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    Walking into a local shop or checking into a beachfront hotel should not end with a trip to the emergency room. When you step onto a commercial property in Myrtle Beach, you expect the area to be safe. If a property owner failed to fix a leak or ignored a broken stair, they may be held responsible for the damage it caused you.

    When you’re injured on someone else’s property, South Carolina law gives you the right to seek compensation. At Joye Law Firm Injury Lawyers, we represent injured individuals in Myrtle Beach and throughout Horry County, holding negligent property owners and their insurance companies accountable when they fail to maintain safe premises.

    Our attorneys have the experience it takes to recover substantial compensation for clients injured in premises liability accidents. In one case, we secured a $600,000 settlement for a woman who suffered a broken femur and required surgical placement of a rod in her arm after slipping on a Myrtle Beach ramp that lacked a required railing. The missing railing created a clear and preventable safety hazard, yet the property owner failed to address it. Our firm has also recovered significant results in other Myrtle Beach premises liability cases, including a $2 million settlement for a Marine who suffered a career-ending injury at a Myrtle Beach resort, a $550,000 settlement for a Myrtle Beach man injured on unsafe steps, and a $255,000 settlement for a woman who broke her right ankle after slipping on wet hotel stairs which required surgical repair with plates and screws.

    These cases reflect the serious consequences unsafe property conditions can have and the importance of holding negligent property owners accountable. While past results don’t guarantee future outcomes, they do represent the tenacity Joye Law Firm brings to every case.

    Since 1968, our law firm has focused on helping level the playing field for injured South Carolinians who feel outmatched against big business and their insurance companies. Our firm culture centers on our four Core Values of compassion, bravery, continuous improvement, and respect for the common good of the people and communities we serve. That approach guides every premises liability claim we handle. We listen. We investigate. We fight for fair compensation.

    If you need a free consultation with Myrtle Beach premises liability lawyers, we are ready to review your case.

    What Types of Accidents Lead to Myrtle Beach Premises Liability Claims?

    Myrtle Beach premises liability claims arise in many settings. The most common involve:

    Slip and fall accidents

    Spilled drinks, freshly mopped floors without warning signs, uneven sidewalks, and torn carpeting can cause severe injuries. Broken hips, wrist fractures, spinal injuries, and head trauma are common.

    Defective stairs and ramps

    Broken steps, loose handrails, unstable ramps, and deteriorating boardwalks create dangerous conditions. Property owners must inspect these areas and promptly repair any defects. When an owner failed to fix structural hazards or ignored complaints, they may be held liable for the serious injuries they caused.

    Swimming pool accidents

    Hotel pools and residential pools must be properly maintained. Property owners must warn visitors about hazards and secure pool areas to prevent injuries.

    Inadequate security

    When commercial property owners fail to provide reasonable security measures in high-risk areas, assaults and robberies can occur. Security cameras, lighting, and staffing matter.

    Falling objects

    These incidents include merchandise falling from shelves in stores or warehouses as well as tools and building materials falling from upper levels at construction sites. A person struck by a falling object may suffer serious head and brain injuries. These accidents also frequently cause eye injuries.

    Beach premises liability

    Boardwalks, rental properties near the ocean, and beach access points must be kept safe. Rotting wood, unstable railings, and poor lighting can create serious risks.

    Dog Bites and Animal Attacks on Another’s Property

    Dog bites are a significant part of premises liability law. South Carolina law holds dog owners responsible when their animals injure visitors, including people lawfully on private residence property. These injuries cause scarring, nerve damage, infection, and emotional trauma. Victims, especially children, often face ongoing treatment and medical bills that should not fall on them.

    When Can Property Owners Be Held Responsible for Injuries?

    Not every fall or accident creates a valid premises liability claim. To hold a property owner responsible, you must show:

    1. A dangerous condition existed on the property.
    2. The owner knew or should have known about it.
    3. The owner failed to fix it or warn visitors.
    4. That failure caused your injuries.

    An experienced premises liability attorney conducts a thorough investigation. We review maintenance logs, accident reports, security cameras, and witness statements. We also look at inspection practices and past complaints. These details matter when pursuing liability claims against a commercial property owner or a private homeowner.

    Under South Carolina law, you generally have three years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing that deadline can end your right to seek compensation.

    How Do You Prove a Premises Liability Claim?

    Strong premises liability cases are built on evidence. Acting quickly helps preserve evidence before conditions change. Important evidence may include:Premises Liability Legal Duty of Care

    • Photographs of the hazard
    • Accident reports
    • Maintenance records
    • Security cameras footage
    • Witness statements
    • Medical records documenting injuries sustained

    Our law firm conducts a thorough investigation in every personal injury case. We review the building codes, inspect the property, and determine whether the owner failed to exercise reasonable care.

