South Carolina is a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family. Like many popular cities, however, our state has a major personal injury problem. Did you know that, in South Carolina, the rate of personal injury cases is 30.21 per 100,000 residents, which is 217% higher than the national average of 9.53?
In fact, personal injury cases account for 36% of the state's entire civil caseload, which is 210% more than the national average proportion. That's the third-highest proportion of personal injury cases in the country, with the average being 11.65% in the United States.
If you've suffered an injury due to someone else's fault, it's safe to say that you're not alone. Like others in your situation, you may be enduring a long, painful recovery process. Unfortunately, recovery is just one of the many concerns you've got to worry about. While you're healing, you're probably also thinking about questions like:
At Bostic Law Group, P.A., we understand the stress and frustration you may be experiencing. Our personal injury attorneys have been helping clients since 2000 by utilizing their extensive experience and knowledge of state and federal personal injury laws to provide much-needed guidance when you need it most. During this difficult time, however, it's critical that you contact a personal injury lawyer in West Ashley as soon as possible to start the process of pursuing compensation.
If you've been involved in an accident that left you injured or incapacitated, dealing with legal matters and lawyers is the last thing you want to do. However, having a personal injury lawyer to handle the legal process while you recover can alleviate some of the stress in your life. The legal system in South Carolina can be complicated - especially when it comes to personal injury cases. Fortunately, hiring a personal injury attorney from Bostic Law can relieve the burden of managing your own case. Perhaps more importantly, working with a seasoned personal injury firm can help you get the compensation you need to survive and provide.
As your West Ashley accident attorney, our firm will guide you through your rights, the compensation you may be entitled to, and how to pursue it through a customized legal strategy. As the process progresses, our team will keep in touch with you to answer your queries, provide helpful advice when you have concerns, or simply be a friendly professional when you need to talk about your case.
Our attorneys specialize in a wide range of personal injury accidents and cases, including the following:
We provide aggressive legal representation to help you win the compensation you deserve while also offering compassion as you deal with your injuries and other legal matters. Throughout the process, we will act as your advocates and remain committed to providing you with honest and responsive service. And that, in a nutshell, is the Bostic Law difference.
Personal injury cases in South Carolina can happen from a number of different accidents, from car wrecks and wrongful death situations to nursing home negligence and workers' compensation issues. The sheer number of different personal injury cases makes understanding this niche of law particularly exhaustive - especially in The Palmetto State. But that doesn't change the fact that you should be educated on the topic if you have been injured due to no fault of your own.
To help you establish a solid foundation of knowledge on the subject, keep reading this article, which covers some of the laws governing personal injury cases in South Carolina and the steps you can take to protect your rights.
If the other party in your case cannot be proven to have been negligent, careless, reckless, or willful in some way, South Carolina law does not allow you to receive compensation. Negligence can be easily demonstrated at times, such as when a doctor forgets to remove a surgical tool from your body or when a texting driver hits someone from behind.
Liability can be disputed in other cases, such as when the other driver claims that the person swerved into their lane during a crash, or when a product manufacturer argues that an injury occurred due to improper use. In such cases, a personal injury lawyer can assist in identifying independent witnesses and experts who can establish that someone else is responsible for your injuries
Once an attorney in your case shows that the other party is liable for your injuries, they must then prove that their negligence is behind those injuries. As an example, suppose you have a previous history of back pain, and a short time later, you get in a rear-end collision. In such a situation, an insurance company may contend that your preexisting condition - and not the collision - is the reason behind your current back pain.
To counter their argument, we may require your doctor's testimony to verify that the accident aggravated your back pain, leading to medical attention. Additionally, we may ask your friends and family to describe any changes in your physical activity after the crash to further establish the difference in your condition and prove that it was caused by the accident.
If you have been unable to work for a period of time due to an accident, or if your injuries will affect your future earning potential, you are entitled to compensation for lost income. This includes both the wages you have already lost and the amount you will lose over your lifetime as a result of someone else's negligence. It is important that insurance companies do not underestimate or ignore these damages when negotiating a settlement.
It's critically important that you understand every aspect of your personal injury case before you settle or accept an insurance company's offer. Once you sign on the dotted line and approve a release, you won't qualify for further payments, even if you need more medical attention. That's why it's so important to work with a personal injury law firm like Bostic Law.
We'll evaluate your case for free to help you better understand the challenges ahead. When the insurance companies try to squirm out of covering your injuries, we'll fight to protect your rights and get you the compensation you deserve.
