If you were hurt in a fall on someone else’s property, a Sumter slip and fall lawyer can help you hold the owner accountable. Attorney John S. Keffer represents injured people in Sumter, Florence, and Manning in premises liability claims against stores, restaurants, apartment complexes, and other property owners. He handles the investigation and the insurance company so you can focus on your recovery.
Falls cause serious injuries: broken hips and wrists, head injuries, back and neck injuries, and torn ligaments. Medical bills and lost wages add up quickly, and insurers often move fast to limit what they pay. Getting legal advice early protects your claim.
How Slip and Fall Claims Work in South Carolina
Under South Carolina premises liability law, property owners must keep their property reasonably safe for visitors. To recover compensation, you generally need to show that a dangerous condition existed, that the owner knew or should have known about it, and that the owner failed to fix it or warn you in time.
Common causes of slip and fall injuries
- Wet or freshly mopped floors without warning signs
- Spilled food or liquid left in store aisles
- Broken stairs, missing handrails, or uneven walkways
- Poor lighting in parking lots and stairwells
- Torn carpet, loose mats, and cluttered walkways
- Ice, standing water, or potholes in parking areas
Comparative fault
Property owners and insurers often argue that the injured person should have been more careful. South Carolina uses modified comparative negligence: you can still recover as long as your share of fault is not greater than the property owner’s, but your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault.
What to Do After a Slip and Fall in Sumter
- Get medical care right away and follow your doctor’s instructions.
- Report the fall to the manager or property owner and ask for a copy of the incident report.
- Take photos of the hazard, the area, your shoes, and your injuries.
- Get the names and phone numbers of any witnesses.
- Keep your medical bills, receipts, and records of missed work.
- Do not give a recorded statement to the property owner’s insurer before speaking with an attorney.
Compensation in a Slip and Fall Case
Depending on the facts, compensation may include medical expenses, future treatment costs, lost wages, reduced earning ability, and pain and suffering. Attorney Keffer investigates the incident, gathers evidence, documents your losses, and negotiates with the insurance company. When a fair settlement is not offered, he is prepared to file suit.
Why Choose Keffer Law Firm
John S. Keffer has practiced law in South Carolina since 1999. At Keffer Law Firm, you work directly with the attorney handling your case, not a call center. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll an unexpected injury takes on you and your family, and we fight for the compensation you need to move forward.
Sumter Slip and Fall Lawyer FAQ
How long do I have to file a slip and fall claim in South Carolina?
Most premises liability lawsuits in South Carolina must be filed within three years of the injury. Claims against government entities can have shorter deadlines and notice requirements, so speak with an attorney as soon as possible after a fall.
What if the store says the fall was my fault?
Blaming the injured person is a common defense. South Carolina’s comparative negligence rule means you may still recover even if you were partly at fault, as long as your fault is not greater than the property owner’s. Evidence such as photos, video, and witness statements is key.
Do I need a lawyer for a slip and fall case?
Property owners and their insurers have adjusters and lawyers working to limit payouts. A Sumter slip and fall lawyer can preserve surveillance video before it is deleted, prove what the owner knew, and value your claim accurately before you accept any offer.
Learn more about our personal injury representation or schedule a free consultation with Attorney Keffer.
Most slip and fall claims must be filed within the three-year deadline in Title 15, Chapter 3 of the South Carolina Code.
Slip and Fall FAQs
What should I do after a slip and fall in a store?
Report the slip and fall to the manager, photograph the hazard and your shoes, get witness names and seek medical care the same day.
Who is responsible for a slip and fall?
A property owner may be responsible for a slip and fall when it knew or should have known about the hazard and failed to fix it or warn visitors.
How long do I have to file a slip and fall claim?
Most slip and fall claims in South Carolina must be filed within three years, with shorter deadlines when a government entity is involved.