It is not uncommon for visitors to the property of another individual or company to sustain injury. If you were hurt in a situation like this and can prove that it was because of the property owner’s negligence, they may owe you substantial compensation. However, you must first deal with a skeptical insurance company that will try to avoid fully paying your claim, if they even offer you any money at all.
Therefore, you should work with an experienced Columbia private property liability lawyer at Whetstone Perkins & Fulda. Our experienced premises liability attorneys know how to fight for favorable results in these cases.
What Duty of Care Is Owed on Private Property?
In South Carolina, the duty of care on private property depends on the legal status of the person entering the property, as a Columbia premises liability attorney could explain. They may be an invitee, licensee, or trespasser. Property owners owe the highest duty of care to invitees, such as customers or guests invited for business purposes. Owners must inspect their premises, correct dangerous conditions, and warn of hazards that may not be obvious. For licensees, such as social guests, owners must warn them of known dangers that are not readily apparent.
To trespassers, property owners generally owe only a limited duty, which is to not willfully or wantonly cause harm. However, exceptions exist, such as when children are attracted to a hazardous condition (the attractive nuisance doctrine).
Overall, state law requires property owners to act reasonably to prevent foreseeable injuries. When they fail to maintain safe conditions or warn visitors about hidden dangers, they may be held liable for resulting injuries under premises liability law.
How Do You Win a Premises Liability Case?
When you enter onto the property of another, they take on the duty of care to act reasonably under the circumstances. To win a premises liability case, you must show that the property owner was negligent. This involves demonstrating that the property owner (or someone else who had control of the property, such as a lessee) breached the duty of care they owed you.
The burden of proof you must meet in a premises liability case is the preponderance of the evidence. Therefore, our private property liability attorneys in Columbia gather evidence showing exactly what the property owner did or did not do to prove that they failed to uphold the duty of care they owed you. We may conduct a post-accident investigation or obtain this evidence during the discovery phase of the lawsuit.
How Much Is a Premises Liability Case Worth?
The value of your premises liability case depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, the extent of your medical treatment, and how the accident affects your ability to work and enjoy life. Compensation typically covers medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and future care needs. If the property owner’s conduct was especially reckless, such as ignoring repeated safety complaints, you may also be eligible for punitive damages.
Our injury lawyers review medical records, gather witness statements, and consult experts to calculate both your economic and non-economic losses. Every case is unique, so settlements can range from thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars, depending on the circumstances. An experienced private property liability lawyer in Columbia could help ensure your claim reflects the full impact of your injuries and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Contact Our Private Property Liability Attorneys in Columbia Today
If you were injured on someone else’s property, do not wait to get the legal help you need. An experienced Columbia private property liability lawyer at Whetstone Perkins & Fulda is available to help. We are ready to investigate your claim, identify who was responsible, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Whether your injury was caused by a slip and fall, unsafe conditions, or negligent security, our team protects your rights every step of the way.
Contact us today for a free consultation and start your recovery with confidence.
