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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 Mt. Pleasant 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 Mt. Pleasant 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 Mt. Pleasant, 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 Mt. Pleasant, 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 Mt. Pleasant, 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 Mt. Pleasant 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 Mt. Pleasant, SC, can help alleviate your worries and allow you to focus on healing. Our Mt. Pleasant 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: Oct. 23, 2024 at 1:45 PM PDT|MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (WCSC) - Mount Pleasant leaders and staff are nearing the finish line of a years-long process to update the town’s zoning codes in regards to approving new builds and protecting existing natural resources.“I think it’s important to note that this is our first wholesale update of our zoning code since 1979. So a lot of things have changed in Mount Pleasant since that time,” Councilman Daniel Brownstein says.Planning Director Michele Reed ...
Published: Oct. 23, 2024 at 1:45 PM PDT|
MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (WCSC) - Mount Pleasant leaders and staff are nearing the finish line of a years-long process to update the town’s zoning codes in regards to approving new builds and protecting existing natural resources.
“I think it’s important to note that this is our first wholesale update of our zoning code since 1979. So a lot of things have changed in Mount Pleasant since that time,” Councilman Daniel Brownstein says.
Planning Director Michele Reed says staff and leaders reviewed the code and began this rewrite in 2020.
“Of course throughout the years we’ve seen a lot of amendments to it. So a lot of piecemeal changes which resulted in a lot of inconsistencies throughout the code,” Reed says.
Some of the major changes are considering allowing murals, updating the sign ordinance requiring neutral content, enacting new tree protections and updating approval standards for development.
“I think this will allow us to approve development that’s better suited for our sensitive environment. There’s a lot of enhanced tree protections. There’s certain areas of town that are more conducive to mixed-use with residential and commercial being on the same site, and so I think that as a result of this zoning code change, that will be sort of modernizing the pattern of development here in Mount Pleasant,” Brownstein says.
The code creates the opportunity for creating and approving “Hubs” referring to mixed-use or development centers.
“It’s really about focusing more on concentrating your higher intensity development around these certain hubs and these development centers as opposed to along the corridors which is what we had previously through the Urban Corridor Overlay District,” Reed says.
For reference, Mount Pleasant has had a ban on apartment and condo style builds for seven years that is set to expire Dec. 31, 2024. The emergency moratorium went into place to allow the town’s infrastructure to catch up. Brownstein says as that expires, it is good to have regulations on mixed-use development, so it goes in responsibly. He believes there is a need for some diverse housing to be built soon.
“My hope is that with the zoning code, we will have an additional tool to encourage some affordable, attainable housing in our community, which is super important,” Brownstein says.
The code has new tree protections, like protecting grand oaks and pine trees, requiring a replacement tree must be planted somewhere else on site for certain trees removed, and if not possible a fine will be paid into the tree bank. The pine tree rules are new, protecting trees 24 inches or greater from being cut. Grand Oaks are already protected and will continue to be so.
“I think equally important what you won’t see is nobody’s property is going to get re-zoned. This won’t change the use or zoning of anybody’s property. Any new districts are going to be overlays that town council would apply and so I think it’s important to note that,” Reed says.
The planning commission made a few tree recommendations to the code and it will go before the county council for two readings next.
Copyright 2024 WCSC. All rights reserved.
MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (WCSC) - A major Mount Pleasant road project is complete and the Town will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony Tuesday to celebrate.The Patriots Point Gateway Intersection Improvements Project is a capital improvement project that went into construction in 2022. This project was intended to improve the capacity of the very busy intersection of Patriots Point Road, Coleman Boulevard and Magrath Darby Boulev...
MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (WCSC) - A major Mount Pleasant road project is complete and the Town will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony Tuesday to celebrate.
The Patriots Point Gateway Intersection Improvements Project is a capital improvement project that went into construction in 2022. This project was intended to improve the capacity of the very busy intersection of Patriots Point Road, Coleman Boulevard and Magrath Darby Boulevard.
Crews added several additional turn lanes on these three roads. This project originated from a study that the Town did back in 2016.
