How much time do I have to file a claim?
Three years from the date of the incident. Since surveillance footage and maintenance records are often lost well before then, contact a Food Lion injury attorney as soon as possible to build the strongest case.
Can I recover compensation if I was partially at fault?
Under South Carolina’s modified comparative fault system, your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault, up to fifty percent. Food Lion’s defense will likely argue you should have noticed the hazard. An attorney can challenge inflated fault assignments.
What if Food Lion denies responsibility?
A denial is just the company’s initial litigation position, not a final determination of your rights. Food Lion’s insurer is financially incentivized to undervalue claims. An independent investigation gathering surveillance footage, inspection logs, and maintenance records can challenge that denial.
Can I sue over a leaking refrigeration unit?
Yes. Food Lion is fully responsible for maintaining its refrigeration units. If a leak creates a floor hazard the company fails to address in a timely manner, it is liable for resulting injuries. Maintenance records for the unit may show prior notice of the issue.
What if there was no wet floor sign?
The absence of a warning sign is direct evidence Food Lion failed its duty of care. Photograph the absence at the scene and notify the manager when reporting the incident. This can support a failure-to-warn argument.
Can Food Lion be held liable for injuries in the produce section?
Yes. The produce section is one of the most hazardous areas in any grocery store, and Food Lion has a heightened duty to manage moisture from misting systems, refrigerated displays, and customer handling. If the company fails to address this and a customer is injured, it is directly liable.
How long does Food Lion keep surveillance footage?
Typically thirty to sixty days before it’s automatically overwritten. This footage is critical in produce or refrigeration-related cases, as it can show how long a floor was wet before the fall. Contact a Charleston Food Lion attorney promptly to ensure a preservation demand is sent before the footage is lost.