SC Slip & Fall Accident Lawyer Mount Pleasant

Mount Pleasant, SC Slip & Fall Accident Lawyer

Injured in a slip-and-fall accident in Mount Pleasant, SC? The Arndt Law Firm’s experienced slip and fall injury lawyer helps victims recover fair compensation and hold negligent property owners accountable. Call (843) 469-8777 for a free consultation today.

A slip-and-fall accident can happen in an instant, but the consequences can last for months or years. What begins as an ordinary errand at Mount Pleasant Towne Center, a meal at Shem Creek, or a shopping trip along Coleman Boulevard can end with a trip to the hospital and weeks of recovery. These accidents are not simply bad luck. They are often the result of property owners failing to maintain safe premises.

An experienced Mount Pleasant, SC slip-and-fall accident lawyer can help hold negligent property owners accountable and secure fair compensation for injury victims.

The Arndt Law Firm, based in Mount Pleasant, represents people injured in slip-and-fall accidents across Charleston County and South Carolina. Attorney Jonathan Arndt, named a Super Lawyers Rising Star (2024-2025), brings local knowledge and trial experience to every case.

Slip-and-fall claims are about more than financial recovery; they promote safer conditions in stores, restaurants, apartment complexes, and public spaces across Mount Pleasant. Property owners are motivated to prevent future accidents when they are held accountable.

Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents in Mount Pleasant

Slip-and-fall accidents occur in various settings throughout Mount Pleasant. Understanding the common causes helps victims recognize when property owners may be liable for their injuries.

Wet and Slippery Surfaces

Spilled liquids are among the most common causes of slip-and-fall accidents. For example, grocery stores on Johnnie Dodds Boulevard, retail shops at Belle Hall Shopping Center, and Shem Creek restaurants often have unaddressed spills. Rain tracked in from outside, recently mopped floors without warning signs, and leaking refrigerators create dangerous conditions.

In coastal South Carolina, heavy summer rains make entrance areas particularly hazardous. To prevent falls, property owners must place mats, post warning signs, and promptly clean up water.

Uneven Walking Surfaces

Cracked sidewalks, broken tiles, and torn carpeting create tripping hazards. Neighborhoods like Old Village and I'On feature historic charm but may have aging infrastructure that requires maintenance. Parking lots at shopping centers often develop potholes and uneven pavement, which can cause pedestrians to lose their footing.

Apartment complexes near Long Point Road and Park West must maintain safe common areas, including staircases, hallways, and exterior walkways. Broken steps, missing handrails, and loose tiles all present serious risks.

Weather-Related Hazards

While South Carolina rarely sees snow and ice, cold snaps can create freezing conditions overnight. Property owners must address ice patches on sidewalks and parking lots. Additionally, freeze-thaw cycles can damage concrete and asphalt, creating uneven surfaces.

Hurricanes and heavy storms can leave debris, standing water, and damaged walkways. Property owners must inspect and repair these hazards promptly after severe weather.

Cluttered Walkways and Obstacles

Retail stores often place merchandise displays in aisles, creating tripping hazards. Extension cords stretched across walkways, boxes left in pathways, and improperly stored equipment contribute to accidents. For instance, stores at Towne Centre and Belle Hall must ensure aisles remain clear and safe for customers.

Lack of Warning Signs

Property owners in South Carolina generally owe lawful visitors a duty to keep premises reasonably safe and to warn of known hazards. Wet floor signs, caution tape, and barriers alert people to dangers. Failure to post warnings during spills, repairs, or unsafe conditions demonstrates negligence.

Defective or Missing Handrails

Stairways without handrails or with loose, broken railings pose serious fall risks. Building codes require handrails in most circumstances, and property owners who ignore these requirements can be held liable for falls.

Worn or Damaged Flooring

Over time, flooring wears down, becoming slippery or uneven. Polished floors in lobbies, worn carpet in hallways, and loose tiles in entryways all present hazards. Regular inspections and maintenance are necessary to keep floors safe.

