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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 Johns 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 Johns 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 Johns 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 Johns 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 Johns 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 Johns 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 Johns Island, SC, can help alleviate your worries and allow you to focus on healing. Our Johns 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.
Published: Nov. 13, 2024 at 1:50 AM PST|JAMES ISLAND, S.C. (WCSC) - The South Carolina Department of Transportation is working to improve safety on Folly Road.In May 2023, SCDOT did a road safety audit of Folly Road and after studying the data, they were able to present improvement concepts to the public. Now, the department is seeking input from the community.In the SCDOT presentation, they revealed data from a 5 mile section of Folly Road. They looked at the area from Old Folly Beach Road to Maybank Highway. From 2018 ...
Published: Nov. 13, 2024 at 1:50 AM PST|
JAMES ISLAND, S.C. (WCSC) - The South Carolina Department of Transportation is working to improve safety on Folly Road.
In May 2023, SCDOT did a road safety audit of Folly Road and after studying the data, they were able to present improvement concepts to the public. Now, the department is seeking input from the community.
In the SCDOT presentation, they revealed data from a 5 mile section of Folly Road. They looked at the area from Old Folly Beach Road to Maybank Highway. From 2018 to 2022, this small area experienced over 2,103 car accidents, 15 pedestrian accidents and 21 bicycle accidents. 525 of these accidents resulted in injury and 6 of them were fatal.
SCDOT is proposing some road safety improvements for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians including the addition of elements like high visibility crosswalks, relocating bus stops, adding landscaped medians similar to those on Highway 176 in Goose Creek and new pavement markings.
Several residents in the area shared their concerns with the safety of Folly Road. Many said they are excited to see change being made.
Some elements that residents expressed they would like to see added to Folly Road include more crosswalks, more lights and wider roads.
Joyce Ballard has been a resident of James Island for eight years. She suggested more traffic lights and more crosswalks because this road is so frequently utilized, but it isn’t safe enough for the volume of traffic they see.
“It has to be safe because it’s the only road that we have, but I don’t think it’s safe,” she said.
Bobbi Butler moved to James Island two years ago. She said that change needs to happen and she is eager to see what comes of this project.
“Anything that they could do, even for the bikes or pedestrians or cars, Folly Road definitely needs some attention to take care of things on the road,” Butler said.
Kathy Mehrzad moved from Virginia to James Island in 2014. She compares the traffic to Washington D.C. and claims she would rather drive in D.C.
Mehrzad said when she first moved to James Island she would walk and bike on Folly Road, but that ended very quickly.
Now that both she and her family members have gotten in accidents on Folly Road, she tries to avoid even driving on the road. She limits her walking and biking to nearby parks and trails where she feels safer. She said that if pedestrian safety was prioritized on the road, she would use it, but not in the state that it’s currently in.
“I have witnessed many an accident. After my husband and daughter and I moved down, we each had an accident - not our fault - been hit from behind. In fact, [my daughter] had to have rehab,” Mehrzad said. “No, I don’t feel safe on Folly Road. There’s just too much traffic… people come in every which direction, and most are not giving signals, not paying attention. So, I pick and choose when I come out.”
SCDOT is looking to begin construction on these improvement projects in 2026. In the meantime, they are accepting public comment on these proposals so anyone can weigh in with their feedback.
All comments are due by Nov. 22. A link to submit public comments can be found here.
Representatives with the department say that all new sidewalks will be added at specific locations, which are detailed in the project’s concept mockups. More information about these proposals can be found here.
Copyright 2024 WCSC. All rights reserved.
Published: Nov. 10, 2024 at 7:45 PM PST|JAMES ISLAND, S.C. (WCSC) - James Island will soon offer a new way for residents and visitors alike to learn about its connection to the Revolutionary War.South Carolina 250, which the state General Assembly chartered in 2018, provided a $12,000 grant to the town, which will use it to create a new historic driving tour.“The interest in that history and the founding of our country, and so much of it st...
Published: Nov. 10, 2024 at 7:45 PM PST|
JAMES ISLAND, S.C. (WCSC) - James Island will soon offer a new way for residents and visitors alike to learn about its connection to the Revolutionary War.
South Carolina 250, which the state General Assembly chartered in 2018, provided a $12,000 grant to the town, which will use it to create a new historic driving tour.
