A broken stair railing in a Carolina Forest apartment complex. Water tracked across a grocery store aisle with no wet floor sign. A parking lot in North Myrtle with broken or uneven pavement that causes someone to fall. These are not random accidents. They are preventable hazards.
In Myrtle Beach, property owners have a legal duty to maintain safe premises. When a property owner fails to fix a dangerous condition or ignores a known risk, the consequences can be severe. A slip-and-fall injury can mean surgery, months of medical treatment, lost wages, and overwhelming medical bills.
At Joye Law Firm Injury Lawyers, we have represented injured South Carolinians since 1968. We help level the playing field for people who feel outmatched by billion-dollar insurance companies and deep-pocketed property owners. Our approach is guided by our four Core Values: compassion for our clients, bravery in standing up to insurers, a commitment to continuous improvement in how we build and present each case, and respect for the common good for everyone in our community. That culture shapes how we handle every Myrtle Beach slip and fall case.
We have seen how serious these injuries can be.
- $2 million settlement for a Marine who suffered a career-ending injury at a Myrtle Beach resort.
- $1 million settlement for a veteran who fell through an unmarked open elevator shaft at a Myrtle Beach construction site, suffering severe pelvis and leg fractures that required multiple surgeries and spinal stabilization.
- $600,000 settlement for a woman who slipped and fell due to a mission railing on a ramp, breaking her femur and requiring a rod in her arm.
- $550,000 settlement for a Myrtle Beach man following injuries sustained on unsafe steps.
- $255,000 settlement for a woman after slipping on wet stairs at a Myrtle Beach hotel, who broke her right ankle, which required surgical repair with plates and screws.
If you were hurt in a Myrtle Beach slip and fall accident on someone else’s property, you may have the right to seek compensation under South Carolina premises liability law.
Where Do Most Slip and Fall Accidents Happen in Myrtle Beach?
The Myrtle Beach area sees a high volume of visitors and residents year-round. That traffic increases the risk of fall accidents in places such as:
- Grocery stores and retail shops with slippery floors
- Restaurants and bars with spills left unattended
- Apartment complexes with broken stairs or inadequate lighting
- Hotels and resorts with unsafe walkways
- Parking lots with poor maintenance
- Beach access points with unstable surfaces
Accidents happen, but preventable hazards should not. Each setting requires a close look at who controlled the property and what steps they took to protect visitors.
What Types of Injuries Are Common in Slip and Fall Accidents?
A slip and fall injury can range from minor bruises to life-altering trauma. We often see:
- Fractured hips, wrists, and ankles
- Shoulder injuries requiring surgery
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord damage
- Knee ligament tears
- Severe back injuries
Fall victims may require surgery, physical therapy, and long-term medical treatment. Some cannot return to their previous jobs, especially in physically demanding roles common across South Carolina. Medical expenses add up quickly. Lost wages create further strain. A fall claim seeks financial compensation.
How Does South Carolina’s Premises Liability Law Affect Your Slip and Fall Lawsuit?
South Carolina’s premises liability laws play a significant role in determining the outcome of a slip-and-fall claim. One of the most important factors is the state’s modified comparative negligence rule. Under this rule, you can still recover compensation if you are partially at fault for the accident, but your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of responsibility. However, if you are found to be more than 50 percent at fault, you are barred from recovering any damages.
Timing is another critical factor. In most cases, South Carolina law typically gives you three years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. Failing to file within this statute of limitations can permanently prevent you from pursuing compensation.
Because premises liability claims often hinge on detailed evidence and legal strategy, careful preparation is essential. Thorough documentation and a well-supported claim can significantly improve your chances of securing a fair settlement or favorable trial verdict.
