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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 Charleston 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 Charleston 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.
While some cases may share similarities, any personal injury attorney in Charleston, SC, who says your case is exactly the same as someone else's isn't being truthful. There are several factors that come into play when determining the value of a case. These can include medical expenses, lost wages, permanent injury, the need for future medical care, where the incident occurred, and witness statements.
However, two particular factors have the most significant impact on the case's value: the defendant's behavior and the character of our client. Liability drives damages, while credibility is an essential asset for any client. No matter how skilled their attorney may be, a client's credibility and likability can greatly affect the outcome of the case. It's crucial to be open and honest with your attorney from the beginning so that they can help you overcome any obstacles that may arise during the case.
Did you know that insurance companies in the United States have spent millions of dollars stereotyping personal injury victims and the attorneys who represent them? Moreover, some people fake injuries, which can prejudice jurors against those who have actually been harmed. Despite those unfortunate facts, one truth remains: Horrible accidents occur every day, tragedies affect every community in our state, and families are left to deal with nothing but questions in the aftermath.
When tragedy strikes, it doesn't discriminate based on race, ethnicity, location, or profession. As such, South Carolina personal injury laws treat everyone equally. If you've been hurt because of someone else's carelessness, you have the right to hold them accountable both legally and financially, regardless of your background.
As they say, "It's not what you know; it's what you can prove." That saying is especially true in today's day and age. In order to receive full compensation for accident claims in South Carolina, it's not enough to just have physical harm, medical bills, and ongoing pain. As your personal injury lawyers, we must establish additional elements of the case and provide proof to answer a number of questions before an insurance carrier or jury will make you whole.
Some of the questions we must provide answers to include:
Dealing with insurance companies can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to personal injury cases. Though the questions listed above may seem simple and their answers straightforward, insurance companies will dispute the value of your case for any reason they can find. But don't be discouraged. At Bostic Law, our personal injury lawyers have spent entire careers helping people overcome the challenges you're facing, and they're readily available to help you, too.
It's important to have insurance, especially if you get injured. With health insurance, you can receive medical treatment that you may not otherwise be able to afford. If you've been in an accident, we'll work to make sure the insurance company of the person at fault pays for your medical expenses. Medical expenses are defined by the true cost of the treatment you receive, not just what you pay out of pocket.
For instance, if your co-pays are $400 but your medical care costs $11,500, our state's personal injury laws guarantee that you'll get the full $11,500, not just your out-of-pocket expenses.
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 Charleston, 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:
Take photos of your car and any other vehicles that may have been involved in your car wreck. Try to snap photos from varying angles if it's safe to do so.
Your parents probably raised you to apologize for something that you may believe is your fault. When you're involved in a car wreck, do not ever apologize or admit that anything was your fault.
Can you smell alcohol on the breath of the person who hit you? Does it sound like they're slurring their words? Are they stumbling around? These are red flags that you should make a note of because they could help indicate whether the other driver was intoxicated when they hit you.
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 Charleston, 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 Charleston 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 Charleston, SC, can help alleviate your worries and allow you to focus on healing. Our Charleston 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. (WCSC) - Parents of students at Charleston Catholic School are asking for answers and transparency after the school’s longtime principal was unexpectedly removed.Fred McKay had served the school for 18 years before being let go on Nov. 5 with concerned parents saying the news was shocking.At a school with less than 200 students, over 500 parents signed an online petition asking the school for a specific reason behind why McKay was let go in the middle of the school year.“Why was he dismissed ...
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - Parents of students at Charleston Catholic School are asking for answers and transparency after the school’s longtime principal was unexpectedly removed.
Fred McKay had served the school for 18 years before being let go on Nov. 5 with concerned parents saying the news was shocking.
At a school with less than 200 students, over 500 parents signed an online petition asking the school for a specific reason behind why McKay was let go in the middle of the school year.