“The interest in that history and the founding of our country, and so much of it started right here it just really important to focus on that. And a lot of folks don’t know about it, and a lot of history can be lost so we want to preserve it,” Mayor Brook Lyons said.
The tour includes eight different stops around the island.
“There’s so many special places on James Island of historical significance, and this is a great way to highlight eight of the most significant ones,” Lyons said.
Lyons and the History Commission Co-Chair Michael Williams saidthey hope to educate locals and tourists with this historical information.
“It preserves history and its educational and it just a real tribute to our staff and committee members how we can all pull together,” Lyons said.
The process of coming up with and executing this concept took about a year. Williams said the grant made it possible for them to move so quickly.
“They took the bull by the horns and went forward and got a grant and found some fantastic people to help with the project,” Lyons said.
The town held a private event with over 60 people attending, honoring the voice actors and those who made the tour possible.
Williams said this will be a game changer for their town. People will be able to scan a QR code on their brochure, for free access to the audio recordings while driving around to see the different stops.
He said this will help those who may not be able to access walking or carriage tours like they may offer in the peninsula.
“You know over here you got Charleston across the Harbor, but this is James Island this is where the stamp act, or where the stamps were torn up which was a precursor to the Revolutionary War,” Williams said.
Copyright 2024 WCSC. All rights reserved.
Published: Oct. 31, 2024 at 5:00 PM PDT|JAMES ISLAND, S.C. (WCSC) - James Island visitors and residents alike will have a new way to learn about the community’s history starting in November.The town will launch “Voices of the Revolution,” an immersive driving tour on Nov. 10 from 2-5 p.m. at Fort Johnson.The tour will include historic interpreters, refreshments, maps and details for downloading the free tour.The new driving tour was made possible thanks to a $12,000 grant from the SC250 Commissio...
Published: Oct. 31, 2024 at 5:00 PM PDT|
JAMES ISLAND, S.C. (WCSC) - James Island visitors and residents alike will have a new way to learn about the community’s history starting in November.
The town will launch “Voices of the Revolution,” an immersive driving tour on Nov. 10 from 2-5 p.m. at Fort Johnson.
The tour will include historic interpreters, refreshments, maps and details for downloading the free tour.
The new driving tour was made possible thanks to a $12,000 grant from the SC250 Commission, which was chartered by the South Carolina General Assembly in 2019 to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution.
“We couldn’t be prouder of the work our History Commission, town staff and community members have done on this project,” James Island Mayor, Brook Lyon, said. “This history tour is going to be a fun and educational experience for residents and visitors for years to come.”
The tour is narrated and produced by Evans Byrd, a native Charlestonian and certified history tour guide with more than 20 years of experience.
Additionally, historic figures are brought to life with the following voice talents:
Neal Kinard
A beloved local historian and storyteller, Neal Kinard has dedicated his life to uncovering and sharing Charleston’s rich history. His work often appears on local platforms, and he is known for his engaging presentations at the Charleston Museum and various historical societies.
Dominica Harrell
An advocate for cultural preservation, Dominica Harrell is the founder of the James Island Cultural Heritage Society. With a deep familial connection to the area, she has played a vital role in initiatives that honor the island’s diverse heritage through events and educational programs.
Tessa Spencer
A well-known television personality, Tessa Spencer is a news anchor at WCIV. With years of experience in broadcasting, Tessa brings her passion for storytelling and community engagement to the project.
Roger Gaither
A prominent artist and educator, Roger Gaither has exhibited his work throughout the Lowcountry.
Phillip Koontz
A talented musician and local performer, Phillip Koontz has shared the stage with various artists at renowned Charleston venues.
Bill Sharpe
A respected journalist and former anchor at WCSC, Bill Sharpe has reported on Charleston’s evolving landscape for decades.
Terry Bryant
A dedicated community leader, Terry Bryant has worked tirelessly to improve the lives of residents on James Island. Through her advocacy and civic engagement, she emphasizes the importance of community involvement in shaping the island’s future.
Kenneth Ursin
A cherished educator with over 30 years of experience, Kenneth Ursin has taught in various Charleston schools and is known for his innovative teaching methods.
The event and the tour are free and open to the public. For more information, please visit the Town’s website at jamesislandsc.us
Copyright 2024 WCSC. All rights reserved.
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