Now that you have the information above to help fortify your foundation of knowledge, let's take a look at some of our personal injury specialties at Bostic Law Group, P.A.
According to state records, out of the 3.9 million licensed motorists in South Carolina, close to 219 thousand were involved in auto accidents in 2019. If you were to account for those not licensed in the state, you would find that 1 in 20 drivers got in an auto wreck - about 5.6% of all motorists. Those statistics are staggering, and they seem to be getting worse.
Fortunately, in South Carolina, the law says that personal injury victims are entitled to compensation that covers the full extent of their injuries. Why? Because the purpose of auto injury compensation is to help the victim return to the life they had before their accident. Of course, in reality, that's easier said than done. Truly recovering from an auto accident - both physically and mentally - is quite rare.
The unfortunate truth is that it's not possible for personal injury laws in South Carolina to reverse or even account for the trials and tribulations you face due to auto accident injuries. But there's light at the end of the tunnel.
By hiring a personal injury lawyer in West Ashley, SC, you can receive financial compensation that equals those damages. How much money can you get? Every personal injury case is different. In general, however, personal injury victims are often compensated for needs and expenses such as:
Whether you or one of your loved ones is injured because of an auto accident, contact Bostic Law Group today to speak with one of our experienced personal injury lawyers. The quicker you call, the faster we can dig into your case and begin fighting for your right to compensation.
At Bostic Law, one of the most common questions we receive is what auto accident victims should do on the scene after they've been in a South Carolina car wreck. Being involved in an auto accident is harrowing and stressful, but it's crucial for you to remain as calm as possible in the immediate aftermath. Once you collect yourself, it's time to focus on a few very important steps that can affect whether or not you obtain reasonable compensation for any injuries you sustain.
If possible, have every car involved in your car accident move to a safe space away from traffic. Common options include moving to the shoulder of the highway or road or to a safe parking lot.
Once you move out of traffic, turn on your hazard lights to make your vehicle more noticeable. This helps prevent you from being hit by other cars that are passing you.
If anyone has been injured in the car wreck, make sure you call medical services. If you aren't sure if you or anyone else is hurt, it's always best to err on the side of safety and call an ambulance anyway.
Regardless of how serious your car wreck is, you should contact the police. Calling law enforcement helps ensure that a police report is written and recorded. Make sure to take this step even if you believe that the officer on the scene attributed blame to the wrong motorist.
Once you have called the cops, it's time to collect information. Try to collect the following:
If you've been involved in a car accident in South Carolina and need help in seeking a fair recovery from your insurance company, The Bostic Law Group, P.A., is here for you. We specialize in personal injury and auto accident cases in South Carolina. When you hire a personal injury attorney in West Ashley, SC, from Bostic Law, you can rest easy knowing you're in seasoned, capable hands.
Contact our office immediately for a legal consultation if you have any questions about your case. We take pride in serving our community and want to ensure that you receive the assistance you need to obtain a full, fair recovery after your auto accident.
Getting injured on the job isn't just painful - it can be a source of stress, anxiety, and mental anguish too. Nobody wants to feel like they can't put food on the table because they can't go to work. Sadly, in South Carolina, 30,300 workplace injuries and illnesses were reported.
Employees who are injured at work are generally eligible for benefits under state and federal workers' compensation programs. South Carolina's workers' compensation program provides compensation for medical expenses related to the injury and disability benefits if necessary. Additionally, in the event that an employee is unable to return to work immediately after an accident, they can receive a portion of their regular wages as they recover.
But getting the workers' compensation you rightly deserve isn't always easy. That's why it's so important to have a personal injury lawyer by your side.
While South Carolina's workers' compensation program seems great when you're hurt at work, recovering those benefits can be difficult. That's especially true if you're trying to recover and heal from your injuries at the same time. A personal injury attorney can help accomplish that task for you, even when you're facing tough scenarios such as:
At Bostic Law Group, P.A., our workers' compensation lawyers in West Ashley understand the significance of workers' compensation benefits for you, your family, and your financial stability. We strive to provide you with the detailed guidance and assistance required to file a successful claim or appeal a denied one.
With more than 25 years of experience in handling worker's compensation cases, we're ready and willing to answer your questions and help you get the benefits you need.
Losing a loved one is one of the most difficult experiences a human can endure. Their loss leaves what seems to be a giant hole that can never truly be filled. To make matters worse, grief is often compounded by confusion and anger when you learn that your loved one died because of an accident caused by negligence or carelessness. At Bostic Law Group, P.A., our attorneys understand the distress you feel after losing a loved one in an accident.
