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Fall from Golf Cart Leads to $435K Settlement

Heath Hamacher • May 04, 2018

A man who visited a Ford dealership looking for a truck but left with two broken kneecaps has settled his personal injury lawsuit for $435,000, his attorney has reported.

According to an attorney for Randall Williamson, Thomas “Field” Dunaway of the Dunaway Law Firm in Anderson, Williamson, his wife, and his son went to Anderson Ford on Feb. 22, 2017, to look at a truck Williamson’s son was interested in buying. A salesman, defendant Shane Lear, pulled his golf cart beside the family and offered to drive them around the lot to look at trucks. As the 57-year-old Williamson was about to sit down on the rear-facing seat, Dunaway said, Lear “negligently” and “abruptly” accelerated, dragging Williamson 25 feet until he fell onto his knees, breaking both kneecaps.

Williamson alleged, among other things, that Ford failed to maintain a safe premises for the public and created a dangerous situation by allowing Lear to drive in a reckless manner. Video recordings provided by the dealership were helpful in establishing negligence, Dunaway said, making the case all about damages.

The initial demand, according to Dunaway, was $1 million.

“We agreed to mediate the case but stalled out at $220,000, so we agreed to resume mediation after a few more depositions were taken,” Dunaway wrote in an email. “The defense attorney, Denny P. Major, was a pleasure to work with and really helped expedite this settlement via email, avoiding the need to resume a second mediation.”

Dunaway said that because of his injuries, Williamson was unable to perform his job as the head of maintenance for an Anderson school district, a “huge deal and financial loss for his family.”

“They were struggling for the entire year that it took to settle this case,” Dunaway said.

SETTLEMENT REPORT — PERSONAL INJURY

Amount: $435,000

Injuries alleged: Two broken kneecaps

Case name: Randall Williamson v. Anderson Ford, LLC and Shane Lear

Court: Anderson County Court of Common Pleas

Case No.: 2017-CP-04-734

Judge: Settlement reached before hearing

Date of settlement: April 2

Attorneys for plaintiff: Tom W. Dunaway III and Thomas “Field” Dunaway IV of the Dunaway Law Firm in Anderson

Attorney for defendant: Denny P. Major of Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd in Greenville

Follow Heath Hamacher on Twitter @SCLWHamacher

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Slip & Fall Cases in South Carolina

By Field Dunaway • 07 Apr, 2023

Slip and fall accidents are a common occurrence in South Carolina, and can result in serious injuries that have long-term effects on a person's life. In many cases, these accidents occur due to the negligence of property owners who fail to maintain safe conditions for their visitors. If you or a loved one has been injured in a slip and fall accident in South Carolina, it's important to understand your legal rights and options for seeking compensation. The legal concept of premises liability applies in slip and fall cases, which means that property owners have a duty to maintain safe conditions on their premises and to warn visitors of any potential hazards. If they fail to do so, they can be held liable for any injuries that result from their negligence. However, proving liability in a slip and fall case can be challenging, as it requires demonstrating that the property owner knew or should have known about the dangerous condition and failed to take action to correct it. In South Carolina, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit is three years from the date of the accident. This means that if you wait too long to file a claim, you may lose your right to seek compensation. It's important to act quickly after a slip and fall accident to gather evidence and document your injuries, as this can help to support your case. To build a strong case in a slip and fall lawsuit, it's important to work with an experienced personal injury attorney who understands the legal nuances of premises liability cases. Your attorney can investigate the circumstances of your accident, gather evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf. If necessary, they can also represent you in court and argue for your right to compensation. If you've been injured in a slip and fall accident in South Carolina, don't hesitate to seek legal help. A skilled personal injury attorney can help you to navigate the complex legal system and fight for the compensation you deserve. With their help, you can focus on your recovery and move forward with your life after a challenging and painful experience. Call Dunaway Law Firm, LLC (864-224-1144) if you have been injured in a slip & fall accident