Frequently Asked Questions

This process of suing someone in the state of South Carolina can be quite confusing and overwhelming and it often leaves victims left wondering how much does it actually cost to sue someone? The answer varies depending on what state you live in and what your case entails, but down below are some answers to your most frequently asked questions so that you can gain a better understanding of how much it is going to cost you to sue someone and whether or not it is actually worth it. 

What Are Contingency Fee Agreements?

With contingency fee agreements, the client(s) agree that the attorney’s fee will be a certain percentage of any recoverable compensation from the court case, rather than paying the attorney a traditional hourly rate or flat fee basis (what we call a retainer). This specific percentage that the lawyer will receive will be different depending on the details and outcome of the case. 

These contingency fee agreements are of great value to those who wouldn’t normally be able to afford to hire an attorney upfront yet still want to have the same opportunity for their legal constitutional rights to be protected and defended by a lawyer. 

For a free legal consultation, call 1-844-736-8342

What Is an Example of a Contingency Fee Agreement?

If you were looking to hire an attorney to help you file for divorce, then you would need to go down the traditional path of having to pay a retainer upfront and then pay your lawyer throughout the legal process for covering their fees and other related costs (so, not a contingency fee pay structure). This can become quite expensive for the average person. 

On the other hand, if you were looking to hire an attorney to sue someone who violated your rights and freedoms, then you could pay the lawyer through the contingency fee agreement, meaning that they will receive a certain percentage of the recovery in your case. This makes it more affordable for people to hire legal services and to have their rights properly upheld in a court of law.

How Much Does a Consultation Cost?

When you are bordering on the prospect of suing an individual or organization, you may want to know more about the legal process altogether, the chances you have at winning, and whether or not it is a good and smart idea to go down this path. Almost all law firms and legal organizations offer consultations with prospective clients in order to learn more about their cases but also provide victims answers to these aforementioned questions. 

Fortunately, these consultations and case evaluations are completely free, so there would be no need to worry about the affordability of just sitting down and speaking with a lawyer about your case.  

Click to contact our personal injury lawyers today

What Occurs During a Consultation?

When you sit down with a lawyer from Shelly Leeke and discuss your case, some of the things will you chat about will include:

• Your legal rights based on the details of your case
• Your legal pathways to obtain financial compensation
• Potential issues with your case
• The timeline of your case
• Whether or not the statute of limitations in South Carolina applies to your case
• Our firm’s fee structure/payment plan and the percentage of your recovery that we take
• Out-of-pocket costs in case we don’t win the legal battle

Overall, your free case evaluation should help you better understand how attorneys approach lawsuits like yours, how our firm operates altogether, and whether or not the Shelly Leeke law firm is a good fit for you and/or your loved ones. 

Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now

What Are the Filing Fees?

A filing fee is something that you would have to pay in order to officially file a legal claim and begin your case. According to the South Carolina Justice Department, the cost of a filing fee for a new case is $150.00. And any additional written motions have a filing fee of $25.00

If you are unable to afford the filing fee of $150.00, that is okay. There is still an option to file a claim and fight for your legal rights even tho you don’t have the money. You can file a motion called the “Motion and Affidavit to Proceed in Forma Pauperis.” This is essentially just asking the judge to waive the filing fees, which they may or may not choose to do. 

By filing this motion under Rule 3(b) of the South Carolina Rules of Civil Procedure, you are swearing under oath that there is no way possible for you to be able to afford the payment of the initial filing fee.

What if Someone Is Suing You? 

If you or someone you know has had a small claims court complaint filed against you in the state of South Carolina, then you have a total of only 30 days to answer the complaint. If the complaint has a value of $25 or less, then you only have 5 days to answer it, under South Carolina state law. 

Answering the complaint can come in the form of either a written statement or showing up to the courthouse and answering it orally in person. If you do not answer the complaint on time, then the small claims court will enter default judgment which means that you lose the case and are required to pay up. 

If you are being sued in a small claims court, then you should not only answer the complaint, so you can avoid losing by default, but you should hire a lawyer to help build your case and fight for your legal rights. The best way for you and your legal team to present your case would be to prepare all documents and exhibits, subpoena witnesses, not interrupt the judge or witnesses, and watch out for hearsay from the prosecution team. 

Call or text 1-844-736-8342 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form

In South Carolina, a claim may be filed by motorcycle operators and passengers alike. Certain states have different rules pertaining to what guidelines must be met in order to file a claim.  It can help to speak with an accident attorney in your state to ensure that these guidelines are followed.

Asbestos exposure related disease affect all walks of life. Family members of workers once exposed to asbestos are also at risk of developing an asbestos related disease. Workers with a high rate of asbestos exposure include insulators, boiler makers, railroad workers, pipefitters, industrial maintentance mechanics, painters, construction workers, welders, laborers and electricians. The higher the level of asbestos exposure and the longer the duration of exposure, increases the risk of a worker developing a related disease.

Under the Worker’s Compensation Act, an employee is any person who is under employment, contract for hire, or an apprenticeship, whether express or implied. This also includes foreign workers and minors who are lawfully or unlawfully employed as well as both full-time and part-time employees.

Subcontractors may also be covered under workers’ compensation. If a subcontractor does not carry workers’ compensation insurance, the owner or developer above them in the chain of employment may be held liable for workers’ compensation to the injured employee, as if they were the direct employer.

A wrongful death case may be brought by the spouse or child(ren) of the deceased victim or if there is no surviving spouse or child, then the parents or next of kin of the accident victim.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is in charge of regulating large commercial trucks and truck companies. Its mission is to ensure that commercial motor vehicles follow safety regulations to make the roads safer in South Carolina and around the country.

The role of the FMCSA is to:

• enforce safety regulations;
• target high-risk drivers and carriers;
• improve information systems and technologies;
• strengthen operating standards; and
• increase safety awareness. 

Some of the responsibilities of the FMCSA include:

• Data and Analysis – collect and disseminate data concerning carrier safety and resources to improve safety;
• Research and Technology – coordinate research and technological developments to improve safety;
• Commercial Drivers’ Licenses – develop standards for testing and licensing of truck drivers;
• Regulatory Compliance and Enforcement – operate safety program to improve performance and eliminate high risk carriers from the nation’s roads; and
• Safety Assistance -financially helps states with roadside inspection and other types of safety programs.

These are just some of the responsibilities that the FMCSA has over truck drivers and their companies.

While the FMCSA works to make the roads safer, the fact remains that because of the negligence of another, a truck accident in South Carolina can still happen. If you have been seriously injured in a South Carolina truck accident, a South Carolina truck accident lawyer will investigate your case to determine if the truck driver and/or the trucking company may be responsible for your injuries and will help you to fight for the damages that you may be entitled to.

Seeking the Help of a South Carolina Truck Accident Attorney

The South Carolina personal injury attorney team at the Shelly Leeke Law Firm is available to help accident victims cope with the legal implications of a serious injury. Our firm’s focus on personal injury cases includes injury from auto accidents including pedestrian and bicycle injuries, work-related injuries and Workers’ Compensation claims, and injuries resulting from dangerous prescription drugs.

Contact a Charleston personal injury attorney for a free information packet and consultation
1-888-690-0211.

Depending on the details of your accident, more than one person could be held responsible for your injuries. The owner, tenant, management, or a combination of parties may be held liable for the slip and fall. An attorney can help you to determine who will be held responsible and take the necessary actions to build your case against them.

If the school bus caused the accident, the liability insurance covering the school bus will be responsible for the medical bills, pain and suffering, and any other damages incurred by the school bus children or others injured by the school bus driver’s negligence.

If another vehicle caused the accident with the school bus, the other driver or the other driver’s liability insurance will be responsible for paying damages caused by the driver’s negligence in causing the school bus wreck.

The at fault driver’s insurance company is responsible for your medical bills, pain and suffering, and lost wages caused by the negligence of that driver in causing the collision with a pedestrian. If you carry your own insurance policy, your policy may also pay for your medical bills and even pain and suffering in excess of the amount of coverage available from the at fault driver’s policy, depending on the coverage you carry through your own policy. Contact us for Free Case Evaluation today.

Your accident-related medical bills should be paid from any settlement recovery you receive when your South Carolina accident case settles. Therefore, you should submit your bills to your own health insurance company so that the bills do not go in to collections. If you do not have health insurance, you will need to make payments on the medical bills until the bills are paid from the injury settlement. You should also contact your car insurance company and ask if you have medical payments or Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. If you do, then you should submit the bills to your car insurance company. You do not want your medical bills going to collections! Your Charleston motor vehicle accident lawyer will help you figure out a payment plan with your medical provider that best suits your financial situation.

If your employer employs four or more employees, they are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. Their workers’ compensation insurance carrier is responsbile for paying your lost wages if you are out of work for more than 7 days. Your disability checks will be sent weekly.

Mesothelioma is a personal injury that is the result of someone else’s negligence, in which case, you are entitled to receive compensation. Manufacturers who produce and sell asbestos are knowledgeable about the fact that their product is dangerous. As a result, you have the right to hold them accountable for their negligence. With the help of an asbestos lawyer, your chances of receiving the compensation that you deserve is higher because a lawyer most likely has more experience dealing with asbestos and insurance companies than you do.  If you have been exposed to asbestos and diagnosed with mesothelioma, you should contact a South Carolina personal injury attorney today!