“Why was he dismissed in such a harsh manner, you know, we love Fred,” David Moore, parent to two Charleston Catholic School students, said. “We want to know what happened. The welfare of our kids is what’s most important to us; it doesn’t feel like that’s the message coming from the school.”
Moore said his daughter first told him the news before an email was sent to caregivers.
“I was just shocked,” Moore said. “It was immediate; no warning, no nothing.”
A letter from the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charleston was sent to parents on Nov. 7 and reads in part “Please know that Fred has not been accused of any misconduct or impropriety, and he leaves with our respect and genuine gratitude for his devotion and dedication.”
Following that letter, McKay sent a letter to families on Nov. 9 that read in part, “Endings are rarely easy and smooth, and certainly the timing of my departure has not been ideal.”
Parents are extremely upset and shocked that McKay was dismissed in such a harsh manner and Moore said communication from the school has been very sporadic and not aligned following the decision.
“We want transparency; we want to know exactly what happened. We want an investigation into any other misconduct, that may or may not have happened,” Moore said. “The letter from the diocese says that Fred is loved, cherished and he’s not been accused of any wrongdoing, which we appreciate, but on the other side we want to know.”
McKay was hired at the Charleston Catholic School in 2006 and some parents said they enrolled their children in the school solely because of McKay’s leadership and reputation.
“The reason that most people were at that school was because of Frederick McKay; that’s the reason why my kids are there.”
With students of the Charleston Catholic School being from preschool to eighth grade, Moore asked how do you even explain the confusing situation to children.
“The other issue that I have, personally, is that I now have to have conversations with my kids about why things aren’t transparent and how you know what they believe is true? They have to make up their own mind,” Moore said. “We shouldn’t have to explain something that you don’t even know what happened.”
When Live 5 reached out to McKay to get his side of the story, he said that he signed an NDA when leaving the school.
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Charleston released the following statement in response:
“Fred McKay served Charleston Catholic School well for 18 years, and we are grateful for his service. But in the past year, the school experienced financial challenges from a sharp decline in enrollment, so in August new priests were appointed to lead the school. After a careful review of the situation, the school administrator determined that the time had come to bring in new leadership, and so a nationwide search is currently underway to find the next principal who will strengthen the school’s identity and mission. During this transition the diocesan Catholic Schools Office is working closely with the interim principal to provide support to the entire CCS community.”
Copyright 2024 WCSC. All rights reserved.
A highly regarded restaurant industry platform is dedicating its newest publication to the chefs, sommeliers, bakers and bartenders of Charleston and Savannah.As part of its latest edition, StarChefs, which has published more than 50,000 pages of industry-focused content over the last 29 years, has named 19 Rising Star Award winners in the combined Southern markets. That list of food and beverage industry professionals was released N...
A highly regarded restaurant industry platform is dedicating its newest publication to the chefs, sommeliers, bakers and bartenders of Charleston and Savannah.
As part of its latest edition, StarChefs, which has published more than 50,000 pages of industry-focused content over the last 29 years, has named 19 Rising Star Award winners in the combined Southern markets. That list of food and beverage industry professionals was released Nov. 25.
StarChefs’ editorial staff — which visits more than 500 individuals and restaurants each year to create five publications — made a multi-week trip to both cities before naming its 89th class of Rising Stars. About 100 food and beverage professionals were interviewed, dishes and drinks were tasted, and the award winners were chosen from there.
In Charleston, Nathan Hedlund of Da Toscano Porchetta Shop, Thai Phi of Pink Bellies, Jillian Schaffer of FIG, Hector Garate of Palmira Barbecue, Hannah and Zachary Welton of Weltons Tiny Bakeshop and Corrie and Shuai Wang of Jackrabbit Filly and King BBQ earned Rising Star Awards. In the beverage space, Zach McCutchen of Prophet Coffee and Christian Favier of Seahorse (formerly The Ordinary) were honored. Brent and Danielle Sweatman of Sweatman’s Garden were recognized for their work in the community.