Where Slip-and-Fall Accidents Happen

Slip-and-fall accidents occur in a wide range of locations throughout Mount Pleasant. Recognizing high-risk environments helps victims understand when they may have valid claims.

Retail Stores and Shopping Centers

Mount Pleasant Towne Center, Belle Hall Shopping Center, and other retail locations see heavy foot traffic. Grocery stores, clothing retailers, and department stores all present slip-and-fall risks from spills, cluttered aisles, and wet floors near entrances.

Restaurants and Bars

Shem Creek's waterfront restaurants attract diners year-round. Spills in dining areas, slippery kitchen floors that extend into public spaces, and wet outdoor decks create hazards. Bars serving alcohol must be especially vigilant, as intoxicated patrons are more vulnerable to falls.

Apartment Complexes and Condominiums

Residential properties in Park West, Carolina Park, and Rivertowne must maintain safe common areas. Staircases, parking lots, pool decks, and sidewalks require regular inspection and maintenance. Broken gates, damaged walkways, and poorly lit areas expose tenants and visitors to unnecessary risks.

Office Buildings and Medical Facilities

Professional buildings along Highway 17 and medical offices near Novant Health East Cooper Medical Center must keep lobbies, hallways, and parking areas safe. Wet floors during rainy weather and poorly maintained elevators contribute to accidents.

Hotels and Tourist Attractions

Well-known destinations such as Patriots Point, Boone Hall Plantation, and area hotels draw thousands of visitors annually, making property maintenance essential to guest safety. Pool decks, outdoor attractions, and event spaces also require proper maintenance.

Public Sidewalks and Government Property

While many slip-and-fall cases involve private property, accidents also occur on public sidewalks and government-owned facilities. Government entities such as the Town of Mount Pleasant or Charleston County may be liable under the South Carolina Tort Claims Act when they fail to maintain safe public property. These claims must meet strict notice and filing deadlines.

Parking Lots and Garages

Parking areas at shopping centers, restaurants, and office buildings often have uneven pavement, potholes, and poor drainage. Inadequate lighting in multi-level parking garages creates additional hazards, especially at night.

Common Injuries from Slip-and-Fall Accidents

Slip-and-fall accidents can cause serious injuries that require extensive medical treatment and lead to long-term complications. Understanding the types of injuries helps victims recognize the importance of seeking immediate medical care and legal guidance.

Fractures

Broken bones are among the most common injuries from slip-and-fall accidents. Victims often instinctively extend their arms to break a fall, resulting in fractured wrists and arms. Hip fractures are particularly serious, especially for older adults, and may require surgery and lengthy rehabilitation. Ankle and leg fractures can also occur when the feet slip out from under the victim.

Head Injuries and Traumatic Brain Injuries

Falls that result in striking the head on hard surfaces can cause concussions, traumatic brain injuries, and skull fractures. Even seemingly minor head injuries can have serious consequences, including cognitive impairment, memory loss, and emotional changes. Victims who lose consciousness or experience confusion after a fall should seek immediate medical attention.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Falls can cause serious injuries to the spine, such as herniated discs, compression fractures, or damage to the spinal cord itself. These injuries may lead to long-lasting pain, difficulty moving, or, in severe cases, partial or complete paralysis. People with spinal injuries often need surgery, followed by physical therapy and ongoing medical care to help manage symptoms and improve mobility.

Soft Tissue Injuries

Sprains, strains, and torn ligaments commonly occur in slip-and-fall accidents. Although these injuries may appear less severe than fractures, they can cause significant pain and restrict mobility for weeks or even months. Knee injuries, such as torn ACLs or meniscus tears, often require surgical repair.

Back and Neck Injuries

Falls can cause whiplash, muscle strains, and disc damage in the back and neck. These injuries may lead to chronic pain and require ongoing treatment, including physical therapy, pain management, and in some cases, surgery.

