As temperatures continue to rise and sunsets are officially on daylight savings time, we can’t help but rejoice as the spring season is finally underway. However, springtime brings more than pollen – it also ushers in a season of rain and the potential for sidewalk slip-and-fall accidents.
Slip-and-fall accidents can happen unexpectedly, from inside your home to the grocery store. If you are injured in a slip-and-fall accident, the person or entity responsible is sometimes straightforward. But what happens if you slip and fall on the sidewalk? Are you alone at fault, or did specific safety measures fail to keep you upright?
Keep reading as our slip-and-fall attorneys guide you through sidewalk slip-and-fall accidents and how we can help with your claim.
Common Causes Behind Sidewalk Slip and Fall Accidents
While rain or wet leaves can result in an unexpected connection between you and the sidewalk, other elements can contribute to an unsafe sidewalk and a slip-and-fall injury.
Cracked or Uneven Pavement
Tree roots encroaching the sidewalk, shifting ground, and natural wear-and-tear can result in cracked or uneven sidewalk surfaces, leaving you at an increased risk for a fall.
Obstructions
Sometimes, the sidewalks are not the problem, but rather outside factors that can force you into dangerous situations. Obstructions affecting walking routes may include bicycles, fallen branches, or scooters. Pedestrians may be forced to avoid the object, but this may end up costing them an injury later.
Inadequate Lighting Conditions
Poorly lit sidewalks are already a concern, but when they result in hazards being hidden from view, it could increase the likelihood of a slip-and-fall accident.
Loose Gravel
Construction is not unheard of, especially on Charleston roadways or in subdivisions. However, these projects and erosion can leave behind loose gravel, creating a slippery sidewalk that may lead to you being on the ground instead of on your feet.
Who’s Responsible for Sidewalk Injuries?
Slip-and-fall accidents can happen to anyone at any time, but how do you determine if the responsibility lies with you or a third party? For sidewalk slip-and-fall accidents, the responsible party will depend on the location and ownership of the property.
Local Government
The local government or municipality is often responsible for sidewalk safety and maintenance. If the city failed to uphold sidewalk maintenance or address a known hazard, it could be liable for your injuries.
Filing a slip-and-fall claim against the local government or city can be challenging. In this instance, having an experienced slip-and-fall accident lawyer can help determine liability and gather evidence to prove your claim.
Private Property and Business Owners
Private property owners and business owners with sidewalks directly outside their establishments may be responsible for keeping them safe. If hazards arise and the property owners fail to fix, prevent, or warn against these hazards, then they may be found liable for a resulting injury.
South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT)
Sidewalks along state-managed roads may fall under the jurisdiction of SCDOT. Their responsibilities include ensuring the sidewalks are adequately maintained and adhering to previously set safety standards.
Can a Slip and Fall Lawyer Help Your Case?
Determining who is at fault for a slip on the sidewalk can be difficult, especially when different government entities or questions of ownership are involved. A thorough investigation will be undertaken, looking into specific circumstances surrounding your slip-and-fall accident, the location, and other factors and forms of evidence.
The investigation process and the aftermath of seeking compensation can be challenging when you don’t know the full extent of what you’re up against – but that’s why we are here to help.
Our personal injury law firm has an experienced legal team skilled at investigating your claim, identifying responsible parties, and gathering the necessary evidence to help you make your claim and seek adequate compensation. In these cases, having strong legal representation could mean the difference between compensation and commiseration.
Were You the Victim of a Sidewalk Slip and Fall? Leave it to Hoffman Law Firm
Our team at Hoffman Law Firm is here to help you make sense of your sidewalk showdown. When you hire a personal injury lawyer near you, a member of our team will work with you to gather evidence, determine liability, and help you on the road to compensation.
With offices in Charleston and Georgetown, SC, we support accident victims throughout the Palmetto State. Our personal injury and workers’ compensation lawyers here at Hoffman Law Firm have extensive experience handling various cases. We have established a reputation for success and great service!
To meet with a member of our team, schedule your free consultation today.
