If you have become a victim of a crime in Columbia, SC due to negligent security or unsafe conditions, you may have the right to seek compensation under South Carolina premises liability law. However, to secure all of the compensation to which you are entitled, you may need the assistance of a skilled Columbia premises liability lawyer.
Attorney Marc Brown and his dedicated team at the Marc Brown Law Firm are here to help you secure the justice and compensation you deserve. With our knowledge, experience, and aggressive approach, we can ensure that your voice is heard, and your rights are protected. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Why Choose Marc Brown Law Firm
Choosing the right Columbia premises liability lawyers can significantly impact the outcome of your South Carolina premises liability case. Here’s why Marc Brown Law Firm is the right choice to help you recover the compensation you deserve:
- Knowledge and Experience: Attorney Marc Brown brings a wealth of experience to each case he handles. Having previously worked for a national law firm defending large corporations and insurance companies, this perspective helps him understand how insurance companies evaluate and settle injury claims.
- Aggressive Representation: We prepare every case as if it is going to trial, increasing the potential value of your case and ensuring we are ready for any scenario.
- You Won’t Pay Until We Win: We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t pay legal or attorney fees unless we win compensation for you.
- Free Consultation: We offer a free initial consultation to discuss your case and explain your legal options without any financial obligation.
- Personalized Attention: As a boutique law firm, we provide personalized and attentive service.
Attorney Marc Brown’s dedication to justice and relentless pursuit of fair compensation for his clients have earned him a reputation for excellence in the legal community.
Understanding Premises Liability Cases
Premises liability cases involve injuries that occur due to unsafe conditions on someone else’s property. When these injuries are a result of criminal acts, such as assault or robbery, the property owner may be held liable if it can be proven that they failed to provide adequate security or maintain safe premises.
Victims of such crimes can face severe physical, emotional, and financial consequences, making it crucial to seek fair compensation. However, the liable Insurance companies are often only concerned with minimizing their payout, which can leave victims without the full compensation they deserve.
Common Causes of Crimes Related to Premises Liability
Premises liability cases related to crimes often arise from a variety of unsafe conditions and negligent behaviors. Here are some common causes:
- Inadequate Security: Lack of proper security measures, such as surveillance cameras, security personnel, or adequate lighting, can lead to crimes like assault or robbery.
- Poor Maintenance: Failing to maintain the property, such as broken locks or fences, can make it easier for criminals to access the premises.
- Lack of Warning Signs: Not posting warnings about known dangers on the property can lead to injuries or crimes, especially in areas with high crime rates.
- Negligent Hiring Practices: Hiring staff without proper background checks can result in employees who pose a threat to visitors or tenants.
- Unsafe Layouts: Property designs that create hidden or secluded areas can increase the risk of criminal activity.
Understanding the various factors that facilitated the crime is the first step in holding the property owner/manager liable for your injuries, pain, and suffering.
How Liability for Premises Liability is Established in South Carolina
Establishing liability in premises liability cases involves proving that the property owner or manager was negligent. In South Carolina, the concept of negligence plays a crucial role in these cases.
Here’s how liability is typically established:
- Duty of Care: Property owners have a legal duty to ensure their premises are reasonably safe for visitors. This includes taking steps to prevent foreseeable criminal acts.
- Breach of Duty: If the property owner failed to provide adequate security measures or maintain safe conditions, they may be considered to have breached their duty of care.
- Causation: It must be shown that the property owner’s negligence directly led to the crime and your injuries.
- Damages: You must demonstrate that you suffered actual harm, such as physical injuries, emotional trauma, or financial losses, due to the crime.
In South Carolina, comparative negligence is also considered in premises liability cases. This means that if you are found to be partially responsible for the incident, your compensation may be reduced proportionally (South Carolina Code Title 15: Civil Remedies & Procedures, Chapter 38). However, even if comparative negligence is a factor, having a skilled attorney can help mitigate its impact on your claim.
Compensation for Premises Liability
Victims of crimes resulting from premises liability in South Carolina can seek various forms of compensation. Here are the types of compensation that can be recovered through a premises liability claim:
- Medical Expenses
- Lost Wages and Income
- Pain and Suffering
- Property Damage
- Loss of Consortium
- Punitive Damages
Having a knowledgeable Columbia premises liability attorney can significantly improve your chances of securing compensation that addresses all of your damages.
The Statute of Limitations for Premises Liability Claims in South Carolina
In South Carolina, there is a limited time frame within which you can file a premises liability lawsuit. This time frame, known as the statute of limitations, is generally three years from the date of the injury or crime (South Carolina Code § 15-3-530). It is crucial to file within this period to preserve your right to seek compensation.
However, certain circumstances can extend or shorten this timeframe. Furthermore, it is advisable to start the insurance claim process as soon as possible to ensure timely compensation.
An experienced Columbia premises liability attorney can ensure you take action within the required time frame to preserve your right to compensation and maximize your claim.
How Attorney Marc Brown Can Help
Having an experienced Columbia premises liability attorney like Marc Brown on your side can make a significant difference in your case. Here’s how Attorney Marc Brown can help:
- Case Evaluation: Performing a thorough evaluation of your case to determine its merits and potential value.
- Evidence: Gathering crucial evidence, including security footage, maintenance records, and witness statements to support your claim.
- Expert Testimony: Working with experts to establish the property owner’s negligence and the extent of your injuries.
- Negotiation: Skillfully negotiating with the liable insurance companies to secure a fair settlement.
- Litigation: Preparing and presenting your case in court if a fair settlement cannot be reached.
Hiring Attorney Marc Brown ensures that you have a dedicated advocate fighting for your rights and maximizing your compensation.
Contact Marc Brown Law Firm for a Premises Liability Lawyer in Columbia, South Carolina
If you or a loved one has been a victim of a crime due to unsafe conditions on someone else’s property, do not wait to seek legal help. Contact Marc Brown Law Firm today to schedule a free consultation, and to discuss your case with an experienced Columbia, South Carolina premises liability lawyer.
We are committed to fighting for your rights and securing the compensation you deserve.