Columbia Premises Liability Attorney
Let Our Firm Hold Property Owners Liable
If you were injured on someone else’s property due to unsafe conditions, you may be entitled to compensation under South Carolina law. At Smith Born Leventis Taylor & Vega, LLC, our experienced Columbia premises liability lawyer team is dedicated to holding negligent property owners accountable and helping injury victims recover the compensation they deserve. Whether your accident occurred in a store, apartment complex, workplace, or public property, we are here to guide you through every step of your claim.
To request a free case review, call (803) 599-2207 or contact us online.
What is Premises Liability?
Premises liability refers to a property owner’s legal responsibility to ensure their property is reasonably safe for visitors. When owners fail to maintain safe conditions—or warn about hazards—and someone gets hurt, the injured party may have the right to pursue a premises liability claim.
Some common examples of premises liability cases include:
- Slip and fall accidents from wet floors, loose carpeting, or broken stairs
- Trip and fall accidents due to uneven walkways or poor lighting
- Negligent security claims where assaults occur due to lack of security measures
- Dog bites or animal attacks on private property
- Swimming pool accidents involving lack of fencing or unsafe conditions
- Falling objects or structural hazards in stores or workplaces
If you were injured in any of these scenarios—or another dangerous property condition—a skilled Columbia premises liability lawyer can help evaluate your case and pursue justice.
Premises Liability Laws in South Carolina
South Carolina premises liability laws are based on the legal status of the person entering the property. Property owners owe different duties of care depending on whether the injured person was an invitee, licensee, or trespasser.
- Invitees – These are individuals invited onto the property for business purposes, such as customers in a store. Property owners owe invitees the highest duty of care, meaning they must regularly inspect the premises, fix dangerous conditions, and warn of hazards.
- Licensees – These are social guests or individuals permitted to enter the property for non-business reasons. Property owners must warn licensees of known dangers but are not required to actively inspect for unknown hazards.
- Trespassers – Generally, property owners owe little duty to trespassers, except not to willfully or recklessly harm them. However, there are exceptions, especially in cases involving children and the “attractive nuisance doctrine” (such as swimming pools or abandoned structures that lure children).
To succeed in a South Carolina premises liability claim, you must prove that the property owner:
- Owed you a duty of care,
- Breached that duty by failing to maintain safe conditions,
- That breach directly caused your injury, and
- You suffered damages (medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, etc.).
Because these cases can be complex, working with a knowledgeable Columbia premises liability lawyer gives you the best chance of success.
Compensation from a Premises Liability Claim
If you’ve been injured on another person’s property, you may be entitled to recover both economic and non-economic damages. The compensation you can pursue often depends on the severity of your injuries, the impact on your life, and the circumstances of the accident.
Potential compensation may include:
- Medical expenses (emergency care, surgeries, hospital stays, rehabilitation, medications, etc.)
- Lost wages if your injuries prevent you from working
- Loss of earning capacity if you can no longer perform the same work as before
- Pain and suffering for the physical and emotional toll of the accident
- Permanent disability or disfigurement damages
- Wrongful death damages (if a loved one died due to unsafe property conditions)
Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts by claiming you were at fault or that the hazard should have been obvious. At Smith Born Leventis Taylor & Vega, LLC, our Columbia premises liability lawyer team is experienced in fighting back against these tactics and building strong cases to maximize compensation.
Why Choose Smith Born Leventis Taylor & Vega, LLC?
When you’ve been hurt due to unsafe property conditions, you need an attorney who understands the complexities of South Carolina premises liability law. At Smith Born Leventis Taylor & Vega, LLC, we provide:
- Personalized representation tailored to your unique situation
- Aggressive negotiation with insurance companies on your behalf
- Trial-ready advocacy if your case requires litigation
- Compassionate support throughout the legal process
Our mission is to secure the justice and financial recovery you deserve while easing the burden of navigating the legal system after an accident.
Premises Liability FAQs
How long do I have to file a premises liability claim in South Carolina?
The statute of limitations for premises liability claims in South Carolina is typically three years from the date of the injury. Failing to file within this period may prevent you from recovering compensation.
What if I was partly at fault for the accident?
South Carolina follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning you can still recover damages if you were less than 51% at fault. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Can I sue a government entity for unsafe property conditions?
Yes, but special rules apply when pursuing claims against government agencies. Deadlines are often shorter, and damages may be capped. It is important to consult with an experienced Columbia premises liability lawyer right away.
How much is my case worth?
The value of a premises liability case depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, medical costs, lost income, and long-term impact on your life. An attorney can evaluate your case and estimate potential compensation.
What should I do after a premises liability accident?
Seek medical attention immediately, report the incident to the property owner, document the scene with photos, gather witness information, and contact a lawyer as soon as possible.
Contact a Columbia Premises Liability Lawyer Today
Unsafe property conditions can cause devastating injuries that disrupt your life. You should not have to bear the financial burden caused by someone else’s negligence. At Smith Born Leventis Taylor & Vega, LLC, our dedicated Columbia premises liability lawyer team is ready to fight for your rights.
Contact us today at (803) 599-2207 today for a free consultation and let us help you pursue the justice and compensation you deserve.
Our Satisfied Clients
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“Being involved in a life-changing event is when you realize that we are really not in control of our lives and how we choose to handle it is where we find our character. Thank God for my legal team, Jacob and Erica, and everyone else involved.”- Former Client
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“George kept me informed and gave loving advice all the way through. I could call him when I needed. He recognized my personal, mental and physical struggles. You can trust in him. GOD knew EXACTLY what he was doing when he made him.”- Former Client
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“He was patient, listened, considerate, explained things to me that my previous attorney did not, and broke every part of my case down so I was sure to understand every aspect of my case before leaving his office.”- Cassandra J.
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“Promises were kept and interactions were both personal and professional. I would highly recommend Mr. George and his firm to anyone in need of legal help.”- Former Client
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“I had a workers compensation claim that my wonderful lawyer Lawton Harper was able to help me with. He was very attentive to detail and was able to get me the maximum claim I deserved!”- Former Client
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“When my case took a hit from the doctor’s final impairment rating, Danny didn’t give up – he went full force and earned me a fair settlement!”- Former Client
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“Lawton Harper has been amazing helping me with my works compensation case. He explained everything about what to expect throughout the case and was there for any questions or concerns I had.”- Kai P.
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“He was very attentive to detail and was able to get me the maximum claim I deserved!”- Former Client
