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Every South Carolina property owner has a duty to protect visitors from harm. From homeowners to business proprietors, these property owners can be held liable if they fail to warn their visitors of potential hazards on their property. If you suffer an injury on another’s land, you may be able to pursue compensation for your injuries with the help of a dedicated personal injury attorney.
There are exceptions to South Carolina premises liability rules, however. Not every visitor is treated equally, and in some cases, it may be difficult to obtain compensation. To discuss the strengths of your case, contact a Lancaster premises liability lawyer right away.
Common Types of Premises Liability Lawsuits
The area of premises liability law is broad. Injuries can happen at a mall, on a farm, or in the home of a neighbor. Regardless of the circumstances, a Lancaster premises liability attorney may be able to help an injured person pursue damages from the property owner. Some common causes of injuries include:
- Negligent Security – In some cases, a property owner may be held liable if they fail to prevent a guest on their property from being a victim of crime.
- Slip and falls – Property owners, especially those who own premises that are open to the public, have a duty to guard against wet floors and debris that can lead to a fall.
- Animal attacks – Pet owners may be held liable if their animals bite or otherwise injure someone.
- Faulty construction – If a property is poorly constructed or has fallen into disrepair, a property owner may be liable for any injuries that occur due to these hazards. Injuries could stem from broken guard rails, loose stairs, or collapsing ceilings.
Understanding Property Laws
South Carolina law requires that a property owner maintain a reasonably safe environment for any visitors. If the owner of property fails to address a safety issue or warn their visitors of a hazard, they may be liable for any resulting injuries.
As an attorney could explain, the specific duty a Lancaster property owner owes depends on the nature of the person visiting the property. There are three types of property guests:
Invitees
An invitee is owed the highest duty of care. These visitors are invited onto the property solely for the benefit of the property owner. This can include customers at a business or contractors hired to work on a property owner’s residence. The property owner owes an invitee a duty of ordinary care for their safety and must inform the invitee of any unseen hazard that would not immediately be recognizable.
Licensees
Licensees include any people visiting a property for their own enjoyment, including social guests. The property owner still owes a duty to a licensee, but it is a lower duty than what is owed to an invitee.
Trespassers
Anyone who enters property without a license or invitation is known as a trespasser. The duty owed to a trespasser by a landowner is limited, except in some instances including hazards that tend to draw the attention of children.
Contact a Lancaster Premises Liability Attorney Today
If you became injured on another’s property, you should consider contacting an attorney as soon as possible. If a jury decides that a property owner has violated their duty to protect you from harm, you may have a strong case for recovering monetary damages. Contact a Lancaster premises liability lawyer today to get your case started.