Nikko Cagalanan of Kultura was named StarChefs’ Gamechanger, given to the chef “whose leadership is boldly advancing the restaurant industry, whether it's through boundary-pushing cuisine, an innovative dining format or a revolutionary business idea.”
Mike Lata of FIG and The Ordinary was unanimously voted as the Mentor Award winner for the 89th class.
“Charleston has continued to forge itself into a formidable food city over the past few years, and Savannah has followed in its path,” StarChefs editorial staff wrote in the new publication. “Thanks to a post-pandemic tourism boom, an influx of transplants, and entrepreneurial locals, the hospitality scene is on a roll. Food and beverage professionals in Charleston and Savannah are building on that momentum and creating engaging, inviting and innovative spaces.”
This is the first StarChefs feature for Savannah, while Charleston has previously been the subject of the Rising Stars Awards. In 2013, now-prominent Lowcountry chefs like Jason Stanhope of Lowland (then FIG) and Aaron Siegel of Home Team BBQ were recognized.
Through its on-the-ground research process, StarChefs Managing Partner Will Blunt said they discovered a Charleston dining scene that has greatly evolved over the last 11 years.
“You just see a much more mature culinary market that’s punching above its weight,” Blunt said. “(Chefs) seem more confident about doing the things that are more personal to them.”
Though just 19 individuals were chosen, many more chefs, sommeliers, mixologists and artisans were featured on StarChefs’ website and Instagram account, which boasts more than 75,000 followers. In addition to featuring the winners, the magazine itself dives into several industry topics, including the surge of interest in local wine bars and dynamic bottle and by-the-glass lists at restaurants across Charleston.
“It was a lot more dense than we expected,” said StarChefs Food & Drinks Editor Lizzie Takimoto of Charleston’s wine culture.
The publication's upcoming release will coincide with StarChefs Rising Stars Restaurant Week. The goal of the Dec. 4-18 promotion, when winning chefs will feature signature dishes and drinks for 15 days, is to drive business to the highlighted restaurants, Blunt said.
Charleston and Savannah join Philadelphia, Chicago, Los Angeles and Boston as other cities StarChefs featured in 2024. Next year, Blunt, Takimoto and the rest of their eight-person editorial team will visit New York, Miami, Houston, Seattle and the Rust Belt in the Midwest.
NORTH CHARLESTON — "Christmas comes early for South Carolina," U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham said in celebrating president-elect Donald Trump's pick for U.S. Treasury secretary.The choice, native South Carolinian Scott Bessent, will be of "enormous benefit" to the people of the state and nationwide, Graham added.Trump named Bessent his nominee to lea...
NORTH CHARLESTON — "Christmas comes early for South Carolina," U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham said in celebrating president-elect Donald Trump's pick for U.S. Treasury secretary.
The choice, native South Carolinian Scott Bessent, will be of "enormous benefit" to the people of the state and nationwide, Graham added.
Trump named Bessent his nominee to lead the department on Nov. 22 after several weeks of candidate interviews and indecision.
Bessent beamed when waving to reporters inside a conference room Nov. 24 at the Charleston International Airport. He shook hands with Graham before departing. Bessent did not take questions from reporters.
"(Bessent) has the best combination of academic credentials and real world experience," said Graham. After speaking with both Bessent and Trump, Graham believes they have an agenda that can bring the economy into what Graham calls a "golden age."
Born in Conway and a longtime resident of Charleston, Bessent knows the South Carolina economy and "knows how we can fit in," Graham said.
"He will be President Trump's right-hand man to jumpstart the American economy and to deal with bad actors throughout the world," he said.
Bessent, 62, has long been a front-runner for the position, as he served as a close financial advisor to Trump during the campaign and raised millions for his reelection. Bessent has also been a vocal critic of President Joe Biden’s economic plan, according to prior reporting from The Post and Courier.