The project is all about improving connectivity and proactively preparing for anticipated future growth in the area. The goal was to both alleviate traffic issues and improve safety, mobility and connectivity.
In addition to the new turn lanes, the town added new accommodations for bikers. These bike paths are a part of other pedestrian projects in the area, like the East Coast Greenway, the Mount Pleasant Way and the Battery to Beach projects.
The Patriots Point Gateway project, in total, cost $9,672,785.
Deputy Director of Capital Projects and the Transportation Department for the Town of Mount Pleasant James Aton shared their goals for the completion of this project.
“Both to anticipate the growth in the area and accommodate that additional vehicular traffic, improve bike and pedestrian safety and then, of course, do a sort of face lift to the entrance of - one of the primary entrances to the town of Mount Pleasant,” Aton said.
This area is right at the foot of the Ravenel Bridge, connecting Mount Pleasant to downtown making it a frequently traveled area for many people in the community. Aton believes this project will greatly benefit the community.
“I think it’s going to operate much more smoothly than it did previously and be able to accommodate that additional traffic, as well as provide... alternate infrastructure for non-vehicular modes, bikes, pedestrians,” he said.
Tuesday morning, there will be a ribbon-cutting ceremony commemorating the completion of the Patriots Point Gateway project. It is scheduled for 10 a.m.
Aton said that the construction for this project is complete, and they anticipate they will finish all the closeout paperwork and officially complete the project by November.
Copyright 2024 WCSC. All rights reserved.
A community's vision of attracting new and viable businesses was shared by Mount Pleasant Economic Development Officer Matt Brady during his Oct. 9 appearance at the Rotary Club of Mount Pleasant meeting.In the spirit of targeting specific industry clusters, supporting small businesses and improving quality of life, according to Brady, the Town of Mount Pleasant adopted an economic strategy playbook two-and-a-half years ago with the following g...
A community's vision of attracting new and viable businesses was shared by Mount Pleasant Economic Development Officer Matt Brady during his Oct. 9 appearance at the Rotary Club of Mount Pleasant meeting.
In the spirit of targeting specific industry clusters, supporting small businesses and improving quality of life, according to Brady, the Town of Mount Pleasant adopted an economic strategy playbook two-and-a-half years ago with the following goals:
• Attract and retain business with high wage jobs in target clusters
• Ensure clarity and predictability in development patterns
• Remove barriers to development within target clusters
• Expand use of economic development incentives
• Prioritize quality-of-life initiatives to support the local workforce and residents
"When you think of Mount Pleasant, we're not going to able to build a 1 million square-foot built-up construction concrete manufacturing plant with 1,000 workers. That's just not going to happen," reported the one-time Economic Development Director of Goose Creek. "They fit the community profile of folks that could move here and be part of the community."
Knowledge economy, life sciences and tech firms are a few examples of the types of operations that fit the Town's business blueprint.
In an effort to spur interest from those entities, said Brady, the Town is actively recruiting lead-generation companies that "beat the bushes" for Mount Pleasant in Europe and other parts of the world.
Locally, Brady is frequently calling companies in town to assess their needs in hopes of helping them expand. Further, the appointed official looks to support innovators and entrepreneurs by partnering with groups, such as Harbor Entrepreneur Center (HEC), which now has its own office headquarters at 11 Ewall St.
"It's a beautiful really trophy Class A office space, 65,000 square feet, very unique," he described. "It was built for headquarters, but what makes it so cool is that you now feel like you're in a West Coast tech campus when you walk in there ... and over the last year or so, we've announced with expansions, 150 new jobs. So, we think it's been really successful."
The 70 companies occupying the HEC edifice include financial tech, agricultural tech, digital animation and wine operations, among other business categories.
Speaking of partnerships, Brady also filled in Rotarians on the Town's collaboration with Lowcountry Local First (LLF) that helps the economic development leader by organizing workshops for small business owners. Many of these first-time self-employed individuals can gain valuable insight at these sessions, he added, relative to marketing, finance or even navigating a commercial lease.
To that end, the Town has recently launched a new website, MountPleasantMade.com, that provides guidelines for small business owners.
