Legal Question in Personal Injury in South Carolina

Need Help

I have a tenant who slid out of her wheelchair as she was coming out her doorway down a ramp that I built at the repeated request of the tenant. The first time she used the ramp she slid out of her seat,this was due to her not wearing her seatbelt and her wheelchair seat being loose, she personally admitted the problem with the seat to me. I was present at the time and witnessed her slide out of her seat. I broke her fall as she slid out of her seat, since she is a big woman and elderly I called 911 to help get her up. She went to the ER and was sent home that same day. She is being represented by a personal injury lawyer.Her lawyer has asked for our insurance information or asked if we wished to settle this ourselves. I think the tenant is just as responsible for this incident as I am. How is personal injury derived? This tenant is on disability and does not work, her rent is paid by section-8. Her medical bills are paid by medicare, however I do not know what her copay is. What rights do I have to see her medical bills? Can her lawyer give us copies of all the bills for review? What questions would I need to ask her attorney to protect myself? I feel as if this tenant is seeking unjustified monies. How can I protect myself?


Asked on 12/13/04, 6:21 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Robert Johnston Law Offices of Robert J. Johnston

Re: Need Help

The first thing you need to do is contact your insurance company. First of all, that is what they are there for. Second, some polices do not cover you if you don't report it to the company.

Yes, you can ask for a copy of the medical reports. That is not unreasonable.

As to her own personal medical coverage, legally speaking, that is irrelavant. That information would not be admissiable in court.

You can settle this yourself if you want and pay it personally. But the advisable thing to do is to turn it over to your insurance company and let professionals handle it. Good luck.

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Answered on 12/13/04, 9:01 pm


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