North Charleston Premises Liability Lawyer

Injury Attorneys for Slip, Trip, and Fall Accidents in North Charleston, SC

Injuries caused by unsafe property conditions can have devastating consequences, leaving victims with medical expenses, lost wages, and lasting pain. Property owners in North Charleston are legally responsible for maintaining safe conditions for visitors, employees, and customers. When they fail to do so, serious accidents occur.

At Steinberg Law Firm, we advocate for those injured in premises liability accidents across North Charleston and surrounding areas. Whether you slipped on a wet floor, fell down broken stairs, or were harmed due to inadequate security, our legal team is ready to hold negligent property owners accountable. With a history of achieving settlements totaling over $800 million for our injured clients, we know how to build strong claims for maximum compensation.

What Is Premises Liability?

Premises liability refers to injuries caused by unsafe property conditions. South Carolina law requires businesses, landlords, and property owners to maintain reasonably safe environments. When they fail to correct hazards or warn visitors about risks, they may be liable for injuries on their property.

This legal responsibility applies to various locations, including retail stores, apartment buildings, office complexes, hotels, hospitals, schools, and government properties. Property owners must address known hazards in a timely manner and conduct regular inspections to prevent injuries. Failing to repair dangerous conditions, such as broken staircases, wet floors, or inadequate lighting, puts visitors, employees, and tenants at risk.

Premises liability cases often involve serious injuries, including broken bones, head trauma, spinal cord injuries, and burns. Victims may require extensive medical treatment and experience long-term consequences that impact their ability to work or enjoy daily life. If a property owner’s negligence caused your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses.

The Role of Negligence in Premises Liability Cases

In premises liability cases, proving negligence is essential for holding a property owner responsible for injuries. Property owners must take reasonable steps to keep their premises safe. When they fail to do so, injuries occur, and victims have the right to seek compensation.

What Constitutes Negligence?

Negligence occurs when a property owner, landlord, or business fails to address known hazards or warn visitors of potential dangers. Examples of negligence in North Charleston premises liability cases include:

• Ignoring maintenance issues—failing to repair broken stairs, damaged flooring, or faulty electrical systems; 
• Failing to clean spills—businesses and property owners must remove slip hazards promptly; 
• Lack of security measures—poor lighting, broken locks, or no security personnel in high-crime areas put visitors at risk; and
• Building code violations—properties must comply with safety regulations to prevent fire hazards, structural failures, and other dangers.

Property owners who fail to address these hazards put visitors, employees, and tenants at risk of preventable injuries. When negligence leads to harm, victims have the right to pursue compensation and hold responsible parties accountable for failing to maintain a safe environment.

Common Premises Liability Cases in North Charleston

Unsafe property conditions can exist anywhere, from grocery stores and restaurants to apartment buildings, offices, and public spaces. Common premises liability cases include:

• Slip, trip, and fall accidents. Wet floors, uneven sidewalks, loose carpeting, and cluttered walkways can cause serious falls. Uneven sidewalks, cracked pavement, loose carpeting, and cluttered walkways increase the risk of trips, especially in poorly lit areas where hazards are harder to see.
• Elevator and escalator injuries. Malfunctioning or poorly maintained equipment can lead to sudden drops, trapped limbs, or falls. Improper maintenance may cause sudden drops, abrupt stops, or trapped clothing and body parts in moving mechanisms. Escalator accidents often occur when loose steps, missing screws, or sudden speed changes cause riders to lose their balance. Elevators that fail to align with floors properly create a trip hazard, especially for elderly individuals or those with mobility challenges
• Broken stairways. Missing handrails, unstable steps, and loose boards lead to severe falls.
• Inadequate security. Poorly lit parking lots, broken locks, and a lack of security personnel lead to assaults and robberies.
• Infections and injuries from nail salons. Improper sanitation can expose customers to bacterial infections, skin burns, and allergic reactions.

Property owners have a duty to address these hazards before they cause harm, yet many fail to take necessary precautions. When unsafe conditions lead to serious injuries, victims have the right to pursue compensation for their medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you were injured due to negligent property maintenance or unsafe conditions in North Charleston, taking legal action may help you recover the support you need to move forward.

High-Risk Locations for Premises Liability in North Charleston

North Charleston’s economic growth brings more people into workplaces, businesses, and public spaces daily. However, with increased activity comes a greater risk of accidents, many of which occur due to poor maintenance, hazardous conditions, or inadequate security. Premises liability claims frequently arise in locations where property owners and business operators fail to provide a safe environment for employees, customers, and visitors.

