How to Know If You Have a Slip and Fall Case

Something as simple as a wet floor, a loose tile, or a poorly lit walkway can leave you injured and confused about your next steps. You may be dealing with a swollen ankle, a sore back, or a trip to urgent care you did not plan for. When a fall disrupts your routine and creates real medical or financial strain, it is natural to wonder whether the property owner could have prevented it. Knowing how slip and fall cases work in South Carolina can help you decide what to do next.

If you are trying to understand whether your injury counts as a slip and fall case under South Carolina law, here are the key points to know.

Recognizing a Slip and Fall Case in Charleston, SC

A slip and fall case begins with a hazardous condition that should not have been there. To determine whether you may have a claim, ask yourself:

• Was there a dangerous condition? Something on the property created a risk, such as water on the floor, uneven concrete, poor lighting, or debris.
• Did the property owner fail to act reasonably? Owners and managers are responsible for keeping their property safe. Ignoring hazards or failing to fix them can lead to liability.
• Did the condition directly cause your injuries? A fall must result in actual harm, such as a sprain, fracture, concussion, or other injury.

Establishing Liability Under South Carolina Law

Liability depends on whether the property owner acted reasonably:

• Knowledge of the hazard: The owner either knew or should have known about the dangerous condition.
• Time to address the problem: If a hazard existed long enough to be fixed, failing to act may be negligence.
• Failure to warn: If a hazard could not be fixed immediately, a warning sign or blocked-off area should have been provided.

Steps to Take After a Slip and Fall in SC

Taking the right steps immediately after your fall can strengthen your potential case.

• Document the scene: Take photos or videos of the hazard and surrounding area before anything is cleaned or repaired.
• Report the incident: Notify the manager, owner, or employee and request a written incident report.
• Seek medical care: A doctor can diagnose injuries and create records that connect your condition to the fall.
• Collect witness information: Gather names and contact details for anyone who saw what happened.

Understanding South Carolina Rules

South Carolina follows a modified comparative negligence rule. If you are partly at fault, you may still recover compensation as long as you are not more than 50 percent responsible. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault.

You generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline may prevent you from pursuing compensation.

When to Speak with a Charleston, SC Slip and Fall Lawyer

Slip and fall cases often require evidence from multiple sources, and insurance companies frequently try to minimize payouts. A Charleston slip and fall lawyer can review what happened, explain your options, and help you pursue compensation for medical bills, lost income, and the long-term effects of your injuries.

Get Help from Lesemann & Associates: Charleston Slip and Fall Lawyers

If you were injured in a slip and fall in Charleston, Lesemann & Associates can help you determine whether you have a strong case and guide you through the next steps. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can assist you.