    Do Different Rules Apply to Trespassers or Guests?

    Premises liability law treats visitors differently depending on their reason for being on the property. Understanding your status on the property helps determine how the law applies to your case.

    • Invitees, such as hotel guests or customers, are owed a high duty of reasonable care. Owners must inspect for hazards and fix known dangers.
    • Licensees, such as social guests, must be warned about known dangers that are not obvious.
    • Adult trespassers are generally owed less protection. However, property owners still cannot intentionally cause harm.

    Child trespassers are generally owed a greater duty of care than adult trespassers because young children may not recognize or appreciate dangerous conditions. Under the Attractive Nuisance Doctrine, property owners can be held liable if they fail to take reasonable steps to protect children from hazardous conditions or features on their property that are likely to attract them, such as swimming pools, abandoned vehicles, or construction sites.

    What Compensation Can You Recover After a Premises Liability Accident?

    A premises liability claim seeks compensation for the losses caused by someone else’s negligence. Depending on your case, you may recover:

    • Medical bills and ongoing medical treatment
    • Hospital bills and rehabilitation costs
    • Lost wages and lost income
    • Reduced earning capacity
    • Pain and suffering
    • Emotional distress
    • Economic damages related to long-term care

    Serious injuries such as broken bones, head trauma, or spinal injuries can lead to lasting medical expenses. Many injured people face a sudden financial burden while unable to work.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Myrtle Beach Premises Liability

    How much is my Myrtle Beach premises liability case worth?

    The value of a premises liability case depends on the severity of your injuries, the extent of your medical treatment, whether you missed time from work, and how the injury affects your long-term health and earning ability. Cases involving fractures, surgeries, head trauma, or permanent limitations typically carry higher value than minor soft tissue injuries. An experienced attorney will evaluate medical records, consult with experts if needed, and assess both economic and non-economic damages before estimating a fair settlement range.

    What if the property owner claims I was at fault for my accident?

    South Carolina follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means you can still recover compensation if you were partially at fault. However, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault. Insurance companies often try to shift blame to minimize payouts, which is why a detailed investigation and strong evidence are critical.

    Will my premises liability case have to go to court?

    Most premises liability claims are resolved through negotiated settlements with the property owner’s insurance company. However, if the insurer refuses to offer fair compensation, filing a lawsuit may be necessary. Preparing every case as if it could go to trial strengthens your negotiating position and ensures you are ready if litigation becomes the best path forward.

    What should I do immediately after being injured on someone else’s property?

    Seek medical attention right away, even if your injuries seem minor. Report the incident to the property owner or manager and request a written incident report. If possible, take photographs of the hazard and gather contact information from witnesses. Avoid giving recorded statements to insurance adjusters before speaking with an attorney, as early statements can affect your claim.

    Can I file a claim if the accident happened at a vacation rental or Airbnb in Myrtle Beach?

    Yes, you may still have a valid claim. Liability in short-term rental cases can involve the property owner, a property management company, or another responsible party, depending on who controlled and maintained the premises. These cases often require a careful review of lease agreements, maintenance responsibilities, and insurance coverage to determine who should be held accountable.

    Call Joye Law Firm Injury Lawyers for a Myrtle Beach Premises Liability Case

    Choosing a law firm after a serious injury is a personal decision. You want legal guidance that is clear and honest. You want a team that respects your time and understands the stress you face.

    At Joye Law Firm Injury Lawyers, we stand up for injured underdogs facing powerful insurance companies. Our clients are more than case numbers; they’re people who deserve compassion, respect, and strong advocacy. That’s why we prepare every personal injury case as if it will go to court, building each one with care and determination. We continually refine our strategies and systems to deliver stronger results and better serve those who trust us with their recovery. We also stay accessible. From your first free case review through the final resolution, we answer questions and explain each step.

    That dedication is reflected in recognition for plaintiff-side injury work. Joye Law Firm Injury Lawyers has been included in Best Law Firms in America by Best Lawyers for personal injury litigation and product liability litigation for plaintiffs. The firm is led by Senior Partner Mark C. Joye, Head of the Litigation Department, and Managing Partner Ken Harrell, both of whom have been consistently selected for inclusion in Best Lawyers in America.

    Our personal injury team has also earned repeated recognition from South Carolina Super Lawyers and Rising Stars, including attorneys honored for personal injury advocacy. Those distinctions reflect the depth of experience and leadership our firm brings to serious premises liability claims.

    If you suffered serious injuries on someone else’s property in Myrtle Beach, contact Joye Law Firm Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation.

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    Attorneys at Joye Law Firm Injury Lawyers's Myrtle Beach office