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Slip and Fall Attorneys

Anderson, Greenville, Spartanburg, South Carolina

Below are some commonly asked questions about slip and fall injuries. If you have questions that are not answered here, consult a slip and fall accident attorney for more information.

What is a slip and fall injury?

A slip and fall injury, also called a "trip and fall" is the umbrella term used to describe an accident in which someone slips, trips or falls because of another person’s negligence. The cause could be a dangerous or hazardous condition on a private owner’s property, at a business, or other public establishment. A slip and fall injury may occur because of a hidden hazard like crack on a poorly lit sidewalk, or because a spill was not cleaned up. The National Center for Injury Prevention and Control estimates that more than 8 million people were injured in slip and fall injuries in 2004.

What are some common causes of a slip and fall injury?

A slip and fall accident can occur practically anywhere: indoors or outdoors, on public or private property. The following are some common hazards that can lead to a slip and fall injury:

Uneven sidewalks
Potholes or cracks in the road
Poorly lit or unmarked pathways or stairs
Hazardous weather conditions (ice, snow and rain)
Slippery tiling and
Unbalanced flooring and/or rippled carpet
Floor or walkway obstructions

How common are these types of injuries?

Injuries resulting from falls are a major concern and a common occurrence among the elderly population. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that in 2005, about 15,800 people ages 65 and older died from fall-related injuries. Around 1.8 million people over the age of 65 were treated in emergency rooms for fall-related injuries, and more than 433,000 of these people were hospitalized. If you or a loved one becomes injured on another person's property due to a dangerous condition or insufficient warnings, you have the right to hold that property owner or manager responsible for your injuries.

What responsibilities do business or property owners have?

Property owners and business establishments have a duty to provide a safe environment for customers and visitors to their premises. Whenever someone steps foot on that person’s property, the property owner faces a liability issue if that guest becomes injured. Premises liability law makes the person who is in possession of land or premises responsible for injuries suffered by those who are on the premises. These particular claims include accidents that take place due to negligent maintenance or unsafe and dangerous conditions.

Does an accident report have to be filled out at the time of the fall?

When possible, complete the accident at the time of the accident, while the incident is fresh in everyone’s mind. The report should note what happened, who witnessed the fall, what attributed to the fall, and any other important information, such as the condition of the site (poor lighting, etc.). If the accident was not witnessed by anyone else, you should make a record by:

Describing the circumstances
Listing who was present
Noting the comments made by those who saw the fall or helped you afterward
Taking photos when possible, or return to the scene as quickly as possible to do so

Slip and fall injuries can be very serious. If you or a loved one has suffered a slip and fall injury, and you live in Anderson, Spartanburg or Greenville, South Carolina, contact the Dick James Law Firm to schedule a complimentary consultation.

800-714-6029
The Dick James Law Firm
611 N. Main Street
Greenville, SC 29601