South Carolina Sinkhole Injuries Lawyer
Given the unique geographical location of South Carolina, sinkholes and other naturally occurring ecological disruptions can happen, potentially causing severe and sometimes fatal accidents. If you suffered injuries due to a sinkhole, our team at Anastopoulo Law Firm can help. We have the knowledge and experience necessary to litigate on your behalf.
Whether you are the owner of a property containing sinkholes or have been injured in a sinkhole accident, our firm’s South Carolina sinkhole injuries lawyer can provide the legal representation and advice you deserve. You do not need to bear the legal burden of the accident on your own. We provide complimentary consultations to all injury victims 24/7.
Understanding Personal Injury Law Regarding Sinkholes
A sinkhole is a depression in the earth caused by water erosion often found in land possessing limestone bedrocks. In recent years, the presence of sinkholes on South Carolina land created craters across the state that produced enhanced risks of personal injuries to innocent bystanders.
According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), even the smallest sinkhole can be more dangerous than it may seem at first glance. Sinkholes can naturally occur when water enters below the surface, and the amount of water becomes so large that it attempts to flow outward.
Due to increased construction and building in recent years, sinkholes occur most often when underground pipes or other water-dispersing products burst, creating new underground routes for the trapped water to flow.
When Sinkholes Become Deadly
Sinkholes present a significant risk of injury if someone falls in. In 2013, concerns about sinkholes became more pronounced when a Florida man fell to his death in a 20-foot-wide sinkhole that, unbeknownst to him, was located under his home.
In addition to presenting a risk of accidents and injury, sinkholes also raise insurance liability claims for the property where the sinkhole exists. A property owner with an insurance policy for their land should be capable of recovering compensation for damages and injuries caused by the presence of a sinkhole.
Issues That Can Affect Insurance Coverage Due to Sinkholes
- Whether the sinkhole is present on private or public property
- The property owner’s knowledge of the sinkhole’s existence
- Whether the property owner who knew of the sinkhole’s existence took proper precautions to warn others of its presence
- Whether an insurance provider conducted routine inspections of the property
- Whether a property owner acted negligently with regards to the sinkhole and/or the injured party
Whether the sinkhole caused your injuries and damage on your property, or you got hurt due to a sinkhole on someone else’s property, we can help. Our lawyer is here to analyze the details of your sinkhole injury, assign liability, and file a personal injury or wrongful death case on your behalf.
For a free legal consultation with a sinkhole injuries lawyer serving South Carolina, call 803-222-2222
Proving Liability in a South Carolina Sinkhole Injuries Case
If your sinkhole accident happened on someone else’s property, and the owner did not warn of the potential hazard, you may have grounds to take legal action based on premises liability. Our team will need to prove the following:
- The property owner had a duty of care to warn you about the possible danger—in this case, the sinkhole.
- The property owner breached that duty of care by not behaving in a reasonable manner and warning you about the potential danger.
- This lack of warning contributed to your sinkhole accident.
- You suffered injuries and other damages due to the sinkhole accident.
The team at Anastopoulo Law Firm has more than 25 years of experience handling personal injury cases. Sinkhole tragedies are rare, but they do happen. If you were injured or a loved one died as the result of a sinkhole accident, our lawyer can hold the liable party to account. A team member can discuss the details of your case during a free initial consultation today.
South Carolina Sinkhole Injuries Lawyer Near Me 803-222-2222
Damages You May Receive in a South Carolina Sinkhole Injuries Case
When you choose to hire a sinkhole injuries lawyer from Anastopoulo Law Firm, we will work to help you receive financial recovery for the damages you suffered. In a personal injury case, you may be eligible to receive two types of damages: economic and non-economic damages.
Economic Damages in a Sinkhole Injuries Case
Economic damages address the financial losses you suffered. These damages can be calculated by adding up your medical bills and receipts related to your accident and injuries. They typically include:
- Hospitalizations
- Surgeries
- Imaging tests (e.g., X-rays, MRIs, CAT scans)
- Ambulance transport
- Assistive medical devices
- Physical therapy
- Lost income (due to work missed)
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Property damage
Non-Economic Damages in a Sinkhole Injuries Case
Non-economic damages are not as easy to put a dollar value on because they demonstrate the physical and emotional losses you suffered due to the accident. They include:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Disability or disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of activities
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of companionship
If you lost a loved one as a result of a sinkhole accident, please accept our deepest condolences. You may be eligible for wrongful death damages, such as medical bills leading up to their death and funeral and burial expenses. We will discuss these details during your free case review.
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Do Not Delay in Seeking Legal Action
It is important to note that South Carolina has a time limit on how long you have to bring a personal injury or wrongful death action in civil court:
- For personal injury, you have three years from the date of the accident per C. Ann. § 15-3-530.
- For wrongful death, you have three years from the date of the decedent’s death per C. Ann. § 15-3-530.
Our legal team will ensure that all paperwork in your case is filed on time in the correct court when you contact us quickly.
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Contact Anastopoulo Law Firm for Your Free Case Evaluation
Sinkholes are ecological occurrences that can cause serious injuries and fatalities. At Anastopoulo Law Firm, we provide legal representation and advice to property owners and those injured by sinkhole accidents.
Contact our team to receive a complimentary consultation and begin working on your sinkhole injury case. Call (800) 777-7777 to speak with a team member now.
Call or text 803-222-2222 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
