Columbia
Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer in Columbia

Slip and fall injuries can happen suddenly and leave lasting effects. In Columbia, SC, these accidents often lead to medical bills, pain, and the need for long-term medical care. A slip and fall accident lawyer in Columbia can help injured people understand their legal options, including when a property owner may be responsible.

From filing a personal injury lawsuit to working through the insurance claims process, having a personal injury lawyer serving Columbia on your side can make a big difference. At John Foy & Associates, we are here to be the representation you need. 

With over 350 years of combined experience and more than $1 billion recovered for clients, our team has what it takes to fight for your interests and compensation. Reach out today to get started.

Overview of Slip and Fall Accident Lawsuits

Slip and fall accident lawsuits fall under premises liability law. These legal claims usually involve a property owner who may have failed to keep their property safe. Falls can happen in walkways, wet floors, parking lots, or public indoor spaces where hazards are not clearly marked or removed.

To bring a legal case, the injured person must show that there was an unsafe condition and that the owner or person in control of the property failed to fix it in time. And if the slip and fall accident happened in a store, surveillance footage, witness statements, and records of floor maintenance may help show what happened.

Common Injuries

Slip and fall accidents can lead to a wide range of injuries, including:

• Fractures, broken bones, and lacerations
• Spinal injuries, neck injuries, and long-term mobility issues
• Head injuries or traumatic brain injuries, which may need further testing
• Internal damage that may not be seen right away
• Serious outcomes, including wrongful death in rare cases

Many injuries require immediate and ongoing medical care, sometimes involving neurological evaluations or physical therapy. It’s important to seek help early, even if the injury seems minor.

Possible Compensation

Injured parties may seek compensation to help with the financial impact of a fall. This can include:

• Medical bills, both current and expected
• Lost wages or income from time away from work
• Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
• Long–term care, support needs, or assistive devices
• Funeral costs in cases of wrongful death

The insurance coverage of the property owner may affect the outcome, as can findings of comparative negligence, where both parties share fault.

In many cases, insurance claims follow the accident, and if no agreement is reached, the matter may move into the settlement negotiations stage or go to trial. A slip and fall accident attorney serving Columbia may help during the discovery phase, which is when both sides exchange evidence and prepare for court.

Statute of Limitations for Slip and Fall Accidents in Columbia

In Columbia, South Carolina, the law generally gives injured people three years from the date of the fall to file a lawsuit. This is called the statute of limitations. Missing this deadline may stop the claim from going forward in court.

Certain exceptions apply in cases involving minors or delayed discovery of injuries. Legal rules may also vary depending on whether the accident occurred on public or private property.

There could be several possible legal procedures, timelines, and types of evidence involved, including things like depositions, witness testimony, or videos of the fall. As a result, it’s important to keep records and act within the required time.

South Carolina Premises Liability Laws

In South Carolina, property owners have a legal duty to keep their spaces safe for visitors. If they allow an unsafe condition to exist—like a spill, poor lighting, or unsafe flooring options—they may be held liable for any resulting injuries.

State law uses a modified comparative negligence fault rule. If the injured person is found partly at fault, it may reduce the damages they can recover. However, as long as their share of blame is under 51%, they may still receive compensation.

Steps to Take Following an Accident

If you have fallen due to a hazardous condition, these steps may help support your case:

• Report the incident to the property manager or store.
• Take pictures or video of the hazards, like wet areas or poor lighting.
• Get medical attention as soon as possible.
• Save medical records and receipts for medical care.
• Collect contact info from witnesses.
• Keep any clothing or shoes worn at the time.
• Avoid signing anything without legal review.

A legal investigation may also include checking slip resistance testing, DCOF measurements, and records from agencies like the American National Standards Institute or the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

Contact the Slip and Fall Accident Attorneys at John Foy & Associates Now

If you’ve been hurt in a fall, you may want to speak with a slip and fall accident lawyer at John Foy & Associates to better understand your rights. Our attorneys can handle your personal injury case from start to finish. We’ll help with filing an initial complaint, organizing deposition testimony, and dealing with insurance coverage. 

Schedule your free consultation with our experienced team of Columbia slip and fall accident lawyers today.