• Trade, transportation, and utilities. North Charleston’s warehouses, shipping centers, and distribution hubs employ thousands of workers frequently exposed to slippery floors, unsecured loading docks, and heavy equipment hazards. Charleston International Airport is another high-traffic location where inadequate maintenance, unsafe walkways, or poor signage can lead to injury. Employers and property owners must maintain safe conditions to prevent falls, forklift accidents, and other injuries.
• Government facilities. Public buildings, including schools, hospitals, and military bases, see high foot traffic. Poor lighting, faulty electrical systems, and broken walkways can cause serious injuries to employees, students, and visitors.
• Professional and business services. Office buildings, malls, law firms, and consulting agencies must ensure fire safety, accessible entryways, and well-maintained stairways to protect employees and clients. Popular shopping destinations like Tanger Outlet Mall and Northwoods Mall experience thousands of visitors each week and must be kept free of slip hazards, broken tiles, and unsafe escalators. Property owners who fail to comply with safety regulations can be held liable for injuries caused by falls, fire hazards, and building code violations.
• Leisure and hospitality. North Charleston is home to many entertainment venues, from the Coliseum to Top Golf. Hotels, restaurants, and bars are responsible for keeping their premises safe for patrons and staff. Common hazards include spilled drinks, inadequate security in parking areas, malfunctioning elevators, and fire safety violations. Failure to address these issues can lead to slip-and-fall accidents, assaults, and other preventable injuries.
• Education and health services. Hospitals, clinics, and universities must eliminate safety risks, including slippery floors, security concerns, and unsafe medical environments. Patients and students have the right to expect safe conditions, and vpremises liability claims may arise when hazards are ignored or poorly managed.

With thousands of workers, residents, and visitors passing through these locations daily, property owners must proactively prevent unsafe conditions. Failure to fix hazards, provide adequate security, or follow safety regulations can lead to serious injuries and legal consequences for negligent parties. You may have grounds for a premises liability claim if you were injured in a workplace, business, or public space due to unsafe conditions.

The Impact of Falls and Unsafe Property Conditions

Falls are a leading cause of serious injuries in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that one in four adults over 65 falls each year, with nearly 29% of older adults in South Carolina experiencing a fall in the most recent reporting year. That amounts to 257,682 falls in the state.

In addition:

• Falls are the top cause of injury-related deaths among adults over 65;
• The fall death rate has increased by 41% in the last decade; and
• Many falls require hospitalization, leading to extensive medical costs.

These statistics underscore the importance of maintaining safe public spaces. When property owners ignore hazards, they risk lives.

Who Is Liable for a Premises Liability Accident?

Determining liability in a premises liability case depends on who owns, manages, or controls the property. More than one party may be responsible, especially in cases involving rental properties, businesses, or government-owned spaces. Identifying the correct liable party is essential for seeking compensation after an injury.

Some potentially responsible parties include the following: 

• Property owners – Landlords, commercial businesses, and homeowners must keep their premises safe by addressing hazards and making necessary repairs. 
• Business owners – Restaurants, retail stores, and office buildings must fix unsafe conditions, warn visitors about potential dangers, and follow safety regulations to protect customers and employees.
• Landlords and apartment complex owners – Tenants have the right to safe living conditions. If a landlord fails to maintain common areas, repair broken stairways, or address security risks, they may be liable for resulting injuries.
• Government entities – City, county, or state agencies may be responsible for injuries caused by poorly maintained sidewalks, roads, or public buildings. Filing claims against government entities requires specific legal procedures that differ from cases against private property owners.

Identifying who is at fault often requires thorough investigations and legal experience. If you or a loved one was injured due to unsafe property conditions in North Charleston, an experienced attorney can help determine liability and pursue the compensation you deserve.

Types of Compensation Available in a Premises Liability Case

Injuries caused by unsafe property conditions can have long-term financial, physical, and emotional consequences. Victims often face mounting medical bills, lost income, and significant pain and suffering. In premises liability cases, compensation may be available to cover both financial losses and non-economic damages.

Some common types of compensation that premises liability victims may seek include the following: 

• Medical bills. Coverage includes emergency care, hospital stays, physical therapy, prescription medications, and future treatment costs for ongoing medical needs.
• Lost income. Victims may recover wages lost due to time away from work and compensation for reduced earning capacity if injuries prevent them from returning to their previous jobs.
• Pain and suffering. Compensation reflects the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the injury, including chronic pain, anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of life.
• Disability and disfigurement. Victims suffering permanent injuries, amputations, burns, or scarring may seek damages for the lasting impact on their daily lives.
• Wrongful death damages. Families who lose a loved one in a fatal premises liability accident may recover funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship.

Victims of premises liability accidents in North Charleston should not have to bear the financial burden of someone else’s negligence. Holding property owners accountable ensures injury victims receive the support they need to move forward.

Speak with the Experienced North Charleston Premises Liability Attorneys at the Steinberg Law Firm Today

If you were injured due to unsafe property conditions in North Charleston, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. The attorneys at Steinberg Law Firm are ready to fight for your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve. With a history of securing over $800 million for injured clients, we have the experience and dedication to hold negligent property owners accountable. Call Steinberg Law Firm today at 843-720-2800 for a free consultation and find out how we can help you move forward. There is no obligation to schedule a free consultation, and if you allow us to handle your case, we will only take a fee from what we recover for you.