Slip and Fall Accidents - The Law Offices of David L. Hood

When a Simple Misstep Leads to Severe Injury

A slip and fall accident can happen in an instant, but the consequences (from broken bones to traumatic brain injuries) can last a lifetime. Whether it occurs at a grocery store, a parking lot, or a workplace, property owners have a legal duty to maintain safe premises for their guests and employees.

At The Law Offices of David L. Hood, we represent individuals across South Carolina who have been injured due to hazardous property conditions. Many people feel embarrassed after a fall and try to brush it off, but if the accident was caused by a hidden danger or poor maintenance, you have a right to seek compensation. With over 30 years of experience, attorney David L. Hood and his co-counsel legal team know how to investigate property records and secure surveillance footage to prove that the owner’s negligence caused your harm.

Yellow caution wet floor sign in bright indoor space, highlighting safety warning.

Common

Hazards in Premises Liability Cases

A bright yellow caution sign placed on a tile floor indicating a wet area for safety.

Slip and fall injuries often result from preventable hazards that an owner failed to repair or warn you about. Our firm handles claims involving:

Liquid Spills and Wet Floors:

Failing to mop up spills or place "Wet Floor" signs in high-traffic areas.

Uneven Walkways:

Cracked sidewalks, torn carpeting, or abrupt changes in flooring levels.

Poor Lighting:

Dimly lit stairwells or parking lots that hide obstacles and increase the risk of an assault or a fall.

Hidden Dangers:

Unmarked holes in a yard, loose floorboards, or broken handrails on a staircase.

Accumulated Debris:

Objects left in aisles or entryways that create tripping hazards for customers.

Proving

Liability in South Carolina

Under South Carolina premises liability law, simply falling on someone else’s property does not automatically make them responsible. To win your case, we must prove one of the following:

1

Actual Notice:

The owner or an employee knew about the dangerous condition and failed to fix it.

2

Constructive Notice:

The hazard existed for a long enough time that the owner should have discovered and repaired it through reasonable care.

3

Creation of Hazard:

The owner or an employee directly caused the dangerous condition (for example, mopping a floor and failing to put up a warning sign).

Common

Injuries from a Serious Fall

A detailed view of a bandaged knee indicating injury care and healing process.

While some falls result in minor bruising, others are catastrophic. We help clients recover damages for:

Hip and Wrist Fractures:

Common among seniors and often requiring surgery and long-term physical therapy.

Spinal Cord Injuries:

Resulting from a hard fall onto a back or neck, leading to chronic pain or paralysis.

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI):

Occurring when the head strikes a hard surface, often leading to cognitive deficits that aren't immediately apparent.

Knee and Ankle Ligament Tears:

Which can limit mobility and prevent you from returning to work for months.

Close-up of two people bandaging an injured hand outdoors, focusing on first aid care.

What to Do

After a Slip and Fall

The steps you take immediately following an accident are critical to your legal claim:

1

Report the Incident:

Notify the manager or owner and ensure they create a written incident report. Get a copy if possible.

2

Take Photos:

Use your phone to document the hazard (the spill, the ice, or the broken step) and the surrounding area.

3

Identify Witnesses:

Get names and contact information for anyone who saw you fall or noticed the hazard earlier.

4

Seek Medical Care:

Some injuries, like internal bleeding or concussions, do not show symptoms right away.

5

Avoid Recorded Statements:

Do not give a statement to the property owner's insurance company until you have consulted with a lawyer.

Statute of Limitations

In South Carolina, you generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit for a slip and fall. However, evidence like surveillance video is often erased within days, and witnesses' memories fade quickly. It is essential to begin the investigation immediately to preserve the proof needed for your case.

Holding Property Owners Accountable