If your case looks to be a meritorious one, experts in the appropriate medical field of specialty must be consulted and ultimately retained in the case. A medical malpractice case cannot be won without a medical expert. A good expert who is willing to testify can be hard to find, but it is an essential aspect of proving a medical malpractice case. Often times, because local doctors can be reluctant to testify against doctors in their own state, with whom they may have a pro-fessional relationship, experts may be contacted that are located out of state. Most experienced medical malpractice lawyers will know how to locate and contact the right expert for your case. The expert will review the medical records and determine whether, in his medical opinion, a standard of care was violated.

We understand that the financial burden of being involved in an accident is immense. As a result, we work on a contingency basis. Therefore, you will not have to pay us if you are not awarded money through settlement or trial. We will do everything in our power to get you the compensation that you deserve. If we are successful in doing so, then we recieve a percentage of what you are awarded based on a sum that is dictated by the Court. In addition, we are reimbursed for the expenses that were incurred through the trial.

Yes, You are entitled to reimbursement for the amount you paid for prescription medications, as long as they were prescribed by your doctor as a result of the injuries you suffered in the accident. The amount you paid will be included in the total settlement you receive. It is important that you keep receipts for all of your out of pocket expenses and give them to your attorney so that he/she may include this amount when negotiating your settlement.

No, once you begin receiving worker’s compensation benefits, you do not have to pay taxes on those benefits. The reason behind this is that because this is a source of income that you did not technically earn. If your benefits for some reason become reduced and there has not been a change in your medical condition, then you should contact your South Carolina worker’s compensation attorney immediately.

If you are in need of a worker’s compensation attorney after you have been hurt on-the-job in South Carolina, contact Shelly Leeke Law Firm at 888-690-0211 to set up a free, no obligation consultation so that you can get your life back to normal.

You are entitled to a recover a portion of your lost wages during the duration of your time out of work related to your work injury claim. Your employer is also responsible for paying for your medical bills and expenses. In addition, if you are permanently disabled as a result of your work injury, or if you suffer permanent partial disability, disfigurement, or if you are the loved one of someone killed on the job, you may be entitled to additional recovery.

If you have been injured on the job and are pursuing a workers’ compensation claim, the expenses associated with traveling to and from the doctor will be covered under your claim. Under normal circumstances, you would not have to travel to the doctor because you are uninjured. However, since you experienced an accident at work, you now have to go to the doctor and therefore have the added expense of traveling there.

If you have a SC workers’ compensation attorney, they will most likely require you to log the time and expenses so that you will be accurately compensation through your workers’ compensation claim. To set up a free consultationt to discuss your South Carolina workers’ compensation case with Attorney Shelly Leeke, call 1-888-690-0211 today!

Shelly Leeke represents accident victims throughout South Carolina. If we accept your case, we will make sure your case is handled efficiently and that your rights are protected, no matter where you live.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage or UM is different from Underinsured Motorist Coverage. UM coverage is on your personal car insurance policy and goes into effect when the person at fault for your accident does not have insurance.

In South Carolina you are required to carry at least $25,000 in Unisured Motorist Coverage. Thus, if you are in an accident and the at fault driver does not have car insurance, you will put in a UM claim with your car insurance for your losses.

Although in their minds, most people associate certain dogs with aggressive behavior and biting, but the fact is that all dogs could potentially bite someone. While it is true that some breeds of dogs are more likely to bite, there are situations in which any type of dog would likely bite a person. These instances where a dog might be more likely to bite are when they are startled, provoked, feel threatened, guarding something that they believe to be theirs, protecting their owners, or are in heat. If it appears as those a dog is displaying one of these charasteristics, you should back away from the dog and try not to provoke it in any way.

In a wrongful death action, the spouse, children or next of kin may bring an action to recover damages for medical bills, funeral expenses, lost wages and/or loss of future earnings, pain and suffering, and emotional distress on behalf of the person who was killed in an accident.

The rights of nursing home residents can be found at this fact sheet provided by National Citizens’ Coalition for Nursing Home Reform. http://www.justice4all.org/files/Fact%20Sheet%20on%20Residents%20Rights.pdf

Your key goal-at least when it comes to your words-after an auto accident in North Charleston, South Carolina, is to protect your potential accident claim. This means you need to avoid saying anything that can discredit you as a plaintiff, witness and/or injured victim.

Your North Charleston, SC, injury lawyer is your best bet when it comes to formulating an approach to your personal injury claim, but he or she is not always going to be directly by your side. It is up to you to keep their advice at the forefront of your mind. Ask your attorney for a detailed list of the types of phrases that could damage your claim and how to approach your communication with everyone from your doctor to the insurance adjusters to your own employer.

For a general idea of some of the most potentially damaging things you could say after an accident in North Charleston, South Carolina, please keep these 5 phrases in mind. They are some of the more destructive things you could say:

• “I have no idea how the accident happened.” – This may seem harmless, but in fact, it may imply that you weren’t paying attention to your surroundings while you were driving.
• “I don’t need medical care.” – If you dismiss medical responders at the scene of an accident, it may lead the insurance company to question whether you were truly injured.
• “I’m sorry.” – Don’t apologize at the scene of the auto accident and don’t apologize in subsequent conversations with insurance adjusters. This is perceived as an admission of liability.
• “It’s all his/her/their/your fault.” – Avoid playing the blame game and let your attorney handle any assertions of liability.
• “You’re right. I probably don’t need an attorney.” – The insurer may try to tell you that you don’t need a lawyer, even if your injuries were severe. This is simply not their decision to make and you owe it to yourself to get a second opinion.

Your legal team will give you more specific details about what you should and should not do and say after you have suffered injury in an accident.

Seeking the Help of a North Charleston, SC, Injury Lawyer

The South Carolina personal injury attorney team at the Shelly Leeke Law Firm is available to help accident victims cope with the legal implications of a serious injury. Our firm’s focus on personal injury cases includes injury from auto accidents including pedestrian and bicycle injuries, work-related injuries and Workers’ Compensation claims, and injuries resulting from dangerous prescription drugs.

Before you file a South Carolina personal injury claim, request a free copy of our South Carolina injury book. When you’re ready to get started on settling your accident claim, contact a North Charleston personal injury attorney for a free information packet and consultation, 1-888-690-0211.

Here are some of the recommended items that will assist an attorney in evaluating your case:

• Medical records – Medical malpractice claims center around the medi-cal care received. It is essential to provide the attorney with all relevant medical records in your possession. Treatment history, results, reports, prognoses, prescriptions, hospital records, etc. will all be useful.
• Contact information – In addition to basic contact information for your-self, it is recommended that you gather contact information for the doc-tors , hospitals, and any individuals who may be called upon as witnesses or to provide further information.
• Timeline of services received – Many times, malpractice can occur over time. It is helpful to provide a timeline of all medical treatment and services leading up to and following the medical malpractice. Make a list with the date of symptoms, the actions taken per date, the doctor visits per date, follow-up procedures per date, injuries noticed per date, etc.
• Medical Bills & Prescription Costs – Provide the attorney with a detailed record of all medical expenses related to your case. Gather medical bills you have received as well as receipts for all prescriptions related to your medical treatment and injury.
• Other doctor reports – As malpractice involves procedures below the recommended level of care, it is helpful to provide doctor reports that indi-cate injury specifically related to the subpar performance or procedures previously received.
• Record of injuries – Keep a log of all of your injuries. This may include lost wages, loss of future income, emotional injuries suffered; emotional damage to the rest of your family, inability to enjoy previously enjoyed ac-tivities, dependence on the services of others and more.

Medical malpractice litigation is a lengthy, complex process. Giving as much information about your case to your attorney can help him or her in building your case and attaining the maximum possible compensation you deserve.

Once you file a complaint against a South Carolina nursing home, you may be worried about what will happen to your elder who is living in the nursing home. Although the Omnibus Adult Protection Act was put in place to prevent the elder from experiencing further abuse, it is usually recommended that you try to find a different nursing home for them to live in during the time that you are pursuing a nursing home abuse case. In the meantime, your South Carolina nursing home abuse attorney will collect evidence and an investigation will take place in order to file your nursing home abuse claim.

Immediately after the accident you should call 911 and move out of the roadway to safety. If possible, do not move your bicycle; it is best if the police officer can see the bicycle in the original position it was in after the accident. While you are waiting for the police officer to arrive,collect information from anyone who may have witnessed the accident. Also, take pictures of the scene of the accident and collect the driver’s contact information and the information of any passengers in the vehicle. Do not discuss who was at fault with the driver. Once the officer arrives, file an official accident report and be sure to get a copy of the report as well as the contact information for the police officer. Seek medical assistance immediately if you are injured and make sure to keep all documentation of your injuries. Even if you do not feel as though you are injured, it is recommended that you go to a doctor anyway just in case. You should then contact an attorney about the accident. An experienced South Carolina bicycle accident attorney will be able to determine whether or not you should pursue a lawsuit against the driver.

