Christian Stegmaier, the Chair of the Retail & Hospitality Practice Group, was elected to membership in the South Carolina Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates on October 3, 2020. An invitation-only organization, the American Board of Trial Associates is a national association of experienced trial lawyers and judges who are dedicated to the… Continue Reading
Retail & Hospitality Law Blog
South Carolina Retail & Hospitality Law Alerts provides timely updates on pressing issues in the retail and hospitality field, with commentary from our experienced retail and hospitality law team.
Defending Coffee Burn Claims
America is coffee addicted. That fact is plainly evident by the sheer numbers of food service establishments and other retailers selling and serving it. Of course, with more coffee being served, the greater the chances are for customer claims involving accidents, including alleged coffee burns. Within recent years, we have defended many such claims. We… Continue Reading
Limitations on Punitive Damages Limits
In a published 2-1 opinion, the South Carolina Court of Appeals recently held that where a national corporation failed to assert the punitive damages caps articulated in Section 15-32-530 as an affirmative defense, the defense was waived. As a result, the Court of Appeal upheld a 45:1 ratio punitive damages to compensatory damages award. In… Continue Reading
Application of Intervening and Superseding Act in Negligence Cases as a Basis for Summary Judgment
Most personal injury actions in South Carolina sound in negligence. In a negligence action, the plaintiff must prove proximately-caused damages. Hurd v. Williamsburg Cty., 363 S.C. 421, 611 S.E.2d 488 (2005); Rush v. Blanchard, 310 S.C. 375, 426 S.E.2d 802 (1993). Proximate cause requires proof of both causation in fact and legal cause. Oliver v.… Continue Reading
Pursuit of Summary Judgment in Vicarious Liability Claims Premised Upon Intentional Act of an Employee Criminal In Nature
Here’s the scenario: An employee commits an intentional act that is criminal in nature while on the clock. A third party is injured by this act. The employer is sued based on a theory of vicarious liability. The act was not in the course and scope of employment, nor was it done in furtherance of… Continue Reading
No “Free Bite” – South Carolina’s Strict Liability for Dog Bites and Attacks
Sometimes man’s best friend is not so friendly. Other times a dog may be overly friendly or playful and cause an injury by jumping or pouncing. In either case, the alleged victim is going to turn to South Carolina’s “dog attack” statute, codified in S.C. Code Ann. § 47-3-110, which provides, in part: If a… Continue Reading
Keep Calm and Investigate: Top 10 Tips for Documenting Accidents at Your Business
This infographic was derived from an article published by attorney Amy Neuschafer. For more detailed information, read the article — Keep Calm and Investigate: Top 10 Tips for Documenting Accidents at Your Business. This information is not legal advice for any specific situation.
Reminders for Retailers and Hosts this Sunday
Just in time for the big game, attorney Christian Stegmaier shares some important tips and guidelines for commercial establishments like restaurants and bars, as well as for social hosts at homes or private venues. Guidelines for Commercial Establishments Prohibition against serving intoxicated patrons If an employee or business knowingly serves an intoxicated patron, the… Continue Reading
Act Now to Reduce Risk During Hurricane Florence: Urgent Information for the Retail and Hospitality Industries in South Carolina
Parts of South Carolina are in the forecast path of Hurricane Florence. If you are in the path and work in the retail and hospitality industries, now is the time to act in order to reduce the risk of claims during the storm. Do not attempt to capitalize on a crisis by raising… Continue Reading
Witness Credibility: The Jury’s Deciding Factor?
The Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals recently issued an unpublished opinion that highlights the tremendous impact the credibility of witness testimony can have on the outcome of a jury trial. In Paulette A. Myers v. Dollar General Corporation, Case No. 17-1785, Dollar General appealed the district court’s denial of its motion for judgment as a… Continue Reading
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