As for present and future quality-of-life improvement projects the Town is involved in, Brady mentioned Rifle Range Road Park, several tennis and pool renovations, as well as an ongoing $4 million remodeling of Alhambra Hall. What's more, the University of South Carolina graduate highlighted extensive work happening at Memorial Waterfront Park in the form of new splash pads, more public space and walking trails.
"We've got a lot of square footage entitled here in Mount Pleasant — over a million square feet of Class A office and industrial spec [area]. And most people aren't aware of that, including our partners that need to know that as we actively recruit."
What's next for Mount Pleasant consists of looking to assist developers in filling up currently vacant property at the old Regal Cinebarre theater on Houston Northcutt Road. Similarly, the Town is in the process of selling 38 acres on Faison Road for $10 million in the interest of attracting new companies, creating jobs and diversifying the tax base.
Other Town of Mount Pleasant Economic Development Zones are situated at Patriots Point, Long Point Road, Carolina Park, Johnny Dodds Boulevard and Coleman Boulevard "to some extent," said Brady.
"So, my goal is to find high quality development partners who can share in our vision for what the town should be, and maybe look at properties in a new life."
The guest speaker was especially proud of the standalone Mount Pleasant Made brand for economic development.
"We have our own website, our own social media presence and we're kind of bullish on the future," he stated.
The Rotary Club of Mount Pleasant invites community members to attend their weekly Wednesday meetings at the Mount Pleasant Presbyterian Church, starting at noon.
Towne Centre's future uncertain as Mount Pleasant denies rezoning request (WCIV)MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (WCIV) — After months of back-and-forth discussion, Mount Pleasant town leaders have denied a rezoning request for Towne Centre.Discussions surrounding the future of the space first started when Bed, Bath & Beyond shut down.“There were real concerns about some of those large buildings could someday be vacant, so they wanted to kind of think ahead and plan for different redevelopment scenarios,” said ...
Towne Centre's future uncertain as Mount Pleasant denies rezoning request (WCIV)
MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (WCIV) — After months of back-and-forth discussion, Mount Pleasant town leaders have denied a rezoning request for Towne Centre.
Discussions surrounding the future of the space first started when Bed, Bath & Beyond shut down.
“There were real concerns about some of those large buildings could someday be vacant, so they wanted to kind of think ahead and plan for different redevelopment scenarios,” said Michele Reed, the town’s director of planning.
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Continental Realty Corp., which owns the property, shared an original proposal with the Town Council in April to add apartments, a hotel, and more retail space. Overall, it consisted of buildings that would stand at 75 feet tall.
“I think that like maybe a hotel might be a bit too much because we already have that big hotel over there and I know around like the slow seasons now it's pretty much useless,” said Benjamin Marhefka, who works at TCBY in Towne Centre.
In a series of ten meetings and public hearings with residents, town leaders asked for adjustments to the plan; some of which were made, like lowering building height and adding greenspace.
However, some residents still worry about the possible issues new development could bring to Mount Pleasant.
“If they completely erase all the parking spots for like other businesses, I think that's going to be a big problem because I’ll see the parking lot like jam-packed on Saturdays,” Marhefka said.
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While parking isn’t a main area of concern with the proposal, the majority of council and Mayor Will Haynie still have reservations about the plan, saying it needs to be done right.
“Council really wants to see a solid plan that they know exactly what they're getting so that the people of the town know what they're getting, and they can really make a sound vote on this proposal,” Reed said.
The request has been shut down for now but a new version of it could be before Town Council in the next few months.
David Donato with Continental Realty Corp. sent News 4 the following statement after the original story aired:
“The next steps for CRC are to work on integrating the feedback from Council Members and the Mayor into a revised amendment that can garner Council support the next time through. The good news is that nearly everyone in this process sees the logic of doing what we can to improve Towne Centre. We knew this would not be a straight line to a PD Amendment - that is why we approached Town of Mt. Pleasant proactively. At the end of the day, I believe we will reach an outcome that keeps Towne Centre vibrant for years to come."
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