Hilton Head Premises Liability Lawyer
Representing the Injured in Hilton Head, Bluffton & Beyond
When you visit a property owned by someone else, you have the right to expect that the property is safe and free from hazards. If you are injured because of a dangerous property condition, you may be able to file a premises liability claim against the property owner or manager and recover compensation for your damages.
At Bauer & Metro, P.C., our Hilton Head premises liability attorneys have extensive experience handling a wide range of claims on behalf of injured individuals. We know how to fight back against big insurance companies and other corporations, and we are prepared to put our skills to work for you and your recovery. We have successfully recovered millions of dollars for injured clients in Hilton Head, Bluffton, and the surrounding areas, and we are ready to help you, too.
Call our office at (843) 920-2844 or online today to schedule a free initial consultation with a Hilton Head premises liability lawyer.
What is Premises Liability?
Premises liability is a legal concept that holds property owners and managers legally responsible for certain injuries and accidents that occur on their properties. These cases fall under the umbrella of personal injury law. In a premises liability claim, the injured party (the plaintiff) must prove that a dangerous or defective property condition caused their injuries and that the property owner or manager could have taken steps to fix the condition but failed to do so. The plaintiff must also show that they suffered damages as a result of the property owner or manager's negligence.
In order to have a valid premises liability claim, the following must be true:
- You were legally on the property (i.e. you were not trespassing)
- The property owner or manager owed you a duty of care
- The property owner or manager breached this duty of care
- The breach of duty was the direct cause of your injuries
Types of Premises Liability Cases We Handle
Our Hilton Head premises liability attorneys have experience handling a wide range of cases, from relatively simple cases involving slip and falls to highly complex cases involving severe injuries and multiple liable parties. We are prepared to help you fight for the fair recovery you are owed.
Some of the most common types of premises liability cases we handle include those involving:
- Slip and falls: Slip and fall accidents can occur when a property owner or manager fails to clean up a spill or wet floor, fails to remove snow/ice, fails to repair a damaged walkway, and more.
- Staircase and elevator accidents: When staircases and elevators are not properly maintained, they can be dangerous and cause serious accidents.
- Swimming pool accidents: Property owners are responsible for ensuring that their pools are properly maintained and that there is adequate security to prevent children and others from falling in and drowning.
- Amusement park accidents: Amusement park owners have a duty to ensure that their rides and attractions are safe for visitors. When they fail to do so, they may be held liable for injuries.
- Inadequate security: Property owners have a duty to provide reasonable security measures to protect visitors from being the victims of violent crimes, such as assault, rape, and robbery. When a property owner fails to do so, they may be held liable for the victim's damages.
- Fires and explosions: When a fire or explosion occurs on a property, the property owner may be held liable if the fire or explosion was preventable and caused by a dangerous or defective condition on the property.
- Lead paint poisoning: Children and others are at risk of suffering lead paint poisoning when they live in, work in, or visit buildings with lead-based paint. Property owners and managers have a duty to disclose the presence of lead-based paint and to safely remove it.
- Toxic exposure: When property owners or managers fail to properly monitor and test for toxic substances, individuals who live in, work in, or visit the property may be exposed to harmful toxins, such as asbestos, carbon monoxide, mold, and more.
Who is Liable in a Premises Liability Case?
In a premises liability claim, the injured party must prove that the property owner or manager's negligence directly caused their injuries. In other words, the plaintiff must show that the property owner or manager failed to keep the property safe, and that this failure was the direct cause of the dangerous property condition that caused the accident and the plaintiff's injuries.
Depending on the specific circumstances, the following parties may be liable in a premises liability case:
- The property owner
- The property manager
- The property maintenance company
- A commercial tenant
- A private tenant
- A homeowner's association
Our attorneys can help you determine who is liable for your injuries and how to proceed with your case.
What is the Statute of Limitations for Premises Liability Cases in South Carolina?
If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident or another type of accident that occurred on someone else's property, it is important that you are aware of the time limits for filing a premises liability claim in South Carolina. In most cases, you have three years from the date of the accident to bring a lawsuit against the at-fault party. However, if you are filing a claim against a government entity, you may only have a few months to take legal action.
Waiting too long to file a claim can result in the loss of your right to recover compensation. That is why it is so important to reach out to an experienced Hilton Head premises liability attorney as soon as possible after your accident.
Why Choose Bauer & Metro, P.C.?
At Bauer & Metro, P.C., we understand that you are going through an incredibly difficult time. You may be facing overwhelming medical bills, time out of work, and other serious financial losses. Our goal is to help you recover the fair compensation you are owed so that you can begin to move forward with your life. We are committed to providing you with the compassionate, personalized legal guidance you need and the aggressive representation you deserve.
When you choose to work with our firm, you can expect:
- Direct access to your attorney: We are a small firm that is able to provide one-on-one legal services. We will work directly with you throughout the entire legal process and will be available to answer your questions and address your concerns.
- Open and honest communication: We will keep you updated on any developments in your case and will always respond to your calls or emails in a timely manner.
- Aggressive representation: Our attorneys have extensive litigation experience and are not afraid to take your case to court if necessary. We are skilled negotiators and can often secure favorable settlements for our clients, but we are always prepared to go to trial.
- Proven results: We have successfully recovered millions of dollars for our clients and have a long track record of success.
- No recovery, no fee: We do not charge any upfront fees for our services. You only owe us if we recover compensation for you.
To get started with a free initial consultation, call (843) 920-2844 today.