Cuts, Bruises, and Lacerations

Falls on rough surfaces or broken materials can cause deep cuts requiring stitches. While bruising may seem minor, severe contusions can indicate deeper tissue damage or internal injuries.

Shoulder Injuries

Dislocated shoulders, rotator cuff tears, and fractured clavicles frequently occur when victims try to catch themselves during a fall. These injuries often require surgery and extensive rehabilitation to restore function.

Psychological Trauma

Beyond physical injuries, slip and fall accidents can cause emotional and psychological harm. Victims may develop anxiety about walking in public spaces, fear of falling again, and depression related to pain and loss of independence.

Damages Available in Slip and Fall Cases

South Carolina law allows slip-and-fall victims to seek compensation for economic and non-economic losses. The goal is to make victims whole by covering their expenses and addressing the full impact of their injuries.

Economic Damages

Economic damages cover the financial losses a victim suffers as a direct result of a slip-and-fall accident. These damages aim to restore the victim’s financial stability by compensating for immediate and long-term costs.

Medical Expenses: All costs related to treating injuries, including emergency room visits, hospitalization, surgery, prescription medications, physical therapy, and follow-up appointments. Future medical expenses are also recoverable when ongoing treatment is necessary.
Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost while recovering from injuries. This includes time missed from work for medical appointments and recovery.
Loss of Earning Capacity: If injuries prevent victims from returning to their previous occupation or limit their ability to work, they may recover damages for reduced future earning potential.
Property Damage: If personal items such as eyeglasses, cell phones, or clothing were damaged in the fall, victims can recover the cost of repair or replacement.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages compensate victims for the personal losses that affect their quality of life.

Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain and discomfort caused by injuries. This includes both past pain and anticipated future suffering from chronic conditions.
Emotional Distress: Damages for anxiety, depression, and psychological trauma resulting from the accident and injuries.
Loss of Enjoyment of Life: When injuries prevent victims from participating in activities they previously enjoyed, such as sports, hobbies, or social events, they may recover compensation for this loss.
Disfigurement and Scarring: Permanent scars or disfigurement from injuries or surgical procedures may warrant additional compensation.

Punitive Damages

South Carolina courts may award punitive damages in rare cases involving gross negligence or willful misconduct. These are designed to punish the property owner and deter similar behavior in the future. Punitive damages are only available when the owner's conduct was especially reckless or malicious.

Proving a Slip and Fall Claim

Successfully pursuing compensation requires strong evidence that establishes the property owner's negligence. Early investigation and documentation are critical to building a compelling case.

Essential Evidence

Building a strong slip-and-fall claim requires clear, well-documented evidence. Photographs and videos help capture the hazard, the surrounding area, and the extent of injuries, while surveillance footage can show how long the danger existed.

In addition, incident reports created by property owners or managers provide written proof of the accident and their awareness of it. Witness statements from bystanders, employees, or other customers can further confirm what happened. Medical records are essential to connecting the injuries to the fall.

Moreover, inspection and maintenance logs can reveal whether the property owner failed to address known hazards. Preserving footwear and clothing from the incident may also help counter claims of improper shoes. Finally, expert testimony from safety professionals or engineers can tie all the evidence together and explain how negligence caused the accident.

Challenges in Slip-and-Fall Cases

Slip-and-fall claims often face aggressive defenses from property owners and their insurance companies. For example, they may try to blame the victim, claiming the person wasn’t paying attention or wasn't wearing appropriate footwear. Others argue that the hazard was obvious, suggesting the victim should have seen and avoided it.

Some claim a lack of notice, asserting that the danger existed for too brief a period for the owner to address. In some cases, hazards are quickly repaired or records discarded, effectively destroying evidence.

Strong legal representation focuses on preserving evidence early to overcome these challenges. An experienced Mount Pleasant, SC slip-and-fall accident lawyer can conduct thorough investigations and present clear, compelling proof of the owner’s negligence.

