Find Personal Injury Lawyers in Mt. Pleasant, SC

In South Carolina, you have 3 years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit under the statute of limitations (S.C. Code Ann. Section 15-3-530). However, it's important to consult with an attorney as soon as possible after your accident.

Acting quickly helps preserve critical evidence, secure witness statements, and protect your legal rights. Some cases may have shorter deadlines, especially claims against government entities, so don't delay seeking legal counsel.

South Carolina follows a modified comparative negligence rule. You can still recover damages if you are 50% or less at fault for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

For example, if you're awarded $100,000 but found 30% at fault, you would receive $70,000. If you're 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover any damages. This makes having a skilled attorney crucial to properly establish fault and protect your recovery rights.

Most personal injury attorneys in Mt. Pleasant work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you win your case. There are no upfront attorney fees or hourly charges.

Typically, attorneys receive a percentage of your settlement or verdict (usually 33-40%). Initial consultations are almost always free, allowing you to discuss your case without financial risk. This arrangement makes quality legal representation accessible regardless of your financial situation.

Mt. Pleasant personal injury attorneys handle a wide range of cases including:

Traffic accidents: Car, truck, motorcycle, bicycle, and pedestrian accidents
Premises liability: Slip and falls, trip and falls, inadequate security
Medical negligence: Hospital errors, surgical mistakes, misdiagnosis
Workplace injuries: Workers' compensation and third-party claims
Product liability: Defective products causing injury
Wrongful death: Fatal accidents due to negligence
Dog bites: Animal attacks and injuries

Case timelines vary significantly based on complexity. Simple cases with clear liability may settle in 3-6 months, while complex cases requiring litigation can take 1-2 years or more.

Factors affecting timeline include: injury severity, treatment duration, insurance company cooperation, need for expert witnesses, and whether the case goes to trial. Your attorney can provide a more specific timeline after evaluating your case details. Don't rush settlement—it's important to fully understand your injuries before accepting any offer.

1. Seek medical attention at East Cooper Medical Center, Roper St. Francis, or call 911 for emergencies
2. Document everything - take photos, get witness contact info, and preserve evidence
3. Report the accident to police (Mt. Pleasant PD: 100 Ann Edwards Ln)
4. Notify insurance but avoid giving recorded statements without legal counsel
5. Contact a lawyer for a free consultation before accepting any settlement offers

Avoid posting about your accident on social media, as insurance companies monitor these platforms to minimize your claim.

Case value depends on multiple factors including: severity of injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, future medical needs, pain and suffering, permanent disability, property damage, and impact on quality of life.

Each case is unique. Minor injuries might settle for thousands of dollars, while catastrophic injuries (brain trauma, spinal cord damage) can result in settlements exceeding $1 million. An experienced attorney can provide a realistic case valuation after reviewing your specific circumstances and damages.

Yes, you have the right to change attorneys at any time during your case. However, you should carefully consider this decision and discuss concerns with your current lawyer first.

When switching, you'll typically need to sign a substitution of counsel form. Your original attorney may be entitled to compensation for work already performed. Most Mt. Pleasant injury lawyers offer free consultations to discuss taking over your case and can advise you on the transition process.