The road to becoming Trump’s pick for treasury secretary was rocky, with several candidates causing shake ups, one placing a last-minute bid for the post. When concerns around Bessent’s ties to liberal megadonor George Soros arose, Elon Musk endorsed Trump’s transition team co-chair and Wall Street businessman Howard Lutnick on his social media website X.
In the X post, Musk called Bessent a “business as usual” pick, arguing that America needs a change to avoid future economic failures.
A few others were considered for the post, including former Federal Reserve Board of Governors member Kevin Warsh and Wall Streeter Marc Rowan, according to The New York Times and other outlets.
"South Carolina could not be in better shape," Graham said. There are premier, worldwide businesses stationed in the state, like Boeing and BMW that can greatly benefit from having a S.C. native chairing initiatives in national economy, according to Graham.
Aside from lowering inflation and handling the national debt — some of Graham's perceived biggest priorities for the coming administration — using the Treasury Department to influence foreign policy will be "indispensable," Graham said.
He asserted that implementing foreign tariffs will play a key role in discouraging illegal immigration and holding other countries accountable.
"We can create carrots for allies and sticks for the bad guys," Graham said, explaining that import tariffs on goods obtained from other countries can create economic pressure.
Graham wants to see Trump increase tariffs on oil purchased from Iran, "the largest state sponsor of terrorism on the planet."
Similarly, Graham hopes that the Treasury Department can help reduce fentanyl poisoning by enacting policies to hold Mexico accountable. "If they don't work with us, they need to pay a heavy price," he said.
The future administration should use tariffs as a "tool to change behavior," Graham said. He hopes to use his role as chairman of the Senate Budget Committee to embolden Treasury initiatives.
"I intend to be very aggressive when it comes to locking in Trump economic policies through budget reconciliation," Graham said.
Budget reconciliation can allow for policy changes within certain parameters without any democratic party votes, Graham said.
Budget chairman will be "one of the most important jobs I've ever had," Graham said. He intends to draft a budget reconciliation bill that will keep tax cuts from expiring and forward fund money to secure the border, he said.
In part, Graham is adamant in his hope for an end to conflict between Israel and Palestinians and peace between Israel and Saudi Arabia.
South Carolina industry has a "unique opportunity" to be a part of a changing and newly-emerging economy in the Middle East, said Graham. He credits Saudi Arabian development of new airlines, and their subsequent purchase of around $38 billion worth of Charleston-made Boeing 787 airplanes, as the beginning of a "tremendous" economic opportunity.
Graham said he is working with the Biden administration and is coordinating with the Trump administration. Graham will soon be departing for a trip to Saudi Arabia and Israel to meet with the crown prince and elected Israeli officials, his eighth or ninth visit since October 2023, he said.
The holiday season in Charleston is bursting with theatrical performances throughout the city. Arts lovers can enjoy classic Christmas stories and songs or step outside the box for alternative experiences and variety shows. Check out our list of performances and snag your tickets soon.Charleston Scene'One Christmas Carol'What: The Village Repertory Co. teams up with Threshold Repertory Theatre to present this one-man show cond...
The holiday season in Charleston is bursting with theatrical performances throughout the city. Arts lovers can enjoy classic Christmas stories and songs or step outside the box for alternative experiences and variety shows. Check out our list of performances and snag your tickets soon.
What: The Village Repertory Co. teams up with Threshold Repertory Theatre to present this one-man show condensing the famous musical that tells a timeless story. One actor will embody more than 35 characters, utilizing only three chairs to retell the world-renowned Dickensian novella.
When: 7:30 p.m. select dates, Nov. 29-Dec. 15
Where: Threshold Repertory Theatre, 84 Society St.
Price: $35+
More info: charlestontheater.com
What: Charleston Stage presents its original adaptation of Charles Dickens' classic story with whimsical scenery and captivating stage effects. Scored with classic carols, the cast portrays more than 50 characters and, of course, Scrooge and Tiny Tim.