Steps to Take After a Slip-and-Fall Accident

The actions taken immediately after a slip-and-fall accident can significantly impact recovery and the ability to pursue compensation. Following these steps protects health and preserves legal rights.

Take Immediate Actions at the Scene

Seek Help: If injuries are severe, call 911 or ask someone to call for emergency assistance. Do not attempt to move if neck or back injuries are suspected.
Report the Accident: Notify the property owner, manager, or staff immediately. Request that they create a written incident report and obtain a copy.
Document the Scene: Take photographs of the hazard that caused the fall, including the surrounding area. Capture any warning signs or lack thereof, lighting conditions, and the overall environment.
Identify Witnesses: Collect the names and phone numbers of anyone who witnessed the fall or the hazard beforehand.
Preserve Evidence: Keep shoes and clothing worn during the fall. Do not wash or alter them.
Do Not Admit Fault: Avoid statements like "I should have been more careful" or "It was my fault." These statements can later be used against victims.

Get Medical Care

Seek Immediate Treatment: Even if injuries seem minor, visit a doctor or go to the emergency room promptly. Some injuries, particularly head trauma and internal injuries, may not show symptoms immediately.
Follow Medical Advice: Attend all follow-up appointments, complete prescribed treatments, and follow doctors' recommendations. Gaps in medical care can be used to argue that injuries were not serious.
Keep Records: Maintain copies of all medical bills, prescription receipts, and treatment records.

Protect Legal Rights

Avoid Insurance Company Statements: Adjusters may contact victims seeking recorded statements. Politely decline until consulting with an attorney. Statements made without legal guidance can be misused to deny claims.
Do Not Sign Releases: Property owners or insurance companies may offer quick settlements in exchange for signing releases. These early offers are often far below the actual value of claims.
Document Everything: Keep a journal of pain levels, limitations on daily activities, and how injuries affect life. Photograph visible injuries as they heal.
Consult an Attorney Promptly: Contact a Mount Pleasant, SC slip-and-fall accident lawyer (ideally within days) to help preserve evidence, meet deadlines, and protect the victim’s rights.

Why Choose The Arndt Law Firm

Slip-and-fall cases require attorneys who understand premises liability law, know how to counter insurance company tactics, and are prepared to fight for fair compensation.

Our team at The Arndt Law Firm brings all of these qualities to every case.

Local Experience and Knowledge

Based in Mount Pleasant, The Arndt Law Firm’s regional perspective may provide strategic advantages when building cases and negotiating with property owners and insurers.

Recognized Legal Skill

Attorney Jonathan Arndt has been recognized as a Rising Star by Super Lawyers for his dedication and skill in representing injury victims. His experience includes handling complex slip-and-fall cases involving retail stores, restaurants, apartment complexes, and public spaces throughout Charleston County.

Trial Readiness

Insurance companies are more willing to negotiate fair settlements when they know an attorney is prepared to take a case to trial. The Arndt Law Firm approaches every case with thorough investigation, expert witnesses, and compelling evidence presentation. This preparation strengthens settlement negotiations and ensures strong representation if a trial becomes necessary.

Personalized Attention

Every slip-and-fall case is unique, and The Arndt Law Firm provides personalized attention to each client. Communication is clear and regular, ensuring clients understand the legal process and feel supported throughout their case.

Contingency Fee Representation

The Arndt Law Firm handles slip-and-fall cases on a contingency fee basis. Clients pay no attorney fees unless compensation is recovered. This structure ensures financial concerns do not prevent injury victims from seeking justice.

Frequently Asked Questions About Slip and Fall Cases

How long do I have to file a slip and fall claim?

Most slip and fall claims must be filed within three years of the accident. Claims against government entities may have shorter deadlines, sometimes requiring notice within 180 days. Consulting with an attorney immediately ensures deadlines are met.

What if I were partially at fault for my fall?

