Columbia Personal Injury Lawyer

Types of Personal Injuries

Victims of car accidents, falls, and other unforeseen accidents can suffer physical and psychological injuries that have life-changing consequences. Some of the most common types of personal injury claims we see at Stewart Law Offices include:

• Traumatic brain injuries – A traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when a jolt, blunt-force impact, or penetrating wound to the head damages the brain. Mild TBIs like concussions often heal quickly, but more severe TBIs can result in permanent brain damage or even death.
• Back and spinal cord injuries – The back, vertebral column, and spinal cord are some of the body’s most delicate and critical structures. Traumatic incidents often cause herniated discs, spinal fractures, and even spinal cord injuries (SCIs) that can result in partial or total paralysis.
• Neck and shoulder injuries – Neck injuries like whiplash are common and can easily prove debilitating, even after minor incidents like low-speed car wrecks. Shoulder problems like rotator cuff injuries also occur frequently, especially due to falls and workplace accidents.
• Fractured and dislocated bones – Violent forces can cause bones to pop out of their sockets, break, or even shatter. Simple fractures often heal on their own with rest, immobilization, and time. However, more serious breaks like open, impacted, or avulsion fractures may require surgical treatment.
• Permanent scarring or disfigurement – Severe injuries may leave victims with permanent scarring and disfigurement, which can seriously impact their quality of life. Many victims with extensive scarring or disfiguring injuries require physical rehabilitation and mental health counseling to adjust to their new lives.
• Soft tissue injuries – Soft tissues like muscles, tendons, and ligaments are vulnerable to injuries like strains, sprains, and even tears. Many traumatic incidents also affect the skin, our largest organ, which is susceptible to injuries like bruises, lacerations, puncture wounds, and burns.
• Emotional and psychological injuries – Emotional and psychological injuries do not get as much attention as physical injuries, but they are equally real and debilitating. Many victims of traumatic incidents suffer from conditions like anxiety, depression, insomnia, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Understanding South Carolina’s Personal Injury Laws

Statute of Limitations in Columbia

South Carolina law imposes strict deadlines for filing personal injury lawsuits. Generally, you have three years from the date of your injury to file a personal injury claim in civil court. However, certain circumstances can affect this timeline:

• Medical malpractice claims must be filed within three years of the injury or discovery of the injury
• Wrongful death claims must be filed within three years of the death
• Claims against government entities require notice within certain shorter timeframes

Missing these deadlines typically means losing your right to pursue compensation entirely, which is why consulting with a Columbia personal injury attorney as soon as possible after your accident is critical.

South Carolina’s Modified Comparative Negligence Rule

South Carolina follows a modified comparative negligence rule with a 51% bar. Under this system:

• You can recover compensation as long as you are 50% or less at fault for the accident
• If you are 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover any compensation
• Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault (for example, if you’re 20% at fault for a $100,000 claim, you would receive $80,000)

Dealing With Insurance Companies

Insurance adjusters often contact accident victims within hours or days of an incident, hoping to obtain recorded statements or quick settlements before victims understand the full extent of their injuries. These tactics aim to minimize the insurance company’s payout. Our Columbia personal injury lawyers handle all communications with insurance companies, protecting you from:

• Tactics designed to get you to admit fault
• Pressure to accept inadequate settlement offers
• Requests for unnecessary recorded statements
• Attempts to minimize the severity of your injuries
• Delays in processing your claim

Our Columbia personal injury lawyers know the tactics adjusters use and how to counter them effectively. Call at 866-783-9278 or contact us online to arrange your free and confidential case review.

Steps to Take After an Injury or Accident in Columbia

If you have been injured in an accident in Columbia, SC, you may feel overwhelmed and uncertain about what to do next. By taking the following steps, you can protect your health and your legal rights:

• Seek medical care promptly to have your injuries diagnosed, treated, and documented in your official medical records.
• Follow your doctor’s care plan and attend all follow-up appointments.
• If possible, report the incident to the police, an employer, a property owner, or any other party with authority over the situation.
• Gather as much evidence as possible, including photos and video footage, medical bills, wage records, repair estimates, and other documentation.
• Watch what you say to others or post online while your claim is pending.
• Avoid speaking with insurance adjusters without legal representation
• Keep a detailed journal of your recovery, pain levels, and how injuries affect your daily life
• Preserve all physical evidence, including damaged property and clothing
• Obtain contact information from all witnesses
• Contact a personal injury attorney in Columbia for legal advice as soon as possible.