Slip and fall accidents can result in devastating injuries. You may not be sure what your next steps should be after a slip, trip, or fall. It’s important that you get medical attention as quickly as possible and reach out to a slip-and-fall attorney for legal advice. There are important deadlines called “statutes of limitations” that are important in your case.
Attorney Venus Poe can review your case and help you move fast in a slip-and-fall case. Fill out this contact form to request a case consultation today!
What Is a Statute of Limitations?
A statute of limitations is a law that sets the maximum amount of time that you have to file a lawsuit after a legal claim arises. The length of time the statute allows for a victim to bring legal action against the suspected wrongdoer can vary based on where the incident occurred and what happened.
Statutes of limitations exist for both civil and criminal cases. In civil cases (such as slip and fall claims), statutes of limitations typically range from one to three years, depending on the type of claim. In criminal cases, statutes of limitations typically range from one to ten years, depending on the severity of the crime.
Exceptions to Statutes of Limitations
There are a few exceptions to statutes of limitations. For example, the statute of limitations may be tolled (paused) if the victim is a minor or mentally incapacitated. Additionally, the statute of limitations may be extended if the defendant fraudulently concealed the cause of action from the plaintiff.
Purpose of Statutes of Limitations
The purpose of statutes of limitations is to promote fairness and efficiency in the legal system. Statutes of limitations ensure that defendants are not prosecuted or sued for stale claims, and they help to reduce the backlog of cases in the courts.
What Is the Statute of Limitations in a South Carolina Slip and Fall Case?
A slip and fall case is considered a personal injury lawsuit in South Carolina. The statute of limitations for this type of claim is generally three years from the date of the accident. This means that you have three years from the date you fell and were injured to file a personal injury lawsuit against the property owner or other responsible party.
If you fail to file your lawsuit within the three-year statute of limitations, you will be barred from recovering any compensation for your injuries. You may not be able to recover any compensation, no matter how strong your case is against the other party.
Tips For Acting Fast After a Slip and Fall Accident
It’s important to act fast after a slip and fall accident. If you don’t, the statute of limitations could run out, and you won’t be able to get compensation. Here are some steps you should take after a slip-and-fall accident:
- Seek medical attention. Even if you do not feel injured, it is important to see a doctor to get checked out. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, and it is important to get treatment as soon as possible to minimize the severity of your injuries.
- Document the scene. If possible, take pictures of the scene of the accident, including the hazard that caused you to fall. You should also try to get the names and contact information of any witnesses.
- Contact a slip and fall lawyer. Contact an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can help you assess your case, investigate the facts and file a lawsuit before the statute of limitations expires.
Attorney Venus Poe Can Help You Meet Deadlines
It’s important to act fast after a slip and fall incident. If you run out of time to file a lawsuit, the defendant will not likely give you any money. The statute of limitations in a slip-and-fall accident can expire surprisingly quickly.
Attorney Venus Poe has helped many people who have slipped, tripped, and fallen in Greenville, South Carolina. She knows South Carolina’s slip-and-fall laws, and she will use that knowledge to benefit your case. Slip and fall attorney Venus Poe will investigate your case, collect evidence and make a demand for compensation from the negligent party.