Life along the beautiful South Carolina coast offers countless opportunities to enjoy the scenery and attractions of Murrells Inlet.
Unfortunately, accidents can happen anywhere.
Slip and fall accidents occur frequently in Murrells Inlet – on wet marina docks, restaurant floors, grocery store aisles, and other public spaces. These incidents can leave victims with serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and uncertainty about the future.
At Swilley Law Firm, LLC, we focus on helping Murrells Inlet residents and visitors who have experienced slip and fall accidents.
Our Murrells Inlet slip and fall lawyers work tirelessly to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.
How Slip and Fall Accidents Happen in Murrells Inlet
Murrells Inlet presents unique conditions that can increase slip and fall risks. As a coastal community with high humidity levels and frequent precipitation, our area experiences specific hazards:
- Weather-related conditions: Rain showers create slippery surfaces on outdoor walkways, parking lots, and entrance areas of businesses. Without proper drainage or warning signs, these wet areas become dangerous.
- Seafood industry hazards: Our local restaurants and seafood markets often have wet floors from food preparation and cleaning. Management must ensure these areas remain safe for customers and employees.
- Tourism attractions: The MarshWalk, boat docks, and other tourist spots require regular maintenance to prevent dangerous conditions. Wooden walkways exposed to saltwater can deteriorate and create tripping hazards if not properly maintained.
- Retail and grocery locations: Spills in store aisles, recently mopped floors without warning signs, and cluttered walkways all create potential hazards for shoppers.
- Residential properties: Apartment complexes, condominiums, and rental properties must maintain safe premises for tenants and visitors, including proper lighting in common areas and prompt repair of broken stairs or railings.
Each location presents specific challenges and legal considerations. Our slip and fall lawyers understand the local context of Murrells Inlet accidents and how these factors affect your case.
Common Injuries From Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall incidents often result in more serious injuries than many people realize. These accidents can cause:
- Fractures and broken bones: Particularly common in wrists, arms, ankles, and hips as people instinctively try to catch themselves during falls.
- Head trauma: Falls can cause concussions or more severe traumatic brain injuries with potential long-term consequences.
- Back and spinal injuries: From minor strains to herniated discs or even paralysis in severe cases.
- Shoulder injuries: Including dislocations, rotator cuff tears, and labral tears that may require surgery.
- Knee damage: Falls frequently cause torn ligaments, meniscus injuries, and other knee trauma.
- Soft tissue injuries: Sprains, strains, and tears to muscles and ligaments throughout the body.
- Cuts and abrasions: These may seem minor, but can lead to infections or leave permanent scars.
The physical impact often brings emotional trauma, including anxiety about future falls or public embarrassment from the incident.
Many victims also face financial pressure from medical expenses and missed work.
The severity of injuries tends to increase with age. For Murrells Inlet seniors, a simple fall can lead to life-changing complications.
Our law firm recognizes the full scope of damages our clients experience and fights for comprehensive compensation.
South Carolina Slip and Fall Laws You Should Know
South Carolina follows specific legal principles for premises liability cases that affect your slip and fall claim:
- Modified comparative negligence: South Carolina operates under this standard, which means you can recover damages even if you share some fault for your accident.
- Statute of limitations: You must file your slip and fall lawsuit within three years of the accident date. This deadline seems distant, but preparing a strong case takes time. Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to compensation.
- Government property claims: Falls on government property involve additional rules and shorter notice periods. For accidents on Murrells Inlet public property, you might need to file notice within just months of your incident.
- Notice requirement: A key element in many slip and fall cases involves proving the property owner knew or should have known about the dangerous condition. This “notice” requirement can significantly impact your case outcome.
The Swilley Law Firm stays current on all legal developments affecting premises liability in South Carolina. We apply this knowledge to maximize your potential recovery.
Proving Your Slip and Fall Case in Murrells Inlet
Successful slip and fall claims require establishing several key elements:
- We must show that the property owner owed you a duty of care based on your visitor status.
- Evidence must demonstrate that an unsafe condition existed on the property.
- The case needs to establish that the owner knew or reasonably should have known about this hazard.