When: 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. select dates, Nov. 30-Dec. 22
Where: Dock Street Theatre, 135 Church St.
Price: $61.25+
More info: charlestonstage.com/shows-and-tickets/a-christmas-carol
What: The South Carolina Ballet will bring its rendition of this timeless ballet for a magical evening of romance, adventure and wonder fit for all ages.
When: 7 p.m. Dec. 2-3
Where: Charleston Music Hall, 37 John St.
Price: $35-$55+
More info: tinyurl.com/bdctv72f
What: Take in the classic tale of what can happen when a young girl's imagination becomes reality with this rendition of the famous ballet by Mt. Pleasant School of Performing Arts.
Where: Sottile Theatre, 44 George St.
Price: $45+
More info: mtpballet.com
What: Dance Conservatory of Charleston returns for its winter performance of "The Nutcracker" with 250 students comprising two casts. You can enjoy the show in-person or stream it at home for $20. Four performances take place at Sottile Theatre, and two performances take place at Charleston Gaillard Center.
When: Various times Dec. 2, 14 and 15
Where: Various locations
Price: $30+
More info: danceconservatorychs.com/dance-conservatory-winter-performance
What: This is a theatrical drag spectacular sure to transport you back to the golden age with beloved Miami seniors Blanche, Rose, Sophia and Dorothy. Find out what happens when a hurricane hits and the hijinks erupt. Laughter is guaranteed.
When: 8 p.m. Dec. 4
Where: Charleston Music Hall, 37 John St.
Price: $20-$25+
More info: tinyurl.com/2spk3yjx
What: Sleigh bells, jingle bells and holiday carols abound in this dance performance from Derek Hough of "Dancing with the Stars," bringing to life classic Christmas tunes and modern pop hits.
When: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5
Where: North Charleston Coliseum, 5001 Coliseum Drive
Price: $61+
More info: tinyurl.com/4k383k8v
What: Young performers will bring to life characters from the beloved Christmas film “Elf” under the direction of Summerville’s community theater Flowertown Players.
When: Various times Dec. 6-8, 13-15
Where: Flowertown Players, 133 S. Main St., Summerville
Price: $14-$25+
More info: flowertownplayers.org/elf-jr-the-musical-december-2024
What: Illuminate the holidays with a kid-friendly theater experience centering on themes of family, friendship and hope set to classic holiday hits from Nat King Cole, Mariah Carey and Tchaikovsky. New Orleans-based company Lightwire Theater brings the story to life with puppet-like characters costumed with electroluminescent wires that glow in the dark.
When: 1 p.m. Dec. 7
Where: Gaillard Center, 95 Calhoun St.
Price: $19.50+
More info: tinyurl.com/mr4xwmrx
What: This off-kilter, hilarious one-woman show revolves around an adult Cindy Lou Who, now a chain-smoking 40-year-old living in a trailer in Mt. Crumpet many years after her first meeting with the Grinch. Get all the gossip in this 60-minute R-rated comedy.
When: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12, 13, 19-20; 7 p.m. Dec. 15, 22
Where: Queen Street Playhouse, 20 Queen St.
Price: $31+
More info: footlightplayers.net/whos-holiday
What: Now in its 30th year, this enchanting holiday variety show is a sweeping song and dance performance redesigned for a brand-new take in 2024.
When: Various times Dec. 12-15, 17-22
Where: Charleston Music Hall, 27 John St.
Price: $21-$44+
More info: tinyurl.com/3ecbn5cw
What: This holiday show combines ballet, puppetry and acrobats to perform the classic story of love, longing and magic performed all over the world since 1892.
When: 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. Dec. 14
Where: North Charleston Coliseum, 5001 Coliseum Drive
I receive a text in a group chat with four people I don’t know. It’s two hours before my reservation at Raw Lab in Charleston.The message is so long I have to click through to a second page. “It’s yer host at Raw Lab, Kevin Joseph,” the owner starts before diving into a list of do's and don’ts when having dinner at his 12-seat restaurant. A similar note is sent when I book a table at ...
