Dangerous conditions that lead to accidents and injuries exist in most locations, whether business, residential, or public.
The following are some of the most common sites of premises liability claims:
- Grocery stores;
- Retail stores;
- Department stores;
- Restaurants;
- Nightclubs or bars;
- Casinos;
- Fitness centers or gyms;
- Government buildings;
- Resorts and hotels;
- Amusement or theme parks;
- Shopping malls;
- Salons;
- Construction sites;
- Parks or sidewalks;
- Condo or apartment complexes; and
- Private homes.
Often, the owner has leased the property in question, such as an apartment or commercial property. In South Carolina, the owner, renter, and any company that performed construction or maintenance on the property may face liability.
Generally, the tenant is presumed to control the property; however, dangerous and concealed conditions may exist on the property. If the landlord handles repairs for the tenant, then the landlord or the repair company may face liability for the injuries.
The South Carolina Recreational Use Statute mitigates liability for landowners whose property is consistently used for recreational purposes. It states that the landowner is not liable if the victim is injured while harvesting or engaging in recreational activities, such as camping, hiking, or hunting.