Pool accidents involving children can be very serious. One of the first things you should do is seek medical assistance. Then, take pictures of the surrounding area to preserve any evidence of negligence, such as a defective diving board or a broken ladder. Also, write down the names of any of anyone who may have witnessed the accident. Make sure that you keep any and all medical records related to the accident as well as the police report. These documents will be helpful when you speak with an experienced South Carolina pool accident lawyer, which should be the next step that you take. Throughout this process, you should not speak with an insurance company. Your personal injury attorney should handle speaking with the insurance company so that your rights are fully protected.

If you are involved in a South Carolina traffic accident, there are certain things you should and shouldn’t do. Your immediate actions could greatly impact the outcome of your South Carolina personal injury claim.

After a South Carolina Traffic Accident

If you’re able, follow these steps after a South Carolina traffic accident, including: 

• leave your vehicle where it is unless it is in an unsafe spot;
• contact the police department;
• call 911 if there are any serious injuries;
• move to a safe spot;
• look over the police report for accuracy;
• document the details of your accident;
• get contact information from any witnesses;
• take pictures of the damage to all involved vehicles;
• get contact information of the towing company if your vehicle is being towed;
• seek immediate medical attention, even if your injuries appear to be minor;
• don’t discuss the accident with anyone;
• don’t provide a recorded statement to others; and
• seek legal counsel.

It is always a good idea to speak with a Charleston car accident lawyer to determine whether you have a valid South Carolina personal injury claim. Sometimes injuries that appear to be minor at the onset will turn into something more serious. You want to make sure that you are protected in the event this happens.

A Charleston car accident lawyer can work with you to collect all of the necessary evidence to build a solid South Carolina personal injury claim. In addition, a Charleston car accident lawyer can help you to receive compensation to which you may be entitled in order to cover your medical expenses and lost wages.

Contacting a Charleston Car Accident Lawyer Today

Before you file a South Carolina personal injury claim, request a copy of our complimentary consumer guide, The South Carolina Accident Book for Personal Injury Victims. When you’re ready to get started on settling your car accident claim, contact a Charleston car accident lawyer for a complimentary information packet and consultation – 888-690-0211.

The first thing you should do if your child is attacked is call the police and seek medical treatment for the child. It is important to report the attack so that the police may report the incident. You should immediately seek medical attention for your child to ensure that he/she has not suffered a severe injury and that the dog was not rabid or infectious.

After your child receives treatment for their injuries, if you would like to pursue a personal injury claim against the dog owner, you should contact a South Carolina dog bite attorney. An attorney can help you to determine whether or not you have a case and what steps to take next in order to seek justice.

Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions and keep all medical appointments. Take pictures of your car and your injuries. You may settle and release your property damage claim with the other person’s car insurance company. However, make sure you carefully read the release. You should not sign a full release, so it is better to have the release reviewed by an attorney first. This may seem confusing, so it is best to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney, who will help you through the personal injury legal process. To speak with a South Carolina car accident lawyer today, call Shelly Leeke Law Firm at 1-888-690-0211 to set up a free consultation appointment!

An out-of-court settlement is a legal arrangement made outside the judicial system. It is basically an agreement between all the parties involved to settle the matter outside of a trial verdict. While most out-of-court settlements are determined before a trial even begins, some are agreed upon during the court proceedings but before a jury delivers a final verdict on the matter.

Negotiations for an out-of-court settlement are typically done with the help of an attorney who acts as a representative. An out-of-court settlement can save time and money, avoiding many of the hassles associated with going to court.

In most personal injury cases, an out-of-court settlement will be reached before it becomes necessary to go to court. Insurance companies would rather settle outside of court in order to avoid the added expense of a trial. While attorneys are not a requirement for an out-of-court settlement, having legal counsel on your side can help you determine if an offered settlement is fair. In addition, your attorney can negotiate with the insurance company, if necessary.

If you accept a settlement offer, you will more than likely be barred from ever seeking additional compensation in the future related to your accident, even if future medical concerns are discovered later on. That is why it is crucial that your out-of-court settlement will satisfy your current and future accident-related needs and that you do not accept a settlement before you understand the full scope of your injuries and the treatment they will require.

To better understand how an out-of-court settlement works, consulting with a Charleston personal injury attorney should be your next step.

Seeking the Help of a Charleston Personal Injury Attorney

The Charleston personal injury attorney team at the Shelly Leeke Law Firm is available to help accident victims cope with the legal implications of a serious injury. Our firm’s focus on personal injury cases includes injury from auto accidents including pedestrian and bicycle injuries, work-related injuries and Workers’ Compensation claims, and injuries resulting from dangerous prescription drugs.

Before you file a South Carolina personal injury claim, request a free copy of our South Carolina injury book. When you’re ready to get started on settling your accident claim, contact a Charleston personal injury attorney for a free information packet and consultation – 1-888-690-0211.

Listen to your loved one, even if their claims seem outrageous. Also, look for bed sores, malnutrition and dehydration. Many times, neglect plays a large roll in patients who have fallen and injured themselves.

40% of workers exposed to asbestos will eventually develop lung cancer. To be an actionable asbestos related illness, asbestos must show up on the x-ray. Workers who smoked during the time they were exposed to asbestos are 50 times more likely to develop lung cancer than the normal working population.

In order for an employee’s injury to be covered under the Workers’ Compensation Act, the injury must have occurred while the employee was working within the scope of his or her employment. Scope of employment depends on the amount of control the employer had over the circumstance and when the accident occurred. Usually, if a employee is hurt while working on the job site, their injury will be covered by workers’ compensation.

Some injuries that are covered by workers’ compensation are:

1) falling from a high place;
2) being injured by the employer’s equipment;
3) suffering a back injury from lifting;
4) occupational diseases resulting from exposure to harmful chemicals;
5) and others.

For more helpful information, visit the workers’ compensation article library. If you have been injured while on the job, contact South Carolina workers’ compensation attorney Shelly Leeke today at 843-277-6061 for a free consultation!

In South Carolina, there are some accidents that workers’ compensation does not cover because the injury did not occur within the scope of employment.  What this means is that the accident must have occurred at the place of employment during the hours that the employee works. However, there are some instances when the accident would be covered under workers’ compensation even though the injury did not happen at the place of employment. An example of this would be if transportation was part of an employee’s job and they were involved in an accident on the way to a job site. On the other hand, if an employee is traveling to work in their personal vehicle and is injured in an accident, then that would not be covered by workers’ compensation. There are also other accidents that are not covered under workers’ compensation, such as if the employee was intoxicated or were not using safety equipment at the time of the injury.

The details of your specific case are what really determine whether or not your injury would be covered under workers’ compensation.  That is why it is best to consult with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney who will be able to determine whether or not you should pursue a workers’ compensation claim. To set up a FREE consultation with Shelly Leeke Law Firm, call us today at 843-277-6061!

In South Carolina, the family has three years from the death of the deceased to file a wrongful death lawsuit. This time is known as the Statute of Limitations.

A child who is involved in a school bus accident can suffer minor or fatal injuries, including:

1)    Bruising;
2)    Fractured or broken bones;
3)    Head trauma or traumatic brain injury;
4)    Internal organ injuries;
5)    Paralysis;
6)    Mental trauma;
7)    And possibly death.

The severity of the injuries is a direct result of the severity of the accident. While buses are generally safe for children, accidents and injuries do still happen.

Not every medical malpractice case can be won. In addition, medical malpractice cases are quite complex and difficult to prove. In order to determine if you have a medical malpractice case that can be won, most medical malpractice attorneys first gather all relevant medical records from the physician or hospital where the medical malpractice may have occurred. A complete, detailed set of honest statement and facts about the circum-stances leading up to the medical treatment, the possible malpractice, and the events that occurred following the medical error, should also be obtained from the client.

Once the medical records are obtained, they are reviewed and thoroughly examined to determine whether there appears to be enough provable evidence of medical malpractice. If the case looks to be a meritorious one, experts in the appropriate medical field of specialty must be consulted and ultimately retained in the case.

A standard of care is violated when, based upon the facts that were known or should have been known at the time you were treated, the doctor, nurse, or other medical personnel, failed to follow the standard practice of other physicians, nurses, or other medical personnel with the same education, training and experience as the doctor, nurse, or other medical personnel involved in your case.

Accidents that result in serious injury and substantial property damage are often best handled with the help of an experienced Charleston personal injury attorney. Many victims who try to settle these cases on their own end up with inadequate settlement amounts.

Remember that in order to file a South Carolina personal injury claim, another party must have been responsible for your injuries. If you were the at-fault party for the accident, you do not have a valid claim. Your claim will also be denied if there is no injury sustained or if the injuries are minor and do not result in substantial medical bills or loss of income.

When your South Carolina personal injury claim is denied and you know that you were not completely at fault and do have a valid claim, you may need to file a personal injury lawsuit. A lawsuit could take the matter of your settlement to a full court trial where a judge and jury would become involved.

At this time, a Charleston personal injury attorney’s help would be critical in proving and settling your claim for a fair amount.

Your attorney can: 

• collect additional evidence;
• provide expert witnesses to support your claim; and
• negotiate a settlement on your behalf.

