Black Friday is an iconic shopping event where stores offer massive discounts and shoppers rush to score the best deals. The excitement and anticipation in the air are palpable, but so too is the potential for accidents and injuries. In South Carolina, when you visit a store on Black Friday, the store owner has an obligation to maintain safe conditions, ensuring that their premises are secure from any potential hazards that could cause harm. If you’re injured in a crowded store on this day, understanding your rights under premises liability laws can be the key to securing the compensation you deserve.
The Importance of Premises Liability Law in South Carolina 
Premises liability law refers to the legal responsibility of property owners to maintain a safe environment for visitors. South Carolina premises liability laws require property owners to take reasonable precautions to ensure that their premises are free of hazards that could lead to injuries. Whether you are visiting a store, a shopping mall, or any commercial establishment, the property owner is expected to ensure the safety of all individuals who enter their property.
In the context of Black Friday shopping, stores are likely to be crowded, and the sheer number of people in the store can increase the risk of injuries. Retailers have a duty to manage this increased foot traffic and take action to prevent foreseeable accidents that could result from the chaos that often accompanies Black Friday.
For example, stores must address potential hazards such as slippery floors, blocked aisles, inadequate crowd control, or even inadequate security during such a busy time. When these issues are ignored or poorly handled, they can lead to injuries that are directly related to the store’s negligence.
What Constitutes Premises Liability in South Carolina?
Under South Carolina law, a property owner owes a specific duty of care to different types of visitors:
- Invitees: This includes customers in a store who are invited to enter for the purpose of purchasing goods or services. As an invitee, you are entitled to the highest level of protection under premises liability law. The store is obligated to ensure your safety and address any dangerous conditions that might harm you while you are there.
- Licensees: These individuals are on the property with the owner’s consent, but for reasons other than business (such as a social guest). While the duty of care is not as high as for invitees, property owners are still obligated to warn licensees of known hazards.
- Trespassers: People who enter a property without permission generally have limited legal protections. However, if the property owner knows of a trespasser’s presence, they may still owe a duty of care to avoid causing harm.
As a Black Friday shopper, you would be considered an invitee, meaning the store has an obligation to keep the premises safe and free from any hazards that could cause injuries.
Common Hazards on Black Friday
The risks of injury on Black Friday can arise from a wide range of hazards, many of which are created by the chaos and overcrowding associated with the event. Some of the most common accidents and injuries caused by these hazards include:
- Slips, trips, and falls: With the heavy foot traffic during Black Friday, spills and wet spots are often left unaddressed. A slippery floor or an obstruction in a crowded aisle can cause serious falls. Property owners are required to regularly inspect for these hazards and fix them promptly.
- Trampling and crowd-related injuries: When large crowds of excited shoppers rush to get to limited-time deals, accidents can happen. People may be pushed, shoved, or even trampled, causing serious physical harm. A failure to control the crowd can make the store owner liable for such injuries.
- Falling objects: In some cases, poorly stocked shelves or displays can lead to items falling from shelves, creating an additional risk of injury. During Black Friday, store employees should secure displays and ensure items are not improperly stacked or positioned where they may fall.
- Aggressive behavior and altercations: With heightened emotions and stress on Black Friday, arguments and physical altercations can occur. While stores are not required to police every interaction, if a fight or scuffle leads to injuries, the store may be held responsible for failing to provide adequate security.
- Insufficient lighting or signage: In large retail spaces, especially crowded ones, poor lighting can increase the likelihood of accidents. Dimly lit areas make it difficult for shoppers to spot hazards, and without clear signage directing shoppers or providing safety instructions, accidents become more likely.
How to Prove a Premises Liability Case in South Carolina
If you are injured on a store’s premises during Black Friday shopping, there are several factors you will need to prove in order to have a successful premises liability case:
- The store owner owed you a duty of care: As a customer, the store owner has an obligation to ensure that the premises are safe for you to shop.
- The store was negligent: You must show that the store’s negligence or failure to act led directly to your injury. This could include failing to clean up a spill, improperly securing shelves, or not controlling crowds in the store.
- Your injury was caused by the store’s negligence: In order to claim compensation, you must show that the injury you sustained was a direct result of the store’s failure to maintain a safe environment.
- You suffered actual damages: You must prove that your injury resulted in real, quantifiable damages. These could include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, or emotional distress.
If these elements are proven in a court of law, you may be entitled to compensation for your injury.
What to Do If You’re Injured in a Store on Black Friday
If you’ve suffered an injury during Black Friday shopping, it’s essential to act quickly to preserve your legal rights. Here’s what you should do:
- Seek medical attention: Even if your injury feels minor, it’s important to get evaluated by a healthcare professional. Some injuries, like concussions or internal injuries, may not be immediately apparent.
- Report the injury to store management: Notify the store’s management immediately about the incident. Request that they document the accident in their report and ask for a copy of this report for your records.
- Take photos of the scene: If possible, take photos of the area where the injury occurred, especially if it was due to a hazard like a spill or a tripping hazard. These photos can serve as crucial evidence in your case.
- Gather witness statements: If there were any witnesses to the accident, ask for their contact information. Their testimony may help corroborate your version of events.
- Consult with an experienced personal injury attorney: A lawyer can guide you through the legal process, helping you to understand your rights and assist in gathering the evidence necessary to prove your claim.
Common Injuries That May Be Covered Under Premises Liability
Some injuries that are commonly covered under premises liability claims include:
- Broken bones: Broken arms, legs, or ribs often result from falls or being pushed or knocked over in a crowd.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): Falls or blows to the head can cause concussions, skull fractures, and other serious brain injuries.
- Spinal cord injuries: In serious cases, falls or heavy objects falling on a shopper can result in injuries to the spine, leading to paralysis or other long-term issues.
- Soft tissue injuries: Sprains, strains, and bruises can result from falls or being jostled in a crowd.
Why Christian & Christian Law?
At Christian & Christian Law, we understand the complexities of premises liability cases in South Carolina. Our attorneys have extensive experience in representing victims of accidents and injuries that occur due to negligence in retail and commercial settings. If you have been hurt during Black Friday shopping in Greenville, we can help you navigate the legal process, gather evidence, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Black Friday shopping can be an exciting experience, but it also carries with it significant risks, especially in crowded stores where accidents are more likely to occur. By understanding your rights under South Carolina premises liability law, you can ensure that you are protected if you are injured during your shopping spree.
If you’ve been injured in a store due to the store’s negligence, it’s important to take immediate action to protect your legal rights. Christian & Christian Law is here to help you every step of the way, ensuring that you receive the compensation you are entitled to for your injuries.