Suppose a person was partially at fault for their fall. In that case, South Carolina’s modified comparative negligence rule still allows them to recover damages as long as they are less than 51 percent responsible. The court assigns a percentage of fault, which reduces the compensation accordingly. For example, if total damages amount to $100,000 and the person is found 20 percent at fault, they would recover $80,000.

What if the property owner claims the hazard was obvious?

If a property owner claims the hazard was obvious, they may argue the victim should have seen and avoided it. However, even obvious hazards can be dangerous. An attorney can challenge this by showing the owner still had a duty to fix the hazard or provide adequate warning.

Do I need to report the accident to the property owner?

Yes, the victim needs to report the accident to the property owner. Reporting the fall creates a record and ensures the property owner is aware of the incident. The victim may request a written incident report and keep a copy for their records.

What if there were no witnesses to my fall?

Cases can still proceed without eyewitnesses. Surveillance footage, photographs of the hazard, medical records, and expert testimony can all support claims even when no one directly witnessed the fall.

How much is my slip-and-fall case worth?

The value of a slip-and-fall case depends on the severity of injuries, medical expenses, lost income, and impact on quality of life. A seasoned Mount Pleasant, SC slip-and-fall accident lawyer can evaluate the specific facts and provide an estimate based on similar cases and South Carolina law.

What if the property fixed the hazard after my fall?

If a property owner fixes a hazard after a fall, it does not eliminate their liability. In fact, prompt repairs may indicate they recognized the danger. Photographs, witness statements, and incident reports can document the hazard as it existed at the time of the accident.

Can I file a claim if I fell at a friend's or family member's home?

Yes. Homeowner's insurance typically covers injuries to guests. Filing a claim against insurance does not mean personally suing a friend or family member. Many people hesitate to pursue these claims, but homeowners' policies exist precisely to cover them.

What if my fall happened at work?

Workers’ compensation generally covers the injury if a fall occurs at work. However, if a third party, such as a property owner, contractor, or equipment manufacturer, contributed to the accident, the injured worker may pursue separate premises liability or product liability claims in addition to workers’ compensation.

How long do slip-and-fall cases take?

The timeline for slip-and-fall cases varies. Some settle within a few months, while serious injuries or disputed liability cases can take over a year. Trials can further extend the process. An attorney can provide a more precise estimate based on the case's specific circumstances.

What if the insurance company offers a settlement?

If an insurance company offers a settlement, it is often far below the claim's true value. Victims must consult with a lawyer before accepting or signing anything, because once a release is signed, they typically cannot seek additional compensation, even if medical costs exceed the settlement.

Do slip-and-fall cases go to trial?

Most cases settle before trial, but strong trial preparation is essential to achieving fair settlements. Some cases proceed to trial when defendants refuse reasonable offers or dispute liability.

What if I did not seek medical treatment right away?

Delayed medical treatment can weaken claims, as insurance companies may argue injuries were not serious or were caused by something else. However, cases can still proceed if treatment is sought soon after the fall and the injuries are well documented.

Can I handle a slip and fall claim on my own?

While pursuing claims without an attorney is possible, property owners and insurance companies have experienced legal teams working to minimize payouts. Having an attorney levels the playing field and significantly increases the likelihood of fair compensation.

Reliable Mount Pleasant, SC Slip & Fall Accident Lawyer for Injury Victims

Slip-and-fall accidents in Mount Pleasant are preventable when property owners take their responsibilities seriously. When they fail to maintain safe premises, victims deserve compensation for their injuries and losses.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a slip-and-fall accident in Mount Pleasant, SC, don’t wait to seek the justice you deserve. The experienced team at The Arndt Law Firm is here to help you hold negligent property owners accountable and secure the compensation you need for your recovery. With a proven track record and deep knowledge of local regulations, Attorney Jonathan Arndt is ready to advocate for your rights.

Take the first step towards justice and a safer community—call us today at (843) 469-8777 for a free consultation. Your well-being is our priority, and together, we can make a difference. Don’t let your injury define you; reach out now!