South Carolina Premises Liability Attorney

Types of Premises Liability Cases We Handle in South Carolina

We understand how to effectively approach many types of premises liability claims. Whether you were injured while shopping, in a parking garage, or even in your own apartment building, you can count on us for diligent legal support. 

Our team at Lanier Law Group, P.A. can help you pursue a premises liability claim in many types of cases, including those involving:

• Dog bites. Dog owners are generally liable for any injuries suffered by a person bitten or attacked by their pet. Unlike some states, South Carolina does not have a “one bite” rule, meaning the dog does not have to have a history of violent behavior to trigger liability. The dog owner is liable for a bite or attack if the incident occurred in a public place or in a private location where the victim had permission to be. A dog bite victim typically does not have a premises liability claim if they provoke the animal into attacking them.  
• Elevator accidents. Property owners must maintain and follow all applicable regulations for both residential and commercial elevators, which typically include scheduling annual inspections. When property owners neglect these responsibilities and an elevator malfunctions due to poor maintenance, causing an injury, the property owner could be held liable. Similarly, if an injury occurs because the property owner was aware of an issue with the elevator but failed to address it promptly or notify users, any individual injured because of the problem likely has a strong premises liability claim. 
• Falling objects. Falling objects present a significant danger due to their potential to cause severe injuries or even death. Even relatively small items can become lethal if they fall from a significant height. Falling objects are a risk in many types of environments, including retail stores, construction sites, and even in residential properties, if property owners negligently fail to maintain safe premises. For example, merchandise stacked unsafely in a retail store or materials improperly secured at a construction site can unexpectedly fall, leading to injuries. Also, in homes, objects like heavy picture frames or decorative items can fall due to inadequate fastening, posing a risk to visitors. If these objects fall and cause harm due to the property owner’s negligence in securing or maintaining them properly, the injured party may have grounds for a premises liability claim.
• Exposure to dangerous substances. A property owner’s responsibility to provide a safe environment includes ensuring that visitors are not exposed to dangerous substances that could impact their health. Examples of such substances could include toxic mold, asbestos, or other harmful chemicals. For instance, if a landlord knows or should reasonably know that their property contains asbestos, a material linked to serious lung conditions including mesothelioma, and does not take action to remove or contain it, they could be held liable for any consequent harm to tenants. Similarly, if a retail store uses strong chemicals for cleaning or pest control without proper ventilation or warning notices, and a customer suffers harm due to inhalation or contact with these substances, the store could be subject to a premises liability claim.
• Inadequate security. Property owners have an obligation to provide sufficient security measures to ensure the safety of their visitors and tenants. This can involve things such as adequate lighting, secure locks, surveillance cameras, security personnel, or taking steps to prevent foreseeable criminal activities on their property. For instance, in a parking lot, a lack of proper lighting can create an environment conducive to criminal activities, potentially resulting in harm to visitors. Similarly, in a residential building, a broken or dysfunctional lock that the property owner has failed to fix promptly could lead to unauthorized entry and harm to the tenants. When property owners fail to uphold their duty of care in this regard, they can be held liable for any harm or losses incurred by the victims of crimes that occur on their premises due to these security lapses. Understanding whether you have a strong claim in these scenarios is not always easy, but our South Carolina premises liability lawyer can assess your options for recovering compensation.
• Lead poisoning. Lead, a toxic heavy metal, was commonly used in paints and other materials in homes and buildings constructed before the late 1970s. When these materials deteriorate or are disturbed during renovations, lead dust can be released into the environment, posing a serious health risk to occupants. Long-term exposure to lead, especially among children, can result in severe health problems, including developmental delays, neurological damage, and a myriad of other medical conditions. Property owners have a responsibility to ensure that their properties are free from lead-based hazards. If a property owner knows or should reasonably know of the presence of lead-based paint or dust and fails to take appropriate action to remediate the hazard or notify occupants about the risk, they can be held accountable for the resulting harm.
• Retail store injuries. Retail stores can also be a common setting for injuries that could lead to premises liability claims. In the hustle and bustle of shopping, accidents can occur due to various factors, including wet or uneven flooring, overcrowded aisles, or poorly stacked merchandise. For instance, a customer may trip and fall due to a loose tile or a spill that was not cleaned up in a timely manner. Similarly, a customer could be injured by merchandise falling from an improperly stacked shelf. In such cases, if it can be proven that the store owner or manager failed to maintain a safe environment or promptly address potential hazards, the injured party may be entitled to compensation for damages.
• Slip and falls. These incidents occur when a person slips, trips, or falls as a result of a dangerous condition on someone else’s property. For instance, slippery floors due to spills, uneven surfaces, icy walkways, or poorly lit stairs are common causes of such accidents. The resultant injuries can range from minor bruises to severe fractures, head injuries, or even spinal cord damage. If a property owner is aware of a potential hazard that could lead to a slip and fall and fails to take timely action to rectify it, they could be held liable if an injury occurs.