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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 Daniel Island 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 Daniel Island 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 Daniel Island, 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 Daniel Island, 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 Daniel Island, 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 Daniel Island 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 Daniel Island, SC, can help alleviate your worries and allow you to focus on healing. Our Daniel Island 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.
You must have your photo ID to vote. Voters may view their sample ballot through the South Carolina Election Commission HERE.ABSENTEE-BY-MAIL: Absentee-by-mail voting is available for qualified voters. Request an absentee application in one of the following ways:Applications must be returned to the Berkeley County Voter Registration & Elections Office in person or by mail by Friday, October 25 at 5 p.m....
You must have your photo ID to vote. Voters may view their sample ballot through the South Carolina Election Commission HERE.
ABSENTEE-BY-MAIL: Absentee-by-mail voting is available for qualified voters. Request an absentee application in one of the following ways:
Applications must be returned to the Berkeley County Voter Registration & Elections Office in person or by mail by Friday, October 25 at 5 p.m. Completed ballots must be returned to the Berkeley County Voter Registration & Elections Office no later than 7 p.m. on Election Day (November 5). Photo ID is required to return your ballot in person. For more information, go HERE.
The 2024 General Election is on Tuesday, November 5. For all election-related information, visit www.scvotes.gov or the County Voter Registration and Elections Department Page. You may also call 843-719-4056 or email vog.csytnuocyelekreb@ervbew.
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-Prepared by the Berkeley County Public Information Office-
MONCKS CORNER, S.C. – (Friday, October 4, 2024) – The deadline to register to vote in South Carolina ahead of the 2024 General Election has been extended to Monday, October 14, 2024. To vote in South Carolina, state law requires a person to register to vote at least 30 days prior to an election; however, the deadline has been extended due to the widespread impact of Hurricane Helene. Read more HERE.
Individuals may register to vote by October 14 in one of the following ways:
ABSENTEE-BY-MAIL: Absentee-by-mail voting is available for qualified voters. Request an absentee ballot in person at Berkeley County Voter Registration & Elections Office at 1003 Highway 52 in Moncks Corner; by calling 843-719-4058; or by mail (P.O Box 6122, Moncks Corner, SC 29461).
Applications must be returned to the Berkeley County Voter Registration & Elections Office by October 25 at 5 p.m. Completed ballots must be returned to the Berkeley County Voter Registration & Elections Office by November 5 at 7 p.m.
POLL WORKERS: Berkeley County needs additional poll workers for the upcoming General Election. Poll workers can earn compensation of up to $200. If interested, contact Laura Thomas with Voter Registration & Elections at 843-719-4663 or email vog.csytnuocyelekreb@samohT.aruaL. View more information and the application HERE.
For all election-related inquiries and information, please contact Berkeley County Voter Registration & Elections at (843) 719-4056; or visit https://berkeleycountysc.gov/dept/elections/ or www.scvotes.gov.
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– Prepared by the Berkeley County Public Information Office –
Impact felt at Lowcountry hospitals and nursing schoolsSouth Carolina faces a projected shortage of more than 13,000 nurses by 2036, according to a report by the Federal Health Resources and Services Administration.The same report expects the Palmetto State to experience the seventh-largest nurse shortage in the U.S., with over 21% of positions unfilled.The national nursing industry is predicted to be short over 330,000 registered nurses by 2036, with states like South Carolina feeling the impact sooner rather than later...
Impact felt at Lowcountry hospitals and nursing schools
South Carolina faces a projected shortage of more than 13,000 nurses by 2036, according to a report by the Federal Health Resources and Services Administration.
The same report expects the Palmetto State to experience the seventh-largest nurse shortage in the U.S., with over 21% of positions unfilled.
The national nursing industry is predicted to be short over 330,000 registered nurses by 2036, with states like South Carolina feeling the impact sooner rather than later. The shortage comes from a combination of factors: an aging population, fewer nursing school graduates, and the burnout of COVID-19.
The stress and emotional toll of the pandemic led nearly 100,000 nurses to leave the workforce, with more expected to follow by 2027 to retirement or burnout, according to a 2024 study by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.
By 2035, more than 1.5 million South Carolinians will be over the age of 65, according to the South Carolina Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Office. This surge in elderly residents will increase the need for health care services, exacerbating the strain on the state’s nursing workforce.
“Having less population [of] nurses and an increase of population needing health-care services is starting to impact the mix,” said Cathy Durham, dean of nursing at the Medical University of South Carolina.
The shortage has affected nursing programs as well, resulting in a lack of faculty and educational resources to train new nurses. MUSC nursing students like Megan Smith said, “I’ve noticed less nurses in the hospitals than usual. I think a lot of them have switched to travel nursing for better pay, which leaves us with less mentorship and more strain on the nurses who are still here.”
With 642 nursing faculty spread across statewide institutions, the number of nurses seeking graduate education has trended downward for the past three years, according to the Commission on Higher Education.
“We could accept more students into the existing nursing programs in our state if there were additional faculty and hands-on clinical training openings in hospitals to educate our students,” said Jeannette Andrews, dean of the College of Nursing at the University of South Carolina.
To address this, the state allocated $10 million annually from the South Carolina Education Lottery to provide bonuses and tuition reimbursement for nursing faculty and students pursuing graduate-level nurse educator programs. The legislature has also pumped $30 million into collegiate nursing programs in South Carolina over the past three years to stem a potential health care crisis.
MUSC is also actively working to increase nursing school enrollment by offering discounted tuition and scholarships for technical college graduates and hospital employees.
As she continues her nursing program, Smith said she appreciates the groundwork being done to attract more students in the field.
“It’s a tough time to be in nursing school, but it hasn’t affected my career goals. We know the impact we can make. It’s also comforting seeing the efforts made to address the shortage, even if it’s a long road ahead.”
A look at where the 10 worst shortages are expected by 2036, by percentage of vacancies:
1. Georgia: 29%
2. California: 26%
3. Washington: 26%
4. New Jersey: 25%
5. North Carolina: 23%
6. New Hampshire: 23%
7. South Carolina: 21%
8. Maryland: 20%
9. Michigan: 19%
10. Oregon: 16%
Source: U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration, March 2024
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