phone to take pictures of the hazard (the wet floor, the hole in the ground) and your injuries.
4. Get witness info: If anyone saw you fall, get their names and phone numbers.
5. Save your clothes: Keep the shoes and clothes you were wearing, as they can be evidence.
6. Call a lawyer: Contact a Columbia slip and fall lawyer before speaking to insurance adjusters.

South Carolina Laws You Should Know

Statute of Limitations

In South Carolina, there is a strict deadline for filing a lawsuit. The statute of limitations for slip and fall claims is generally three years from the date of the accident. If you wait too long, you may lose your right to seek compensation forever.

Comparative Negligence

South Carolina uses a rule called comparative negligence. This means you can still get compensation even if you were partially at fault for the fall, as long as you were not more than 50% responsible. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 20% at fault, your settlement will be reduced by 20%.

Why Hire a Columbia Slip and Fall Lawyer?

Insurance companies for property owners are businesses. Their goal is to pay you as little as possible. They may try to blame you for the accident or argue that your injuries are not serious. Having an experienced attorney on your side levels the playing field.

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We handle the investigation, gather security footage, interview witnesses, and negotiate with the insurance company for you. We work on a contingency basis, meaning you generally do not pay legal fees unless we win your case.