Any time you have been involved in an accident where you sustain injury, it’s never a bad option to discuss your case with a Charleston personal injury attorney. Many attorneys offer free consultations and will advise you on when a South Carolina personal injury claim is necessary and whether you may need legal assistance to settle your case.

The Help of a Charleston Personal Injury Attorney

South Carolina residents can take comfort knowing that the attorneys at the Shelly Leeke Law Firm are there to help them settle their personal injury claims. Our firm’s focus on personal injury cases includes injury from auto accidents, including pedestrian and bicycle injuries, work-related injuries and worker’s compensation claims, and injuries resulting from dangerous prescription drugs.

Before you file a South Carolina personal injury claim, request a copy of our complimentary consumer guide, The South Carolina Accident Book for Personal Injury Victims. When you’re ready to get started on settling your accident claim, contact a Charleston personal injury attorney for a complimentary information packet and no-cost consultation – 888-690-0211.

A person is considered to be driving under the influence (DUI) when they operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or any other controlled substance, such as marijuana and other illegal drugs, to the point that the person’s normal faculties are impaired.

For alcohol, a person’s normal faculties are considered impaired when their blood alcohol level (BAC) is 0.08 or higher. Some people may find themselves charged with a DUI when their BAC is below 0.08. This is because a impairment can affect a person at different consumption levels.

A person’s impairment is not as easily determined when they have consumed a controlled substance, but if the substance is impairing the driver’s faculties, they will be considered driving while under the influence.

Whoever is found to be the at-fault party or to have contributed to the crash can be held responsible. This is typically found to be the driver or the car or truck involved in a motorcycle crash. If the operator of the motorcycle is found to be at fault, s/he can be held responsible for injuries to the passenger.

In South Carolina the immediate family members are the beneficiaries. If there are no surviving family members, the heirs of the deceased are the beneficiaries. The executor or administrator of the estate will be the person who files for wrongful death on their behalf.

For more information on wrongful death cases:
Visit Our Wrongful Death Article Library
Order One Of The Shelly Leeke Law Firm’s FREE Reports!
Contact The Shelly Leeke Law Firm Today For a FREE Consultation!

A truck driver is required by federal law to keep a log book. This logbook contains a record of their hours of service (driving time and rest breaks), as well as where they have been, such as the Port of Charleston, and where they are going. If you are involved in an accident with a truck, the logbook may contain valuable information for your case.

Medical malpractice occurs when a person is injured by the neglect or substandard service provided by a physician or other health care professional, hospital or institution. If you are injured as a result of a preventable error or because of negligent care when you receive medical treatment, you may have a medical mal-practice case.

However, just because you are injured during medical treatment, you do not necessarily have a medical malpractice case that can be won. For example, there are some cases where a person suffers an injury from a complication during the medical treatment, but that complication is considered “normal”. An example of this would be infection after a surgery that is considered common risk. If the complication is considered “normal”, the injury was not the result of negligence and there is no medical malpractice case that can be won.

As it relates to a wrongful death lawsuit, a pecuniary loss is defined as the financial loss you may experience as a family member of a person who has died due to someone else’s negligence. This can include the loss of emotional support, loss of financial support, and travel, medical, and funeral expenses. In addition, it will also include interest from the time of the loved one’s passing. When determing what the family members will recover, the jury will look at what income the person made before their death and calculate what the person would be making in the future. With all of these things into consideration, the amount of compensation that will be given to family members for pecuniary losses is determined.

A personal injury is an injury to the body, mind or emotions. You may have a personal injury and not have a personal injury case. An actionable personal injury case can only come about when the injury has been caused by the negligence of another.

When driving behind a motorcycle in South Carolina, you should keep the same following distance as you would for a car. It does not hurt to give extra distance for a motorcycle, considering the fact that a rear-end accident for a motorcycle can cause greater damage and injury than it would with a car. Along the same lines, if a motoryclist is driving behind you, you should be very cautious about breakingsuddenly.This action could cause the motorcyclist to hit you and be ejected from his motorcycle, which would result in great bodily injury. By being more aware of motorcycles on the road, you have the potential to prevent a deadly accident from happening. In order to be the best driver or rider that you can be, familiarize yourself with South Carolina motorcycle laws.

If you have been injured in a South Carolina motorcycle accident, you should contact a South Carolina accident attorney, who will be able to file a claim against the negligent party. The dedicated staff at Shelly Leeke Law Firm has been representing motorcycle accident victims and their families in South Carolina for nearly a decade. Call us now at 1-888-690-0211 to set up a free consultation!

After a deadly South Carolina accident where you lost a family member, you may be considering filing a South Carolina wrongful death claim and have heard the term ‘survival action’ regarding this process. The survival action is a specific part of a wrongful death claim that benefits the deceased’s estate. The basic premise is that this claim covers the damages that would have been involved in a personal injury claim had the deceased lived.

Therefore, the types of compensation covered in a survival action include:

• bills for any medical treatment of the deceased prior to passing;
• the pain and suffering the deceased sustained prior to death; and
• any potential punitive damages if the defendant was particularly reckless or intentionally caused the fatal accident.

It’s extremely important to note that only a duly appointed personal representative of the deceased’s estate has the authority to file a survival action. What is a duly appointed personal representative? Typically this is the executor of the estate, though there are a few other roles that qualify as a personal representative for the purpose of a South Carolina wrongful death claim. If no personal representative was appointed in the will, or the deceased failed to leave a will, a representative can be appointed through the courts.

Working with a Charleston wrongful death attorney can help you understand all of your legal options during this difficult time. Your attorney can explain if you are eligible to file a survival action or how a personal representative can be appointed in order to do so.

Seeking the Help of a Charleston Wrongful Death Attorney

The South Carolina wrongful death attorney team at the Shelly Leeke Law Firm is available to help accident victims cope with the legal implications of a wrongful death.

Before you file a South Carolina wrongful death claim, request a free copy of our South Carolina injury book. When you’re ready to get started on settling your accident claim, contact a Charleston personal injury attorney for a free information packet and consultation, 1-888-690-0211.

A TBI is an injury to the brain that is caused by a bump, blow, jolt, or penetrating injury to the head that disrupts the brain’s normal function. Not all bumps, blows, or jolts to the head result in a TBI, but if the bump, blow, or jolt is severe enough, a TBI can result. TBIs range in severity from “mild,” e.g. a concussion, to “severe,” which can result in periods of unconsciousness, amnesia, and even death.

In South Carolina, the attorney client privilege protects confidential information given to a lawyer by his or client regarding  a legal matter. Not all communication between a client and his lawyer is protected information. There must be an attorney client relationship and the communication must be confidential. Several other factors contribute to determining whether or not a communication is protected.

When you are pursuing a workers’ compensation claim, your employer may request that you have an independent medical examination (IME) done. The doctor or chiropractor who will administer the IME typically has not treated you in the past. The purpose of an IME is to have a third party conduct a medical examination so that their examination is not biased based upon any relationship that they may have with you. Your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance carrier has a right to request that you undergo an IME and should the doctor feel that your injuries are not related to your accident, then the insurance company could deny your claim. That is why it is important to seek the advice of a personal injury attorney before you begin your workers’ compensation claim. Contact workers’ compensation attorney Shelly Leeke today for a free consultation at 1-888-690-0211.

Asbestosis is a non-malignant, progressive lung disease caused by exposure to airborne asbestos fibers. Victims of asbestosis may have no symptoms for 20-30 years after exposure, but asbestosis causes permanent damage to the lungs and there is no cure or effective treatments. In advanced stages asbestosis victims require oxygen 24/7, and asbestosis can cause pulmonary hypertension, cardio pulmonary arrest and death.

Average weekly wage is the injured workers’ average gross wages for a week. Average weekly wage is based on the gross amount earned before taxes or deductions. It includes overtime, bonuses and any other benefits received. In South Carolina, the average weekly wage is calculated by taking the total amount you earned during the last fifty-two weeks and dividing this amount of money by the number of weeks you actually worked.

Pain and suffering damages are money awarded for the physical pain and emotional suffering that a victim incurred in addition to medical costs and lost wages.

Mesothelioma is cancer of the lining of a body part. Mesothelioma can occur in the lining of the abdomen, heart, and most commonly, the chest. The disease is most prevalent in men age 65 or older and is almost always associated with asbestos exposure that may have occurred 25-30 years prior to the diagnosis. Mesothelioma is the deadliest of asbestos exposure related illnesses, and there is no effective cure or treatment. Symptoms include shortness of breath, weight loss, fatigue and pleural effusions. Mesothelioma testing is initiated by a CT scan, followed by biopsy and lab testing with specialized stains. Mesothelioma is deadly and life expectancy averages only 4-18 months following a diagnosis. The disease can lay dormant for years after exposure to asbestos, so if you suspect or have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, the work related exposure may well have occurred long ago.

If your injury is covered by workers’ compensation benefits, your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance carrier must pay the following:

1) Any and all medical expenses related to the injury;

2) Weekly disability benefits checks for all periods you are out of work with written doctor’s authorization;

3) A lump sum payment for permanents disabilities and/or lost wages you incurred after your treatment has finished.

