Greenville is known for its incredible state parks and scenery, including Paris Mountain State Park, Falls Park, and the Greenville Zoo. It also boasts an incredible downtown and Main Street with numerous shops and restaurants.
But what happens if you slip and fall on public property, such as the Liberty Bridge, and suffer from significant head or back injuries? Contact an experienced Greenville slip-and-fall lawyer from Eppes & Plumblee, P.A., as soon as possible online or by calling 864-581-3450 and take the following steps.
Step 1: Obtain Medical Assistance
Falls are one of the nation’s leading causes of traumatic brain injuries. Many serious brain injuries occur when the fall damages the delicate blood vessels in the skull, causing a slow brain bleed. You may not experience immediate symptoms, which could delay essential medical treatment. Always call emergency services to obtain an accident report and visit a Greenville emergency room or urgent care for an examination after a slip and fall.
Step 2: Gather Evidence
If you’re able, take photographs of the dangerous condition immediately after the fall or send an attorney to do so. Wet conditions that cause slip and falls – such as water – evaporate and disappear quickly. It’s essential to show state entities that a dangerous condition caused the fall. You should also preserve the following evidence:
- Shoes
- Any non-wet condition, such as a sample of the substance or debris
- Clothes
- Witness names and contact information
- The exact location of the fall
Do not wash your clothes or shoes after a slip and fall on public property. They could contain essential evidence of the dangerous condition. You can bring these items to a local personal injury law firm in Greenville for preservation without cost.
Step 3: Contact a Local Personal Injury Law Firm
Unlike slipping on private property, special state laws apply to personal injury claims against public entities. Public claims procedures are strict, and you must retain a municipal liability lawyer with experience handling slip-and-fall cases against the state. Attorneys who do not know how to hold state entities, such as the City of Greenville, responsible might not take the correct administrative steps. This could result in an unintentional waiver of your rights.
Step 4: File a Verified Claim
Under the South Carolina Tort Claims Act, you must file a verified claim for damages within one year of the fall. The relevant state or local authority then has 180 days to determine whether you qualify for damages, and if so, your personal injury lawyer can negotiate a settlement for any medical bills, lost earnings, and pain and suffering. If the state authority denies your claim or refuses to settle fairly, an experienced slip-and-fall litigator in Greenville can sue for damages.
Start Here After a Slip and Fall on Public Property in GreenvilleStart Here After a Slip and Fall on Public Property in Greenville
The experienced public liability lawyers at Eppes & Plumblee know how to hold state entities, including the parks department or city, responsible for slip-and-fall injuries. Our dedicated Greenville personal injury litigators might help you obtain needed damages from state insurance funds or hold the public entity liable for extreme negligence. Discuss your Greenville slip-and-fall claim with our local attorneys today by calling 864-581-3450 or connecting with us online for free.