On both a human and professional level, we believe that you and your family shouldn't suffer alone. That's why, during this trying time, we're here to provide reliable help and healing when you need it most.
Losing a loved one can never be compensated for with money. However, it can be helpful to seek compensation through a wrongful death suit to avoid financial difficulties in the future. Pursuing compensation can enable your family to be in a better position to focus on healing emotionally.
According to laws in South Carolina and the United States, you might be eligible to pursue compensation for your family's losses. Some of the most common types of wrongful death compensation include:
By holding the negligent party accountable for their actions, you may also be able to prevent another family from enduring the same heartache yours has experienced. Whether you're the deceased's child, spouse, parent, or heir, contact our wrongful death law firm today. Together, we'll take the first steps toward a better tomorrow.
Getting injured in an accident caused by someone else's negligence can be a scary and painful experience. Dealing with legal matters during recovery can be overwhelming, but a great personal injury lawyer in West Ashley, SC, can help alleviate your worries and allow you to focus on healing. Our West Ashley lawyers are dedicated to helping injured individuals recover quickly by providing excellent legal representation and attentive client services as you seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and suffering.
If you're looking for a law firm you can trust, contact our office today for a legal consultation.
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – Charleston city leaders want to bring new life to a longtime mall in the West Ashley community. Plans are in the works to turn Citadel Mall into a mixed-use development called the “Citadel Mall Epic Center.”It was a popular mall for many years, but its charm has faded. Now, the city is looking to create a new shopping experience for West Ashley residents.“For the people who live in West Ashley, this is a huge step forward- this is the right direction we need to head to make thos...
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – Charleston city leaders want to bring new life to a longtime mall in the West Ashley community. Plans are in the works to turn Citadel Mall into a mixed-use development called the “Citadel Mall Epic Center.”
It was a popular mall for many years, but its charm has faded. Now, the city is looking to create a new shopping experience for West Ashley residents.
“For the people who live in West Ashley, this is a huge step forward- this is the right direction we need to head to make those buildings come, make the redesign happen, and make this more bike and pedestrian-friendly,” said Ashley Jackrel, a Design Review Board Member.
The City of Charleston wants to rework the entire property into an outdoor shopping center with restaurants, entertainment, shops, and events. The project put an emphasis on providing shading, and outdoor space and making it pedestrian-friendly so residents can spend more time at the center.
“In terms of making it a healthy environment, it takes a complete overhaul to make this a community that is a destination that people want to go and enjoy their time and be outside,” said Jackrel.
During a Monday night meeting, the city’s design review board approved the final draft with an amendment to add more visuals to keep Charleston’s character in the design. They will also clarify sections referencing the city’s zoning ordinances.
“Oftentimes projects come to us with some sort of downtown influence of the peninsula or Charleston but that might not actually be a point of reference for the project location […] one of the things we often hear oftentimes in West Ashley is it’s not the peninsula, so maybe there can be a little more creativity in the project,” said Jackrel.
Belk, Dillard’s, Target, and the Medical University of South Carolina, which currently call the mall home, will be included in the redevelopment plan.
Plans for the project also include making it resistant to stormwater issues.
The project will now go back to the development team to make a plan to be submitted to the city.
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - Two flood drainage projects are one step closer to the finish line for historically flooded areas in West Ashley.The City of Charleston is accepting $2 million toward two West Ashley stormwater management projects.The state funding will pay $1 million each into the budgets of construction projects for the DuPont Wappoo Drainage Improvement Project and the Windermere Drainage and Outfall Improvement Project.Officials say the problem for both communities is historically flooded areas because of un...
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - Two flood drainage projects are one step closer to the finish line for historically flooded areas in West Ashley.
The City of Charleston is accepting $2 million toward two West Ashley stormwater management projects.
The state funding will pay $1 million each into the budgets of construction projects for the DuPont Wappoo Drainage Improvement Project and the Windermere Drainage and Outfall Improvement Project.
Officials say the problem for both communities is historically flooded areas because of undersized drainage pipes.
The Windermere project covers over 130 acres of studied areas in Windermere East and South Windermere. The area covers the Old Windermere neighborhood, Folly Road and near Highway 17.
The $1 million in state funding will help add a new drainage outfall through the back of the St. Andrew’s School of Math and Science along Chadwick Drive. Officials say the Windermere area has a 24-inch diameter pipe carrying all the stormwater. The addition of four 48-inch diameter pipes will better carry all the water out of the neighborhood and into the marsh system.
The Director of Stormwater Management, Matt Fountain, says the improvements will greatly reduce flooding for residents.
