Common Types of Premises Liability Accidents

Accidents caused by unsafe property conditions take many forms, each with unique risks. In Mount Pleasant, these incidents often occur in everyday settings where residents and visitors expect to feel safe. Premises liability law covers a wide range of situations, but what unites them is the principle of negligence. 

Here are some common types of accidents:

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Slip-and-Fall Accidents

Slip-and-fall incidents remain the leading category of premises liability cases. Grocery stores on Johnnie Dodds Boulevard, retail shops at Towne Center, and restaurants along Coleman Boulevard are common locations. Hazards include spilled liquids, recently mopped floors without warning signs, loose mats, and icy sidewalks after a rare cold front.

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Falls may also occur in parking lots, especially when the lighting is poor at night. Victims often suffer fractures, sprains, or concussions. For seniors living in neighborhoods like Dunes West or Seaside Farms, a fall can result in permanent loss of mobility.

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Trip Hazards

Tripping accidents often happen because of cracked sidewalks, broken tiles, or loose carpeting. While areas like Old Village and I’On offer historic charm, older walkways can be uneven and unsafe. Apartment complexes near Long Point Road may have staircases with broken steps or missing railings. 

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Property owners are responsible for maintaining safe walkways and common areas. If they fail to do so, they can be held liable for injuries.

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Negligent Security

Negligent security claims arise when a property owner fails to take reasonable precautions against foreseeable criminal acts, such as maintaining adequate lighting, security staff, or functioning locks. Restaurants and bars around Shem Creek draw late-night crowds, making proper lighting and security essential. 

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Apartment complexes with broken gates or faulty locks put residents at risk. If assaults or robberies occur because owners ignored known dangers, victims may have grounds for a negligent security claim.

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Dog Bites

Dog attacks are another common type of premises liability case. In neighborhoods like I’On, Old Village, or Park West, pet owners must keep animals under control. Children and delivery workers are often the victims of bites. South Carolina law holds owners responsible for injuries caused by dogs that attack without provocation, whether in a private yard, on a sidewalk, or in public space.

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Swimming Pool Accidents

Community pools in Rivertowne, Dunes West, and Carolina Park must meet safety standards. Broken gates, lack of warning signs, or missing safety equipment create hazards for residents and visitors. Children are particularly vulnerable, and homeowners’ associations can be held accountable when injuries occur because safety requirements were ignored.

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Falling Merchandise

Stores in Belle Hall Shopping Center and Mount Pleasant Towne Center often display merchandise on tall shelves. When items are stacked unsafely or displays aren’t secured, they can fall and injure shoppers. Even lightweight products can cause head injuries or broken bones if they drop from a high shelf.

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Construction Site Hazards

With rapid development in places like Carolina Park and Park West, construction sites pose unique risks. Debris, open holes, or unsecured equipment can injure passersby or nearby residents. In these cases, contractors, developers, and property owners may all share responsibility for poor site management.

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Recreational and Public Spaces

Popular destinations such as Memorial Waterfront Park, Patriots Point, and Boone Hall Plantation attract heavy foot traffic. Uneven surfaces, inadequate lighting, or poorly maintained facilities can cause accidents. Inadequate crowd control during events may also create conditions that lead to injuries.

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These examples show how easily accidents can happen when property owners neglect safety. South Carolina law allows victims to hold negligent owners accountable and seek compensation for their injuries.

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Understanding South Carolina Premises Liability Law 

South Carolina, shaped mainly by court decisions, outlines what property owners must do to keep visitors safe. These rules explain owners' responsibilities, the time limits for filing a claim, and how fault is divided when more than one party contributes to an accident.

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Understanding these laws is vital for anyone injured on someone else’s property. They determine whether a victim can recover compensation and what evidence is needed to prove that a property owner failed to act responsibly.

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Duties of Care

South Carolina law classifies visitors into different categories, and the level of responsibility a property owner has depends on the visitor’s status.

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• Invitees: Customers, clients, and members of the public are invitees. Owners owe them the highest duty of care, which includes inspecting for hazards, making repairs, and warning about risks.
   

• Licensees: Social guests fall under this category. Owners must warn them of known hazards, but they are not required to inspect them for hidden dangers.
   

• Trespassers: In most cases, property owners don’t owe a duty to trespassers other than avoiding intentional harm. However, the “attractive nuisance” rule protects children who are drawn to dangerous conditions, such as swimming pools, trampolines, or construction sites.

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These duties of care determine how the law views liability when someone gets hurt on another person’s property.

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Comparative Negligence

South Carolina follows a modified comparative negligence system. Victims may recover damages if they are less than 51 percent responsible for the accident. If partially at fault, their compensation is reduced by their share of responsibility. For example, if a jury awards $100,000 in damages but finds the victim 20 percent at fault, recovery is reduced to $80,000.

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Statute of Limitations

In South Carolina, most premises liability claims must be filed within three years of the accident date. When an injury occurs on government property, the South Carolina Tort Claims Act applies. Victims generally must file a verified claim within one year of the incident and bring a lawsuit within two years, or three years if the claim was filed within that first year.

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Case Law in South Carolina

South Carolina courts have long shaped how premises liability cases are handled. The key idea is simple: property owners aren’t responsible for ensuring everyone’s safety, but they must take reasonable steps to prevent harm.

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Court decisions have emphasized several points:

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• The value of documenting previous accidents or complaints

• The liability that can arise when owners ignore known dangers

• The need to prove that a hazard was known or should have been known before the injury occurred

For people living in or visiting Mount Pleasant, these laws mean that property owners cannot dismiss accidents as mere bad luck. When someone is hurt because an owner failed to act responsibly, South Carolina law provides a path to accountability and fair compensation.

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