If you’ve been injured in a grocery store slip and fall in Summerville, you may have a valid premises liability claim. Property owners have a legal duty to maintain safe conditions for customers. When they fail to do so, injured victims can pursue compensation. Crantford Meehan has recovered millions for clients injured in slip and fall accidents throughout South Carolina.
Understanding Premises Liability in South Carolina
Grocery stores must keep their premises reasonably safe. This includes promptly addressing spills, debris, and hazardous conditions. Under South Carolina law, grocery store owners and occupiers can be held liable for injuries caused by negligent maintenance of their premises. South Carolina courts recognize that businesses owe customers, as invitees, a duty to exercise reasonable care in maintaining the property in a reasonably safe condition and to warn of hazards they are aware of or should reasonably discover through inspection.
South Carolina follows a modified comparative negligence standard as outlined in South Carolina Code § 15-38-15. This means your compensation may be reduced in proportion to your share of fault, and you are barred from recovery if you are found to be more than 50 percent responsible for your own injuries. However, property owners cannot automatically escape liability simply by arguing that a customer wore specific footwear or was not paying attention.
Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents in Grocery Stores
Slip and fall accidents happen in grocery stores for many reasons:
- Wet or slippery floors from spills or cleaning
- Debris left in aisles or walkways
- Inadequate warning signs for hazardous areas
- Poor lighting in certain sections
- Defective flooring or broken tiles
- Improperly stocked shelves that create falling hazards
Store employees have a responsibility to inspect the premises on a regular basis. They should clean up spills immediately and place warning signs when floors are wet. When stores fail to maintain safe conditions, they may be held liable for slip-and-fall injuries. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets workplace safety standards for employers, which primarily protect employees but often mirror the types of safety practices grocery stores should follow to help prevent customer slip and fall hazards.
What You Need to Prove
To have the best chance at winning a premises liability case, you must establish:
- The property owner knew (or should have known) about the hazardous condition
- The owner failed to fix the problem or warn customers
- A reasonable property owner would have addressed the hazard
- The hazard directly caused your injury
- You suffered actual damages (medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering)
Our personal injury attorneys understand how to build compelling evidence to prove each element of your case.
Crantford Meehan Case Results: Premises Liability Recoveries
Crantford Meehan has recovered millions for clients injured in slip and fall accidents and other premises liability incidents. Here are examples of our case results:
Slip and Fall at Local Business – $250,000 Settlement
A client suffered injuries from a slip and fall due to dangerous conditions at a local business. Our attorneys proved the property owner failed to maintain safe premises. The case settled for $250,000 to cover medical expenses and lost wages.
Chair Collapse at Music Festival – $650,000 Settlement
A client attending a music festival in Conway, SC sat on a defective chair that collapsed, causing serious neck injuries. Our legal team handled the case and secured a $650,000 settlement within one year. We proved the property owner failed to inspect the equipment for safety hazards.
Fast Food Restaurant Fall – $185,000 Settlement
A client suffered injuries from falling at a fast food restaurant. Our firm helped cover medical expenses and secured $185,000 in compensation. We demonstrated the restaurant’s negligence in maintaining safe flooring conditions.
Slip and Fall Settlement – $375,000 Recovery
A slip and fall due to dangerous conditions at a local business resulted in a $375,000 recovery. Our attorneys worked to prove the property owner’s liability and secure fair compensation for our client’s injuries.
These results show our commitment to holding property owners accountable for maintaining safe premises.
How Crantford Meehan Can Help
Our legal team focuses on premises liability cases throughout South Carolina. We investigate slip and fall accidents thoroughly to identify all responsible parties. Additionally, we work with medical professionals and accident reconstruction experts to build strong cases.
We handle all aspects of your claim, from initial investigation through settlement negotiations or trial. Our attorneys have a deep understanding of grocery store operations and industry safety standards. This knowledge helps us prove negligence effectively. Learn more about our personal injury practice and how we serve the Summerville community.
What Compensation May Be Available
Slip and fall victims can recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses (emergency care, surgery, rehabilitation)
- Lost wages during recovery
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Future medical treatment costs
The amount of compensation depends on the severity of your injuries and the circumstances of your accident.
Why Act Quickly
Evidence disappears quickly after accidents. Surveillance footage may be deleted. Witnesses move away. The longer you wait, the harder it becomes to prove your case.
Contact Crantford Meehan as soon as possible after your injury. We offer free consultations to discuss your situation. Our attorneys can begin investigating immediately to preserve critical evidence.
Summerville Grocery Store Accident Resources
Crantford Meehan serves clients throughout Summerville and the surrounding areas. We have handled numerous slip and fall cases in local grocery stores and retail establishments. Our track record includes significant recoveries for injured victims. For more information about our Summerville personal injury services, contact our office today.
If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident, don’t wait. Call (843) 832-1120 today for a free case evaluation. Our legal team is ready to help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a slip and fall claim in South Carolina?
South Carolina has a three-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, as outlined in S.C. Code Ann. § 15-3-530(5). This means you have three years from the date of your injury to file a lawsuit. However, you should contact an attorney much sooner. Evidence disappears quickly, and early investigation is critical to building a strong case.
Do I need to report the accident to the store as soon as possible?
Yes. Report the accident to store management immediately and request that they document it in writing. Request the incident report and keep a copy. Take photos of the hazardous condition that caused your fall. Get contact information from any witnesses. This documentation strengthens your claim significantly.
What if I am partially at fault for the accident?
South Carolina’s modified comparative negligence law allows you to recover compensation even if you were partly at fault for your fall, as long as your share of fault does not exceed 50%. Your percentage of fault reduces your recovery, so if you were 20% at fault and your damages total $100,000, you could recover $80,000. However, you cannot recover if you are more than 50% at fault for the accident.
Can I recover compensation if I didn’t receive immediate medical treatment?
Delaying medical treatment weakens your claim. The store may argue your injuries weren’t serious. Seek medical attention promptly after your fall, even if you feel okay initially. Some injuries develop over time. Medical records document your injuries and link them directly to the accident.
What damages can I recover in a slip and fall case?
You can recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, permanent disability, and future medical treatment costs. The amount depends on your injury severity and how the accident affected your life. Our attorneys work to maximize your recovery.
How much does it cost to hire Crantford Meehan for my slip and fall case?
We work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing unless we recover compensation on your behalf. Our fees come from your settlement or verdict. There are no upfront costs or hidden charges. This arrangement allows injured victims to pursue justice without financial risk.
How long does a slip and fall case typically take?
Most cases settle within 6-12 months. However, some cases require litigation and may take longer to resolve. Our attorneys work efficiently to resolve your case while pursuing maximum compensation. We keep you informed throughout the process.
What if the store claims I was trespassing or shouldn’t have been in that area?
Customers have the right to be in all areas of a grocery store open to the public. Stores cannot use trespassing arguments to escape liability for maintaining safe premises. Our attorneys address these defenses and prove the store’s negligence.
Can I sue the grocery store chain or just the individual store?
You may be able to sue both the individual store and the corporate chain. Large grocery store chains often have corporate policies about maintenance and safety. If the chain failed to enforce proper safety standards, they may share liability. Our investigation identifies all responsible parties.
What evidence is needed to prove a slip and fall case?
Key evidence includes surveillance footage, witness statements, incident reports, medical records, photos of the hazardous condition, and expert testimony about store safety standards. Our attorneys gather and analyze all available evidence to build a strong case.