He says the typical flooding that happens after up to three-inch afternoon rainstorms will be no more. He says the occasional extreme tides may still produce flooding in the area, but it will drain quickly thanks to the new pipe system.
Another $1 million is going toward the Dupont-Wappoo construction project budget. This project covers about 1,700 acres of land, including neighborhoods around Citadel Mall.
Officials say the long drainage system currently sees a lot of constriction because of the high rate of development in the area.
City and County officials are designing phased improvement plans for larger drainage pipes. The state funding helps to begin the final design of the first phase. This phase covers the neighborhoods surrounding East Orleans Road that connect to the mall. This phase includes finalizing permitting and construction next year.
“You’ll see a regional improvement within that basin, like part of the stormwater basin for Dupont-Wappoo will get improved from the first project,” Fountain says. “Then we’ll keep adding more improvement areas in as we keep building those subsequent phases.”
Fountain says correcting the issues for Dupont-Wappoo residents is a huge priority for the city, as residents, roads and buildings see major flooding. He says it is a complex fix for this large basin.
Fountain says both projects will take some time to fit the new pipes with the area’s high development.
“You’re trying to figure out ways to do the improvements without too many negative impacts to adjacent property owners or finding that real estate to be able to acquire,” Fountain says. “Even on Windermere here, we’re having to acquire right of drain appeasement from some of the residential properties to bury some of the pipes like at the front of the yard right at the front of the road.”
Fountain says officials planned community meetings in the past to discuss the projects. He says public meetings will continue to share final designs with the community.
City council members are expected to approve the grant funds in Tuesday’s meeting at 5 p.m.
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Eric Fore and his wife didn’t anticipate that becoming homeowners would be one of the most stressful experiences of their lives.When they bought a home in West Ashley on Boone Hall Drive in 2021, they'd heard the house was prone to flooding — it was swamped during the Great Flood of 2015. But they didn’t realize just how bad it was until they moved in."I was in the military for eight years, deployed and everything, and I’ve never been as stressed as I was about this house," Fore told The Post a...
Eric Fore and his wife didn’t anticipate that becoming homeowners would be one of the most stressful experiences of their lives.
When they bought a home in West Ashley on Boone Hall Drive in 2021, they'd heard the house was prone to flooding — it was swamped during the Great Flood of 2015. But they didn’t realize just how bad it was until they moved in.
"I was in the military for eight years, deployed and everything, and I’ve never been as stressed as I was about this house," Fore told The Post and Courier.
But Charleston County will be taking the house off the Fores' hands — alleviating their stress. On Aug. 13, County Council voted to approve a federal grant of over $414,000, allowing the county to acquire the house and demolish it.
The county is buying the property by using the flood mitigation assistance program under Federal Emergency Management Agency. Sean Dove, county floodplain management coordinator, said most of the grant money — around $343,000 — will be used to purchase the property at just around market value, according to estimates on the real estate website Zillow. The rest will go toward inspections, demolition and site work. He added there's also contingency funding for any unforeseen events.
Fore said the purchase would be enough to cover what's left of their mortgage, and put a little away for their next home.
Dove said while this buyout is a special circumstance, the county is looking into acquisition and buyout programs for anyone whose house is prone to flooding. It's not something widely available to residents, but Dove said if more people want the county to buy out their flood-vulnerable house the county will look into it.
Initially, the county's plan in 2019 was to elevate this house, along with one on James Island using the grant funds. The house on James Island was successfully elevated.
But Dove said the county couldn't find any contractors confident they could elevate the house on Boone Hall Drive.
As a result, the county was left with a house that floods severely, and a homeowner who inherited the grant and the danger of living in an area prone to flooding. While the county wasn't able to elevate the house, they were able to work with the state to change the scope of the grant, Dove said. Now, they'll be able to demolish the house and use the property to help with maintenance to a drainage canal behind it.
It won't be the first flood mitigation project the county has done on Boone Hall Drive. Chris Wannamaker, county stormwater and utility manager, said the county finished installing a pipe from the street to the canal in August to help with drainage. He said Fore had reached out to him after Tropical Storm Debby to let him know that the project was a success and his yard didn't flood.
Fore said he spent four days preparing for flooding from Hurricane Ian in 2022. He had around 60 sandbags around the house — barricading all doors, and even the inside of the garage door. He described the house as a fortress after he prepped it for the hurricane.
During the storm, floodwater rose up to around 1.5 feet around the house, Fore said.
"The only thing that kept water from coming in was the fact that I had Flex-Sealed the front door shut," Fore said.
