Anderson v. South Carolina Department of Highways & Public Transportations

Connor, Judge:

The South Carolina Highway Department appeals the trial judge’s grant of a new trial to Jean M. Anderson after a jury found for the Department in a personal injury action. We reverse.

Jean Anderson fell on a sidewalk at the post office in Ridge-land, South Carolina. Rainwater runoff had caused a two- to four-inch drop-off from the sidewalk to the dirt area between the sidewalk and the curb. It was raining and Anderson was carrying both an umbrella and her three-year-old granddaughter. Anderson broke her right shoulder and bruised her elbow, hands, knuckles and knees.

Anderson…