I receive a text in a group chat with four people I don’t know. It’s two hours before my reservation at Raw Lab in Charleston.
The message is so long I have to click through to a second page. “It’s yer host at Raw Lab, Kevin Joseph,” the owner starts before diving into a list of do's and don’ts when having dinner at his 12-seat restaurant. A similar note is sent when I book a table at LTLE Fish — Raw Lab’s scaled back a la carte offering in the same building — a few weeks later.
For the small restaurant’s signature tasting dinner, we’re to be collected outside the Market Street address at 6:35 p.m. and seated two minutes later, the instructions said. The 90-minute oyster and caviar service will be a prelude to the full meal that follows.
Each of the six bivalves we’ll try is from the same stretch of Charleston water, produced by a local farm just for Raw Lab. To start, Joseph, who leads each service, places one without toppings on an ice moat lining the bar.
We slurp it back, savoring the surrounding liquid, and are greeted by the briny hit one expects from a South Carolina oyster. The ensuing compositions pair that same raw oyster with various seasonings, juices and dressings.
“The control in the lab is the oyster, and the experiment is the different accouterments,” Joseph has said.
Next, a squirt of lemon finds a spicy friend in freshly grated horseradish, showered over the shell like snow. The second “roots and fruits” pairing covers the oyster in lime juice and wasabi, macerated by hand using a paddle made of stingray skin.
We’re off to a good start.
What comes next, though, is more spectacle than substantive, for the performance often takes precedence over the preparations at Raw Lab.
Raw Lab opened about three years ago next to Port of Call, the food hall-turned-Southern restaurant on Market Street. A lack of signage makes us feel as though we’re entering a speakeasy-style cocktail lounge when we walk inside.
Each of the 12 assigned seats crowd a small square bar shielded by a ceiling of living plants — in pristine condition despite being in a windowless room. Levers, pulleys and magnets allow Joseph to easily corral knives and fresh basil from the ceiling or wall. His efforts have turned a former apparel shop into a nautical wonderland.
Though I’d never been before September, I went into my visits well-informed about what’s called “the earth’s only omakase-style raw bar experience.” All I had to do was type the restaurant’s name in the search field on TikTok — many thousands of posts have been created about Raw Lab.
Videos galore flashed across my screen. The footage featured bright lights, spinning glasses, caviar bumps, lively music and porrón chugs. Luxurious bites filled most well-lit frames.
In some cities, TikTok is transforming the way diners consume restaurant news one swipe at a time, according to a recent report by Eater. In response to the current climate, food critics have questioned this form of restaurant reviewing, for it often blurs the lines between marketing and genuine criticism.
Social media has become an effective promotional tool for restaurants, many of which are strapped for cash as margins tighten amid rising costs. While some “influencers” pay for meals, many engage in partnerships that exchange free food for a positive review. As the pay-to-play influencer industry balloons, it’s becoming more challenging to know who to trust when scrolling on your phone.
“I can’t even pick a favorite because it’s all just so fire,” one creator said during an enthusiastic TikTok narration of her experience at Raw Lab.
The tempting theatrics play well on social media, feeding into the hype and compounding the disappointment when the real-life experience doesn't meet expectations.
The TikTok videos I encountered failed to mention the heavy hit of apple cider vinegar on one of the oysters. Or the fact that an omakase-style experience — a word traditionally designated for Japanese sushi restaurants offering an eclectic variety of fish — only exposes guests to one type of oyster. Or how some of the accouterments, especially the mignonettes, overpower the delicate bivalves’ true flavor.
Then again, those vinegar-laced dressings are exactly what drew Joseph’s assistant chef, Sandra Ochoa, to oysters after she started the job without a taste for shellfish. The mignonettes are mostly balanced and always blended in-house, making oysters more approachable for those who are still wary of their texture and intense salty flavor.
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