South Carolina seat belt law has always stated that every person in the vehicle is required to wear a safety seat belt. Originally, the law was secondary, which means that a police officer had to have already stopped a person for another violation before they could give them a ticket for not abiding by the seat belt law. However, as of 2005, the seat belt law became a primary enforcement, which means that a police officer can pull a person over if anyone in the vehicle does not appear be wearing a seat belt. A person can be fined up to $25 for violating the law and up to $50 for violating the legislation more than once. It is also important to note that the driver is responsible for requiring every passenger of the vehicle who is 17 years of age or younger, who does not have a license, to wear a seat belt. Therefore, if you may be wearing a seat belt and your child is not, you will get fined because your child’s safety is your responsibility.

You may be eligible to receive Supplemental Security Income provided you meet the stringent requirements for this program. A Social Security disability attorney in Charleston County, South Carolina will take the time to sit down with you and discuss your case.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a program that isn’t funded by Social Security taxes but rather by general tax revenues. It is a federal income supplement program to help those with basic needs. Basic needs could include shelter, food and clothing.

SSI is also for the disabled, elderly and the blind when they have little or no income.

Eligibility for SSI can be determined by a Social Security disability attorney in Charleston County, South Carolina. However, you should know that SSA determines this based upon the Benefit Eligibility Screen Tool (BEST).

The BEST will take you through a number of questions and based on those answers, will list which, if any, benefits you are eligible for. Even this doesn’t necessarily mean you will automatically get them. You still must apply and finish the process of determining whether or not you qualify.

Some of the questions that may be asked will pertain to your personal finances, along with your spouse’s earnings. To better understand the types of questions you may be asked, you should speak with a Social Security disability attorney.

When it comes to Social Security, any component can be very time-consuming and complex. This is why it is usually best to enlist the help of someone who has experience in this area of law. A Social Security disability attorney in Charleston County, South Carolina can look at the specifics of your case to help you determine your eligibility.

Seeking the Help of a Social Security Disability Attorney in Charleston County, South Carolina

The South Carolina Social Security disability attorney team at the Shelly Leeke Law Firm is available to help with the complicated and time-consuming tasks associated with filing a disability claim. Before you file a Social Security disability claim in South Carolina, contact a disability attorney for a consultation 1-888-690-0211.

To determine if a worker is an employee or an independent contractor you must look at the employer’s right of control over the worker. There are four common questions used to determine an employer’s right of control:

1) Is there direct evidence of the right to control?
2) Who paid the worker?
3) Who furnished the supplies or equipment?
4) Who has the right to fire the worker?

If you were injured in a work accident and are usure if you are an employee or an independent contract contact the Shelly Leeke Law Firm at 843-277-6061.

The main difference between Social Security Disability (SSD) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is that SSD is available to workers who have attained a specified number of work credits, while SSI is available to those who have not worked or who have not earned enough work credits to qualify for SSD. Also, with SSD, a person’s dependents could potentially receive auxilliary benefit; however, with SSI, only the disabled individual is able to receive any benefits. SSI recipients also can receive Medicaid, while SSD recipients can receive Medicare.

In South Carolina, the person who files a wrongful death claim and a beneficiary are not always the same. A South Carolina wrongful death action may be filed by the executor of the will, administrator of the estate or a personal representative. This person may be the spouse, child or heir of the estate. This personal representative will also be the individual who files the wrongful death claim for the beneficiaries.

For example, if a young child were to lose his or her parents because of the wrongdoing or negligence of another, a representative could file a South Carolina wrongful death action on behalf of the child and other beneficiaries of the deceased’s estate.

Common beneficiaries in a South Carolina wrongful death claim include: 

• spouse of the deceased;
• child or children of the deceased;
• parents of the deceased (if no spouse or children); and
• heirs of the estate.

Filing a South Carolina wrongful death action can be a complicated process, often requiring the assistance of an experienced Georgetown wrongful death attorney. Your attorney can help you collect evidence in order to prove that the other party was liable for your loved one’s wrongful death.

In addition, your Georgetown wrongful death attorney will look at the costs associated with your loss in order to determine a fair settlement. Factors such as medical bills, funeral expenses, loss of income and loss of companionship will be considered when asking for damages.

Contacting a Georgetown Wrongful Death Attorney

The South Carolina wrongful death attorney team at the Shelly Leeke Law Firm is available to help families cope with the legal implications of a wrongful death. Our firm’s focus on wrongful death cases includes injury from auto accidents including pedestrian and bicycle injuries, work-related injuries and Workers’ Compensation claims, and injuries resulting from dangerous prescription drugs.

Before you file a South Carolina wrongful death action, request a free copy of our South Carolina injury book. When you’re ready to get started on settling your wrongful death claim, contact a Charleston wrongful death attorney for a free information packet and consultation – 1-888-690-0211.

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act was created in order to prevent debt collectors from practicing abusive collection of debts and to allow for consumers to dispute and obtain validation of debt information they that they can ensure accuracy of the collector’s information. The Act lists guidelines that debt collectors must follow, as well as the rights of consumers in relation to debt collectors, and outlines the penalties prescribed for violations of the Act.

To view a full list of what is prohibited and required for debt collector conduct, click here.

Do you have more questions about debt collector harassment laws? Contact the Shelly Leeke Law Firm today at 843-277-6061 today!

When it comes to determining a fair settlement in a South Carolina car accident there is no set formula. It will all depend on the unique circumstances surrounding your accident in South Carolina and the various factors that may play into it. It is best to consult with a Charleston personal injury attorney to get a better understanding of what your legal options are and the types of compensation you can expect to potentially receive.

In general, there are certain considerations made when it comes to determining a fair settlement in a South Carolina car accident claim. One of the first factors considered is who was negligent. It must be proven that another party was responsible for your South Carolina car accident, which can be done with different types of evidence.

Evidence to prove negligence in a South Carolina car accident may include: 

• the police report;
• pictures from the accident;
• witness statements;
• expert testimony; and
• other documentation. 

Another consideration that is made in determining a fair settlement for a South Carolina car accident is the amount of monetary damages you sustained. This can include property damage, your medical bills, any wages you lost from missing work, and other items with set values (bills, receipts, etc.).

You also need to take into consideration your non-economic damages such as pain and suffering and mental anguish. Your Charleston personal injury attorney can help you determine a fair amount for these subjective damages.

Since each South Carolina car accident is unique, it is best to consult with a Charleston personal injury attorney who will take the time to carefully evaluate your case. An attorney can make a determination as to whether or not you have a valid claim and provide you an estimate on how much compensation you may be entitled to recover once they become familiar with your case.

Seeking the Help of a Charleston Personal Injury Attorney

The Charleston personal injury attorney team at the Shelly Leeke Law Firm is available to help accident victims cope with the legal implications of a serious injury. Our firm’s focus on personal injury cases includes injury from auto accidents including pedestrian and bicycle injuries, work-related injuries and Workers’ Compensation claims, and injuries resulting from dangerous prescription drugs.

Before you file a South Carolina personal injury claim, request a free copy of our South Carolina injury book. When you’re ready to get started on settling your accident claim, contact a Charleston personal injury attorney for a free information packet and consultation, 1-888-690-0211.

According to studies by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, truck drivers’ actions contributed to accidents 87% of the time. Of the remaining 13%, 10% are due to mechanical issues with the truck, and 3% are caused by the outside environment.

The Omnibus Adult Protection Act was created in order to protect elders living in nursing homes or assisted living facilities against abuse and neglect. The act describes the elements that are prohibited in nursing homes under law. These include physical or psychological abuse, negligence, and exploitation. Physical or psychological abuse can be the most devastating for both the victim and their family. Financial exploitation often occurs in nursing homes that are understaffed or where the staff is under-paid.

View our article on the Omnibus Adult Protection Act to find out if the symptoms that your loved one is experiencing in their nursing home is in violation of the act. If you plan to pursue a nursing home abuse case, call 832-277-6061 to set up a free consultation with a nursing home abuse lawyer.

Generally, you will have three years to file a lawsuit in South Carolina for a personal injury action (car accident, pedestrian accident, wrongful death, dog bite, etc.) However, there are certain cases where the statute of limitations is less than three years, so it is very important that neither you nor your lawyer wait until the last hour to address the issue of whether or not to file a lawsuit for your case.

In my office, we will not accept a case that is closing in on the statute of limitations. It is very important to start preparing for a possible lawsuit early on in order to ensure that all evidence is gathered and preserved in the event that a settlement cannot be reached and filing a lawsuit is necessary.

If you have an accident or injury question you need answered, click here and type FAQ along with your question. We will answer your question online AND email you the answer! If you need to speak with a qualified personal injury attorney just call our office at 843-277-6061 to schedule a FREE case evaluation.

Underinsured Motorist Coverage or UIM is different from Uninsured Motorist Coverage. UIM coverage is on your personal car insurance policy and goes into effect when the person at fault for your accident has insurance, but their policy limits are not high enough to fully compensate you for your loss.