- We must prove the owner failed to fix the condition or provide adequate warning.
- The dangerous condition must have directly caused your fall and resulting injuries.
- You must have suffered actual injuries and losses from the incident.
Evidence collection forms the backbone of this process. Our team gathers:
- Photographs of the accident scene and hazardous conditions
- Witness statements from people who saw your fall or knew about the dangerous condition
- Surveillance footage, when available
- Maintenance and cleaning records
- Weather reports for outdoor incidents
- Medical records documenting your injuries
- Expert testimony about industry safety standards
The strongest cases combine multiple evidence types to create a compelling narrative. Our firm excels at thorough investigation and strategic evidence collection throughout Murrells Inlet and surrounding areas.
The Insurance Company is Not Your Friend
After a slip and fall accident, you will likely deal with an insurance company representing the property owner. Remember that insurance adjusters work to minimize company payouts despite their friendly demeanor. Common tactics include:
- Quick settlement offers: They may offer fast payment before you know the full extent of your injuries.
- Recorded statements: Adjusters request statements, hoping you will say something that undermines your claim.
- Social media monitoring: Your online posts might be scrutinized for evidence contradicting your injury claims.
- Delay tactics: Some insurers drag out the process, hoping you will give up or accept less money out of frustration.
- Disputing medical treatment: They might claim your treatment was unnecessary or unrelated to the fall.
- Shifting blame: Adjusters often argue you caused your fall through carelessness.
The Swilley Law Firm knows these tactics and protects clients from unfair treatment. We handle all insurance communications, allowing you to focus on recovery while we pursue maximum compensation.
Steps to Take After a Slip and Fall in Murrells Inlet
The actions you take immediately after a fall can significantly impact your legal case:
- Seek medical attention: Your health comes first. Visit Tidelands Waccamaw Community Hospital or an urgent care facility even if injuries seem minor. Some serious conditions develop symptoms gradually.
- Report the incident: Notify the property owner, manager, or staff about your fall. Request written documentation of your report.
- Document everything: Take photos of the hazardous condition and your injuries. Collect contact information from witnesses.
- Preserve evidence: Keep the shoes and clothing you wore during the fall without cleaning them.
- Avoid statements about fault: Do not apologize or accept blame when discussing the incident.
- Limited communication: Minimize what you tell the property owner or their insurance company before speaking with a lawyer.
- Contact a Murrells Inlet slip and fall attorney: Consult with Swilley Law Firm as soon as possible to protect your rights and begin building your case.
- Follow medical advice: Attend all appointments and complete recommended treatments. Medical records create a timeline of your injuries and recovery.
Taking these steps creates a stronger foundation for your case and increases your chances of fair compensation.
Why Choose Swilley Law Firm for Your Murrells Inlet Slip and Fall Case
Selecting the right legal representation makes a crucial difference in your case outcome. Swilley Law Firm offers distinct advantages for Murrells Inlet slip and fall victims:
- Dedicated personal attention: We limit our caseload to ensure each client receives individual focus. Your case will never become just another file number.
- Deep local roots: Our firm maintains strong connections throughout Georgetown County, enhancing our ability to investigate and build compelling cases.
- Proven results: We have secured substantial settlements and verdicts for slip and fall victims throughout South Carolina.
- Thorough investigation: We leave no stone unturned when gathering evidence and building your case.
Our commitment to client success drives everything we do at Swilley Law Firm. We measure our success by the life-changing results we deliver for injured people throughout Murrells Inlet.
Contact Our Murrells Inlet Slip and Fall Lawyer Today
If you have suffered injuries from a slip and fall accident in Murrells Inlet, time is critical for preserving evidence and protecting your rights. The sooner you contact Swilley Law Firm, the stronger your case will be.
Our experienced Murrells Inlet slip and fall attorneys will evaluate your case, answer your questions, and provide honest guidance about the best path forward. Contact Swilley Law Firm today to schedule your confidential case evaluation with a skilled Murrells Inlet slip and fall lawyer who truly cares about your well-being and future. Your journey to justice begins with a simple phone call.
Reach out now and discover how we can help you move forward after a slip and fall accident in Murrells Inlet.
