300+ Google Reviews
In the State of South Carolina, property owners are required to keep their property safe for visitors or warn them about any known hazards or dangers. This obligation applies to homeowners, renters, retail store owners, hospitals, restaurants, and any other person or entity that allows others to be on their property. The extent of a property owner’s duty to protect others from harm can hinge on the identity of the property visitor, such as whether it is a patron of a restaurant or a hunter who is on private land without permission.
If you or a loved one were severely injured while on someone’s else property, you may be eligible for compensation under the law of premises liability. You should contact a Bluffton premises liability lawyer who can help you seek compensation from the at-fault property owner. A skilled personal injury attorney at Schiller & Hamilton could help you obtain money for medical bills, lost wages, property damage, disfigurement, pain and suffering, and more.
What are Common Types of Premises Liability Cases?
There are many different scenarios in which a visitor may sustain a serious injury and need to seek help from a Bluffton premises liability lawyer. Common premises liability cases include slip and falls, negligent security, and dog bites, among others.
Slips and Falls
This is arguably the most common type of premises liability case. A slip and fall injury typically occurs when a property owner fails to promptly clean up a spilled liquid, fix or replace damaged carpeting, or repair a broken step.
Negligent Security
The injured party may be able to file a premises liability claim against the property owner on a theory of negligent security. Business owners who open their property to the public have an obligation to provide sufficient lighting as well as security guards if violent crime is a concern.
Dog Bites
Even a dog breed with no reputation for being vicious can cause significant bodily injury, especially if the victim is a young child. A Bluffton premises liability lawyer may be able to help the injured party recover compensation for their injuries, due to the “strict liability” dog bite statute.
What are the Types of Visitors in Premises Liability?
Despite the general rule that property owners in the State of South Carolina must either fix or warn of dangerous property conditions, the duty of care does vary depending on the status of the visitor. There are three categories of visitors: invitees, social guests, and trespassers.
Invitees
Those who visit a business establishment like a store or restaurant are owed the highest level of care by the property owner, who must actively look out for and address potential dangers.
Social Guests
Social guests, also called licensees are owed a lesser duty of care than business customers. A social host is only required to warn guests of any known dangers on the property.
Trespassers
A property owner generally has no obligation to protect trespassers from harm. The exception to this rule is a child trespasser who becomes injured by an “attractive nuisance” such as a swimming pool or trampoline. An attractive nuisance is often defined as an artificial property feature that lures a child into the path of danger.
Contact a Bluffton Premises Liability Attorney Today
If you have suffered an injury because of a slip and fall, dog bite, or similar type of accident, you may be eligible to recover compensation under the legal doctrine of premises liability. A Bluffton premises liability lawyer could investigate the cause of your injuries and collect evidence to help prove negligence. Call today to discuss your case and legal options.