For example, you are in an accident, which was not your fault. You have losses totaling $45,000, but the other driver’s insurance only covers $25,000 in losses. If you carry UIM, which in South Carolina you are required to have at least $25,000 in coverage, the remaining balance will then be entered as a claim agaisnt your UIM coverage. This coverage will hopefully be enough to compensate the remainder of your losses.

Since slip and fall cases are considered to be personal injury-type cases, the compensation can cover many of the same things that other accident cases do. For example, you can recover money for any costs related to the slip and fall, such as medical bills, medical prescriptions, and any other medical-related treatment. You can also regain your wages that you may have lost due to missing work because of your injury. Moreover, it is also possible for you to receive compensation for the pain and suffering that you endured as a result of the accident.

There are many different forms of “neglect” in a nursing home. The most obvious, of course, is physical neglect. It can also occur in neglecting the patient’s personal hygiene needs, basic needs, medical needs and even emotional neglect.

There are a few things you can do to help protect your South Carolina personal injury claim. One of the most important ways you can protect your claim is to have the help of a knowledgeable and experienced Summerville personal injury attorney.

When you work with an attorney you have a greater chance at receiving a fair settlement that takes into account your current and future needs related to your accident injuries. Additionally, you can alleviate some of the many problems that arise when individuals attempt to settle a South Carolina personal injury claim on their own.

It’s important that you remain in contact with your Summerville personal injury attorney by promptly returning calls and being prepared to answer all questions with thorough, honest answers. Your attorney can only help protect your interests when they have all the information in front of them. Keeping important details from your attorney, even if they seem embarrassing or include some fault on your part, is never a good idea. Your lawyer can only protect your rights when they know this information and can plan a defense around it.

You’ll also greatly help your claim by staying organized. Your Summerville personal injury attorney will need a lot of documentation to defend your injury claim. That means you’ll need to provide them with important documentation such as: 

• medical records;
• police reports;
• medical bills and receipts;
• bills and estimates for damaged property;
• your insurance information;
• photographs of the accident scene and your injuries;
• contact information for witnesses; and
• other evidence specific to your accident and recovery.

It’s also a great idea to keep a journal of your injuries and how they affect you in your day-to-day life. If an injury has made it difficult or impossible for you to watch your children, perform housework, or return to your job, these are all important considerations that may affect your claim. Memories fade, but writing down the details of your injury treatment and recovery can be an extremely valuable piece of evidence to have on your side.

Additionally, you can help your claim by following the advice of your doctor. This includes following up with your doctor at scheduled appointments, taking recommended medication and undergoing any treatment that your doctor deems necessary. By showing that you are taking your injury seriously by committing to a treatment plan, you are also supplying important evidence to back up your South Carolina personal injury claim.

Your Summerville personal injury attorney can also help explain your legal options and even take over communications with the insurance company on your behalf.

Seeking the Help of a Summerville Personal Injury Attorney

The South Carolina personal injury attorney team at the Shelly Leeke Law Firm is available to help accident victims cope with the legal implications of a serious injury. Our firm’s focus on personal injury cases includes injury from auto accidents including pedestrian and bicycle injuries, work-related injuries and Workers’ Compensation claims, and injuries resulting from dangerous prescription drugs.

Before you file a South Carolina personal injury claim, request a free copy of our South Carolina injury book. When you’re ready to get started on settling your accident claim, contact a Summerville personal injury attorney for a free information packet and consultation, 1-888-690-0211.

Damages for a medical malpractice case may include:

1. Past, present and future pain and suffering
2. Past, present and future loss of income
3. Past, present and future expenses for doctor bills, medications, or other equipment
4. Loss of the companionship, society, and/or sexual relationship of a spouse, which would include such things as the ability to keep house, perform yard work, repair the car, etc.
5. The loss of the enjoyment of life, or an inability to do or enjoy rec-reational activities
6. Past, present, and future mental anguish and suffering
7. Any permanent disfigurement or impairment which you may have suffered as a result of the malpractice

It is very important that you keep track of your medical expenses, including all records of any bills for doctors, medications, crutches, wheelchairs, spe-cial beds, special clothing or shoes, or any other item which the doctor rec-ommends that you purchase or use. You should also keep track of the number of visits to your physician and the mileage for these visits.

If you are injured in an accident involving a drunk driver, you are entitled to recover your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damages and other expenses directly associated with the accident. Because the driver who hit you was intoxicated, which is illegal, you may also be able to obtain punitive damages.

Punitive Damages are damages which may be awarded to the Plaintiff by a judge or jury in certain cases where the negligence is more severe than simple negligence. Punitive damages are meant to deter the conduct which caused the accident, in this case, drunk driving.

There are both economic and non-economic damages that may be recovered through a South Carolina personal injury claim. To fully understand the types of damages that you may be entitled to receive, which are determined on a case by case basis, you should consult with a Summerville personal injury attorney.

Some damages are easy to put a value on, such as medical expenses. This can include time spent in a hospital, visits to the doctor, medication or treatments and medical procedures related to your accident injuries.

Property damage is another example where estimating the costs are fairly straightforward, even if you need more than 1 estimate. Property damage however, is not limited to just your vehicle. Any damage done to your personal property, such as items that were in your car and destroyed during a car accident, may be included in your South Carolina personal injury claim.

The time you had to take off work for your injuries is another recoverable expense in your injury claim. If your injuries lead to a permanent disability you may also be able to receive damages for your lost future earnings.

Some injuries that are more difficult to put a value on are non-economic damages such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life and disfigurement. These types of damages can be just as devastating and may be recovered through a South Carolina personal injury claim. However, since these costs do not come with bills and receipts, you’ll need to work with your attorney to determine a fair amount of compensation for these areas. Many times, similar cases can be used to help determine these figures.

The best way to determine the worth of your South Carolina personal injury claim is to consult with an experienced Summerville personal injury attorney. They will not only take the time to evaluate your case and determine the best course of action to take but they will provide an estimate on the amount of damages you may be able to recover through your South Carolina personal injury claim.

Seeking the Help of a Summerville Personal Injury Attorney

The Summerville personal injury attorney team at the Shelly Leeke Law Firm is available to help accident victims cope with the legal implications of a serious injury. Our firm’s focus on personal injury cases includes injury from auto accidents including pedestrian and bicycle injuries, work-related injuries and Workers’ Compensation claims, and injuries resulting from dangerous prescription drugs.

Before you file a South Carolina personal injury claim, request a free copy of our South Carolina injury book. When you’re ready to get started on settling your accident claim, contact a Summerville personal injury attorney for a free information packet and consultation, 1-888-690-0211.

If you have been involved in a rear end collision, it is very likely that you may be experiencing back pain as a result of the accident. One of the most common forms of back and neck pain is whiplash, which can cause stiffness. It is important to seek medical treatment immediately because back pain could potentially be a sign of a more serious injury, such as a herniated disc. If you are unable to go to the doctor or chiropractor right away, try stretching more, reduce any stress that you place on your back, and be sure to get a good amount of sleep every night. However, if your back pain improves, still make sure that you see a doctor or chiropractor. Your condition could worsen in the future, which is why it is important to start a treatment plan as soon as possible.

After seeking medical aid for your back pain, you should contact a South Carolina personal injury attorney. They will be able to protect your rights and get you the compensation you deserve if you have been rear ended by another driver. Call Shelly Leeke Law Firm today at 843-277-6061 to set up a free consultation!

With your insurance policy, you most likely have uninsured motorist coverage. This means that your insurance company will pay for the losses. This is also why it is very important to report any and all accidents involving a car, even though you were not in a car yourself.

Even though you may want to automatically accept the insurance company’s offer to settle your case, you should never do so without first consulting with an attorney. You would most likely lose out on hundreds to thousands of dollars by prematurely settling your case. It is important to remember that the insurance company is NOT on your side. Their main goal is to save their company the most amount of money (by offering you the least amount of money to settle your claim). By setting up a free consultation appointment with an attorney, the attorney will be able to evaluate your case and   determine whether or not the money you were offered from the insurance company is fair.

Shelly Leeke Law Firm offers free consultations for those needing assistance with their personal injury claim. To make your appointment with Attorney Leeke, call 843.297.8485.

There are several things you need to know about the tactics auto insurance companies use if you plan to handle your South Carolina personal injury claim on your own.

While insurance adjusters may appear friendly, their top priority is to their employers, the auto insurance companies, so it’s only fitting that the tactics and methods they use are to further one goal: helping the auto insurance companies maintain their bottom lines.

With this in mind, your South Carolina personal injury claim may greatly benefit from the help of an experienced Charleston personal injury attorney who understands your rights as well as the tactics the insurance company may employ to reduce or deny your injury claim.

A Charleston personal injury attorney will be prepared to deal with the many tactics insurance adjusters use, including:

• Being chatty – the first encounter with an insurance adjuster can severely damage your South Carolina personal injury claim. By appearing friendly, an insurance adjuster may get you to inadvertently say something that puts you at fault for your accident or minimizes the extent of your injuries.
• Delaying your claim – insurance adjusters will purposely do this to wear you down and get you to accept a settlement for less than what you need. Luckily, a Charleston personal injury attorney is able to handle such situations without the frustration you may experience.
• Disputing your claim/medical treatment – even if you received treatment from your own doctor, insurance adjusters may question whether you really needed the treatment. They’ll often ask for unnecessary information, also in an attempt to wear you down and press you to an unfair settlement.

