Suffering a personal injury can turn your world upside down in an instant. The physical pain, emotional trauma, and financial burden of mounting medical bills and lost wages can feel overwhelming. During this difficult time, you need a Charleston personal injury lawyer who will fight for your rights and help you pursue the compensation you deserve. At Briggs Law Group, our experienced Charleston personal injury attorney is dedicated to providing compassionate guidance and aggressive legal representation to injury victims throughout South Carolina.
Personal Injury Law in South Carolina
Personal injury law allows an injured person to file a civil lawsuit and get compensation when someone else’s wrongful conduct causes harm. In South Carolina, personal injury claims are based on the legal concept of negligence – the failure to exercise the care that a reasonable person would in similar circumstances.
To have a valid personal injury claim, you must prove the following elements:
- The defendant owed you a duty of care
- The defendant breached that duty through negligence
- The breach directly caused your injuries
- You suffered actual damages as a result
Common Types of Personal Injury Cases
At Briggs Law Group, our Charleston personal injury attorney handles a wide range of cases, including the following:
- Car accidents: Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of injury in South Carolina. If you’ve been hurt in an accident caused by a negligent driver, our Charleston personal injury lawyer can help you pursue compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages.
- Truck accidents: Due to their massive size and weight, collisions involving big rigs often result in catastrophic or fatal injuries. These cases are complex and require an injury attorney in Charleston who understands federal trucking regulations and how to hold trucking companies accountable.
- Motorcycle accidents: Bikers face unique risks on the road and are particularly vulnerable in a crash. Our personal injury attorney in Charleston, South Carolina, is committed to protecting the rights of injured motorcyclists and fighting back against unfair stereotypes.
- Trip and fall incidents: Those responsible for a property must ensure it remains safe for visitors. If you have suffered harm due to unsafe conditions—such as a slippery surface or a damaged staircase—you may have the right to seek compensation through a premises liability claim.
- Medical malpractice: Healthcare professionals are expected to provide a certain standard of care. When medical negligence leads to patient harm, our personal injury attorney can help you pursue justice and fair compensation. We handle cases involving surgical errors, misdiagnosis, medication mistakes, and more.
- Workplace accidents: If you’ve been injured on the job, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. In some cases, you may also have a third-party liability claim against a negligent party other than your employer.
- Wrongful death: Losing a loved one in a preventable accident is heartbreaking. While no amount of money can undo your loss, filing a wrongful death lawsuit can provide a measure of justice and financial security for your family during this difficult time.
Steps in a Charleston Personal Injury Case
While every case is unique, most personal injury claims follow a similar process:
- Seek medical treatment: Your health and well-being should be your top priority after an accident. Follow your doctor’s recommendations and attend all follow-up appointments.
- Consult a Charleston personal injury attorney: Contact Briggs Law Group as soon as possible to discuss your legal options. Avoid giving a statement to the insurance company before speaking with a lawyer.
- Investigation: Your personal injury attorney in Charleston will thoroughly investigate your accident, gather evidence, interview witnesses, and consult with experts to build a strong case on your behalf.
- File an insurance claim: Most personal injury cases begin with filing a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company. Your lawyer will handle all communications and negotiations with the insurer.
- File a lawsuit: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your Charleston personal injury lawyer may recommend filing a personal injury lawsuit and taking your case to court.
- Discovery: During this pre-trial phase, both sides exchange information and evidence. Your attorney may take depositions, submit written questions, and file requests for documents.
- Mediation: Many personal injury cases are resolved through mediation, a form of alternative dispute resolution where a neutral third party helps the parties reach a mutually agreeable settlement.
- Trial: If your case does not settle, it will proceed to trial, where a judge or jury will determine liability and award damages. Your Charleston personal injury lawyer will present a compelling case on your behalf.
- Appeal: If either party is unsatisfied with the outcome, they have the right to appeal the decision to a higher court.
How Our Charleston Personal Injury Attorney Can Help
Dealing with the aftermath of a serious personal injury can be stressful and overwhelming, but you do not have to face it alone. When you choose Briggs Law Group, you can expect:
- Personalized attention: We take the time to listen to your story, understand your needs, and tailor our approach to your unique situation.
- Thorough investigation: Our legal team will leave no stone unturned in investigating your accident and uncovering the evidence needed to support your claim. We will identify all potential sources of compensation and aggressively pursue the maximum recovery.
- Straightforward communication: We will keep you informed at every stage of your case and promptly answer any questions you may have. Our Charleston personal injury lawyer will explain your legal options in clear, easy-to-understand terms so you can make informed decisions about your future.
- Skilled negotiation: Insurance companies are not on your side and will often try to minimize or deny valid claims. Our Charleston personal injury attorney has the skills and experience to effectively negotiate with insurers and fight for a fair settlement.
- Courtroom expertise: While most personal injury cases settle out of court, we prepare every case as if it is going to trial. Our Charleston personal injury lawyer has significant litigation experience and will not hesitate to take your case to court if necessary to protect your rights.
Contact Our Charleston Personal Injury Attorney Today
If you have been injured due to another person’s carelessness, do not hesitate to seek legal guidance. Contact Briggs Law Group today to schedule a free consultation with our Charleston personal injury attorney. Let us put our skills, resources, and compassion to work for you.