Two months after Dollar Tree closed its Sam Rittenberg Boulevard location, the discount retailer has found a new home not far away.The chain will open a new 23,683-square-foot store at West Ashley Shoppes, taking over the former Bed Bath & Beyond that has been vacant for the better part of a year....
Two months after Dollar Tree closed its Sam Rittenberg Boulevard location, the discount retailer has found a new home not far away.
The chain will open a new 23,683-square-foot store at West Ashley Shoppes, taking over the former Bed Bath & Beyond that has been vacant for the better part of a year.
The retailer will join World Market, Party City, Once Upon a Child, Monster Music & Movies and the West Ashley DMV in the 140,000-square-foot Orleans Road shopping center, across the street from Citadel Mall.
Dollar Tree, which currently operates more than 8,000 stores throughout the U.S., signed a lease with Continental Realty Corp., a Baltimore real estate investment firm that also owns Mount Pleasant Towne Centre .
The chain's Sam Rittenberg store was closed as part of a renovation project.
After 26 years, sisters Carlene Browner and Cassandra B. Richardson have a permanent storefront.
The owners of BR Design Co., a clay jewelry company, have sold their wares in the temporary tables of Charleston's historic City Market for more than two decades.
That's two decades of boxing up their handmade jewelry and bringing them home every night, just to begin again the next morning.
"It feels great to be in such a good place, not having to pack up every single day," Richardson said.
On Oct. 5, she and her sister will celebrate the grand opening of their new indoor space at the downtown market, just through the doors past Callie's Hot Little Biscuit.
BR Design replaced a jewelry store that had been situated inside the City Market for 39 years and recently left.
"You just never know when a space will open up in the Market, or where it will be," Richardson said. "But we jumped at the chance."
The sisters will have giveaways, special guests and more to celebrate the opening starting at 9 a.m.
Consign Charleston is hosting its fall sale Oct. 5 in its West Ashley parking lot at 1610 Sam Rittenberg Blvd.
The secondhand store, established in 2007, will offer discounts from 20 percent to 50 percent off all items. Shoppers can also enjoy bottomless mimosas.
Consign Charleston offers a curated selection of men's and women's clothing, home décor, jewelry, brand-name accessories, kitchenware, art, furniture and more from upwards of 17,000 consignors.
Savi Cucina + Wine Bar is now serving lunch seven days a week.
The restaurant in Mount Pleasant Towne Centre offers a variety of fresh dishes, including soups, salads, sandwiches, pizzas and pastas daily from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Walk-ins are welcome, but reservations are available for those who need to plan ahead.
Savi also offers happy hour specials from 3 to 6 p.m. daily, with a full dinner service at 5 p.m.
Starting in October, the restaurant will introduce weekend brunch to its offerings.
The Hayes Park community on Johns Island is having a blowout of a celebration Oct. 12.
New Leaf Builders will be showcasing the model home it built in the new neighborhood, while also showing off its new design studio in the shopping center. The Charleston-based company relocated from its offices just down the street to the development.
Enjoy local food truck Big Boned BBQ, a wine tastings by Beth Jeffcoat, and sushi and light bites at the staged Atrium Villas model home and New Leaf's studio.
The event from 12 to 3 p.m. will celebrate all the businesses in the community, including Emily Daws textiles, which opened in September at at 505 Hayes Park Blvd., Somm Wine Bar, High Steaks butcher shop and Opal Aesthetics, Modern Chiropractic and Simple Tree picture framing.
Freshfields Village on Kiawah Island has gained a new tenant.
Hanebrink Jewelers opened its doors at 140 Gardeners Circle on Oct. 1. The veteran- and family-owned jeweler also has a location in Summerville on S. Main Street.
The full-service jewelry store offers ready-to-wear and custom-designed jewelry. Staff can also perform appraisals and change watch batteries.
Owner Frances Hanebrink is a graduate gemologist from the Gemological Institute of America and a member of the National Association of Jewelry Appraisers. She has been in the business for more than 25 years and is joined by her bench jeweler who has more than 30 years experience in the industry and is an expert on all things metal.
Another locally owned jeweler, the century-old Croghan's Jewel Box, is having a trunk sale Oct. 5. The owners of the King Street store are celebrating a decadelong relationship with Los Angeles-based family-owned jeweler Single Stone from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Husband and wife duo, Ari and Corina Madilian of Single Stone, will showcase their heirloom and fine jewelry collections of bands, bracelets, charms and pendants, and earrings. They'll also consult on custom one-of-a-kind designs.