After a serious accident, you may not be in the frame of mind, much less have the time to deal with auto insurance companies and their tactics. Hiring a Charleston personal injury attorney to handle your South Carolina personal injury claim will allow you to focus on recovery and avoid tedious and frustrating encounters with insurance adjusters.

Seeking the Help of a Charleston Personal Injury Attorney

The South Carolina personal injury attorney team at the Shelly Leeke Law Firm is available to help accident victims cope with the legal implications of a serious injury. Our firm’s focus on personal injury cases includes injury from auto accidents including pedestrian and bicycle injuries, work-related injuries and Workers’ Compensation claims, and injuries resulting from dangerous prescription drugs.

Before you file a South Carolina personal injury claim, request a free copy of our South Carolina injury book. When you’re ready to get started on settling your accident claim, contact a Charleston personal injury attorney for a free information packet and consultation – 1-888-690-0211.

In order to file a South Carolina wrongful death claim, you will need to prove several important points. A Georgetown wrongful death attorney can evaluate your case to determine if you have a valid claim worth pursuing.

The first thing that must be proven is that someone has died. Then you must be able to prove their death was the result of someone else’s negligence.

Negligence is the key factor in a South Carolina wrongful death lawsuit. This means someone else must have acted in a manner that was negligent or reckless and as a result caused your loved one’s death.

For instance, if you’re loved one was involved in a fatal truck accident that was the result of the truck driver falling asleep at the wheel, it would be a case of negligence. Or if the driver of another vehicle ran a red light and struck your loved one, this is also a case of negligence.

Next, you must be able to prove the deceased is survived by immediate family members such as a spouse, parents, siblings or children. The South Carolina wrongful death lawsuit is filed on behalf of the surviving family members.

The last thing you need to prove is that the immediate family members have suffered a monetary loss as a result of your loved one’s death. This could include the expenses to bury your loved one, the loss of support in caring for surviving children and so on.

When your loved one has been tragically killed as a result of someone’s negligence, a Georgetown wrongful death attorney can help you decide if you should file a South Carolina wrongful death claim and if so, how to proceed.

Seeking the Help of a Georgetown Wrongful Death Attorney

The South Carolina wrongful death attorney team at the Shelly Leeke Law Firm is available to help accident victims cope with the legal implications of a wrongful death. Our firm’s focus on wrongful death cases includes injury from auto accidents including pedestrian and bicycle injuries, work-related injuries and Workers’ Compensation claims, and injuries resulting from dangerous prescription drugs.

Before you file a South Carolina wrongful death claim, request a free copy of our South Carolina injury book. When you’re ready to get started on settling your wrongful death claim, contact a Georgetown wrongful death attorney for a free information packet and consultation, 1-888-690-0211.

Loss of consortium is a legal cause of action that can be brought by family members of a person that has been injured or killed in an auto accident or by someone else’s negligence. A spouse may recover for the loss of services, and the loss of affection of the marriage that was caused by the injuries incurred by his or her spouse in the accident.

If you have experienced the death of a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, contact Shelly Leeke Law Firm at 1-888-690-0211 to set up a complimentary case evaluation.

The attractive display doctrine mean that as a customer of a store, you may become distracted by a display in the store, which could cause you to overlook a spill or dangerous condition on the floor. The store owners purposely put up these types of displays to attract your attention, which is why they are held responsible for making sure that the floor is safe for you to walk on while you are looking at the display. While most of the time you may be held responsible for making sure that you avoid dangerous areas, in this case, the store owner is held liable because they created the “attractive display” that prevented you from safely passing through the store.

A pedestrian accident occurs when a motor vehicle hits a person who is traveling by foot. This type of accident is known to happen near intersections, but can also occur anywhere along the roads or in parking lots. Although most often the pedestrian has the right of way, there are other instances when they do not. Pedestrians should be cautious of their roadways and cannot simply walk wherever they choose. As a pedestrian, you should always use a crosswalk when crossing the street and be sure that all cars have come to a complete stop.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral with fibers that are resistant to fire, heat and corrosion, and are still used today in India, China, and the Developing World. After mining, asbestos fibers are made into products that are used for insulation, fire protection, corrosion resistance and to add bulk to many other products. Products containing asbestos may include insulation, ceiling and floor tiles, wallboard, cement piping, sheet rock joint components, to name just a few. Surprisingly, asbestos is still present in many buildings, schools, industrial sites, schools, auto parts and home insulation.

No matter how small your South Carolina accident may be, it is always a good idea to call the police so that your accident is documented. If you do not call the police, it is very difficult to prove your case, and the insurance company or the person who caused the accident may dispute the facts of the case if there is no documentation of what happened.

If you were injured in an accident and you did not call the police, it is still recommended that you seek legal help from a South Carolina auto accident attorney. Shelly Leeke Law Firm offers free case evaluations that can be scheduled by calling 843.277.6061.

In the unfortunate event that you pass away before your asbestos case is resolved, then your family members can continue the case on your behalf. Your Last Will and Testament will be what is used to determine who gets the compensation from your case. In addition, your family members have the right to file a wrongful death lawsuit after you have passed away to cover the loss that they have personally experienced as a result of your death.

Failing to file a report after an accident in South Carolina could result in criminal charges against you so it’s very important that you do so. When it comes to dealing with your accident and the injuries you have sustained, consulting with a Goose Creek personal injury attorney should be a priority.

Piecing together the details of your accident in South Carolina requires evidence. A Goose Creek personal injury attorney can investigate the details of your accident and collect that evidence; however, you have a part to play in this.

Preserving evidence is first done with the injured party. Having a copy of the accident report can be a crucial piece of evidence in your South Carolina personal injury claim.

The accident report may provide details that indicate the other party was negligent or it may disprove any contribution you may have had to your accident in South Carolina. This is just one piece of evidence that can really help your South Carolina personal injury claim.

There are other pieces of evidence that can also be helpful in your claim such as photographs of the accident scene, statements from witnesses, copies of your medical records and any other documentation related to your accident in South Carolina.

When you have been injured in an accident in South Carolina, you should seek the help of an experienced Goose Creek personal injury attorney. They can carefully evaluate your case to determine if negligence was the cause of your injuries and help you proceed with filing a South Carolina personal injury claim.

Seeking the Help of a Goose Creek Personal Injury Attorney

The Goose Creek personal injury attorney team at the Shelly Leeke Law Firm is available to help accident victims cope with the legal implications of a serious injury. Our firm’s focus on personal injury cases includes injury from auto accidents including pedestrian and bicycle injuries, work-related injuries and Workers’ Compensation claims, and injuries resulting from dangerous prescription drugs.

Before you file a South Carolina personal injury claim, request a free copy of our South Carolina injury book. When you’re ready to get started on settling your accident claim, contact a Goose Creek personal injury attorney for a free information packet and consultation, 1-888-690-0211.

When you leave the scene of an accident in South Carolina, you can actually face criminal charges.

Leaving the scene of an accident after a South Carolina car crash can result in misdemeanor charges, jail time, fines and even felony prosecution when serious injuries and death result. In fact, if you leave the scene of an accident and someone was seriously injured or killed in your South Carolina car crash, fines may range from $5,000 to $25,000. Not to mention, up to 25 years in prison.

The only exception prescribed by state laws is when you leave the scene of an accident to seek help from authorities.

On another note, leaving the scene of an accident doesn’t allow you to have the time to understand what led to your South Carolina car crash. When you call police, seek a traffic accident report and get witness information, you may realize that you didn’t even cause your South Carolina car crash.

When you’ve been injured, as well, the decision of whether to stay at the scene of the accident can make the difference between being able to file a South Carolina personal injury claim against the other driver or facing penalties.

Since the minutes, hours and even days after a South Carolina car crash can be fuzzy, you may find you need a Summerville car accident lawyer to help you make sense of the circumstances surrounding your accident. When initial traffic accident reports don’t necessarily point to who was at fault for your accident, a Summerville car accident lawyer’s investigation may be more revealing.

By staying at the scene of your South Carolina car crash and contacting a Summerville car accident lawyer as soon as possible, you’ll have taken the first steps toward protecting your potential personal injury claim.

Seeking the Help of a Summerville Car Accident Lawyer

The South Carolina personal injury attorney team at the Shelly Leeke Law Firm is available to help accident victims cope with the legal implications of a serious injury. Our firm’s focus on personal injury cases includes injury from auto accidents including pedestrian and bicycle injuries, work-related injuries and Workers’ Compensation claims, and injuries resulting from dangerous prescription drugs.

When you’re ready to get started on settling your accident claim, contact a Summerville car accident attorney for a free information packet and consultation, 1-888-690-0211.

Sadly, death is the outcome for many motorcyclists involved in crashes. When this type of tragedy strikes, a family member of the deceased may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim. If someone you love has died due to a motorcycle , the best thing to do is seek legal assistance from a qualified South Carolina injury lawyer. It is crucial that you do this as soon as possible, since the statue of limitations can affect your claim and the outcome.

If the truck driver who hit you was texting at the time of your South Carolina truck accident, you may have a solid South Carolina personal injury claim. This is because it is now illegal for truck drivers to text and drive.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration passed a law last month that prohibits truck drivers from texting while driving and prohibits carriers from allowing or requiring their drivers to text and drive.

If a truck driver is found to be texting while driving, they could face a $2,750 fine and be disqualified from driving. Carriers face an $11,000 fine. 

Truck Driver Negligence Related to Texting

Truck driver negligence comes in many forms, from reckless driving to speeding. Texting is just one example of a growing problem. While any type of distracted driving is dangerous, this is especially true for truck drivers. A distracted truck driver may not be able to react in time to stop such a large vehicle.

In 2009, a 21-year-old college student received a large settlement for severe injuries after 2 trucks collided and hit his vehicle. One of the truck drivers had been texting. The college student ended up with a $49 million settlement.

Victims of truck accidents that involve a distracted driver are beginning to learn that they can hold others responsible for this negligent behavior.

How a Charleston Personal Injury Attorney Can Help

If you have been seriously injured in a South Carolina truck accident, a Charleston personal injury attorney can help you determine if it was the result of negligence, such as texting while driving.

In addition, a Charleston personal injury attorney can gather the evidence necessary to prove negligence and help you get the compensation to which you may be entitled. With the help of an attorney, you are also more likely to get a larger settlement if it is found that the truck driver was negligent in your South Carolina truck accident.

Contacting a Charleston Personal Injury Attorney

Before you file a South Carolina personal injury claim, request a copy of our free consumer guide, The South Carolina Accident Book for Personal Injury Victims. When you’re ready to get started on settling your truck accident claim, contact a Charleston personal injury attorney for a free information packet and consultation – 1-888-690-0211.

If you are bitten by a dog in South Carolina, you should, as with any personal injury, seek immediate medical assistance. However, if possible, you should try to write down all of the contact information of the dog owner, including their name, address, and telephone number. It might also be helpful to find out the name of their insurance company, as well as contact information for any witnesses to the dog bite incident. Also, be sure to take note of exactly where the dog bite occurred. Any and all information that you collect can be helpful for your dog bite case. Your South Carolina dog bite attorney will then be able to evaluate the evidence and help you receive compensation for your injuries.

Class I recalls are the most serious type of recall and involve situations in which there is a reasonable probability that use of these products will cause serious adverse health consequences or death.

In a contingency fee agreement, instead of paying an attorney on an hourly or flat fee basis, the client agrees that the attorney’s fee will be a percentage of any recovery in the case. In most contingency fee agreements, the costs are an additional expense, which are paid out of the recovery at the end of the case. Since the clietn does not have to pay an attorney up front, contingency agreements give people who may not be able to afford to hire an attorney, a chance to hire a lawyer to protect their legal rights.

A debt validation notice should be sent to you by a debt collector within five days of speaking with you. The notice should contain a “mini Miranda” stating: “This is an attempt to collect a debt and if we do not hear from you within 30 days of this notice, we will assume the debt to be valid.” It is important to act immediately once you receive this letter. Also, take note of whether or not the notice includes the amount of debt that you owe and the amount of time you have to contact them back. If it does not or you do not receive a letter, then the debt collector is in violation of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA).

If you feel as though a debt collector has been harassing you and in violation of the FDCPA, contact a South Carolina debt collector abuse attorney today at 843-277-6061.

If you have been involved in a rear-end car accident in South Carolina, and your car was the vehicle that was rear-ended, then the accident will almost always be the fault of the driver who hit you from behind. There are few exceptions to this rule, but they’re fairly rare with regards to rear-end crashes.

The exceptions to the rule of automatic fault in a rear-end car accident occur when:

• your brake lights or tail lights were not working, which may have been a factor in the rear-end car accident;
•  a chain reaction caused several cars to rear-end each other; or
• your car had mechanical problems but you failed to move off the road. 

Even if you were partly responsible for a rear-end car accident in South Carolina, you may still be eligible to receive damages, as long your percentage of fault did not exceed 50%.

Damages that you may recover after a rear-end car accident in South Carolina include:

• damage to your vehicle;
• medical expenses for injuries that you sustained;
• physical or emotional pain that you suffered; and
• the loss of any past, present or future wages.

To recover damages after a rear-end car accident in South Carolina, you can consult with a Charleston accident attorney. An attorney can evaluate the factors surrounding your rear-end car accident to determine the strength of your potential injury claim.

Contacting a Charleston Accident Attorney

South Carolina residents can take comfort knowing that the attorneys at the Shelly Leeke Law Firm are there to help them settle their personal injury claims. Our firm’s focus on personal injury cases includes injury from auto accidents including pedestrian and bicycle injuries, work-related injuries and worker’s compensation claims, and injuries resulting from dangerous prescription drugs.

Before you file a South Carolina personal injury claim, request a copy of our complimentary consumer guide, The South Carolina Accident Book for Personal Injury Victims. When you’re ready to get started on settling your accident claim, contact a Charleston accident attorney for a complimentary information packet and consultation – 888-690-0211.  

Yes, you should call the police if you are involved in a traffic accident in South Carolina. The police will prepare a traffic accident report including contact information on all parties involved in the accident and the police officer’s opinion of how the accident happened.

If you suffered severe injuries in the accident in South Carolina, you should consult with a North Charleston personal injury lawyer to discuss filing a claim for damages. Your North Charleston personal injury lawyer will need the traffic accident report to help determine issues of negligence.

Additionally, according to the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), you must provide proof of insurance if your vehicle has been in an accident that caused property damage, injuries or death. The police officer will provide all drivers with the FR-10 insurance verification form, which their insurance companies must complete. 

The deadline for returning the FR-10 form to the DMV is 15 days after the accident in South Carolina, and it must be returned whether or not you caused the accident. If you miss the 15-day deadline, you could face suspension of your driver’s license and registration. You will also face suspension if you lack automobile insurance.

After the police officer investigates the accident in South Carolina, he or she will send a traffic accident report to the DMV. To get a copy of the traffic accident report, you will need to complete the FR-50 form and pay a $6 fee.

If your North Charleston personal injury lawyer suggests you move forward with a personal injury claim, you might be able to pursue compensation for current and future medical expenses, damage to your vehicle, pain and suffering and lost earnings.

Seeking the Help of a North Charleston Personal Injury Lawyer

The North Charleston personal injury lawyer team at the Shelly Leeke Law Firm is available to help accident victims cope with the legal implications of a serious injury. Our firm’s focus on personal injury cases includes injury from auto accidents including pedestrian and bicycle injuries, work-related injuries and Workers’ Compensation claims, and injuries resulting from dangerous prescription drugs.

Before you file a South Carolina personal injury claim, request a free copy of our South Carolina injury book. When you’re ready to get started on settling your accident claim, contact a North Charleston personal injury lawyer for a free information packet and consultation – 1-888-690-0211.

If your child is injured in a school bus accident, it is wise to seek the advice of a personal injury attorney for help in resolving your child’s school bus accident claim. If the bus accident is serious or if there are >multiple children injured in the accident, it is very important to seek the advice of a personal injury lawyer to make sure your child’s rights are protected.

In this case, you would be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of your spouse or family member. Through this type of lawsuit, you will receive compensation for loss of companionship, funeral and medical expenses, loss of future earnings, and more. However, in South Carolina, you only have three years from the death of your loved one to file a wrongful death claim. As a result, it is important to contact a South Carolina mesothelioma attorney as soon as possible, so that they can advise you on how to begin pursuing a lawsuit.

For more information on South Carolina wrongful death lawsuits, click here.

Yes, in South Carolina, a person, a bar or a restaurant is not allowed to sell alcoholic beverages to an intoxicated person. If a bar serves an intoxicated person and that person then causes injury to someone else, the bar may be sued for liability as a result of the damages caused by the intoxicated person. This is referred to as Dram Shop Liability.  If you are injured by a drunk driver, it is important that you speak with a qualified personal injury attorney immediately. An experienced accident attorney will be able to assess and evaluate all the potential claims you may have against the drunk driver and possibly the business or person that served him alcohol.

This may surprise you, but the truth is you may NOT need an attorney to  represent you in your injury case. You may not need an attorney for a very small injury  case. It has been our experience that in very small wreck cases, you may be able to get a settlement near or close to what a lawyer could get, and you don’t have  the added expense of attorney’s fees. However, even though you may not need an  attorney to represent you in your case, you should NEVER settle a case without  knowledge and understanding. Remember, most personal injury attorneys offer free  consultations, so consult with an attorney before deciding to settle on your own. The Shelly Leeke Law Firm provides free complimentary case evaluations. Contact us.

If you were involved in a South Carolina truck accident and the police indicate that the truck driver fell asleep right before the crash, you should know that the law does limit the number of hours a truck driver can drive per day.

Fatigue is a common form of negligence that can cause a truck accident. It is vital that truck drivers get adequate rest before hauling loads with such a large vehicle. The hours of service regulations stipulate how long a truck driver can drive and how much rest is necessary between trips.

Hours of Service for Truck Drivers Carrying Property

Truck drivers who carry property are subject to the following hours of service: 

• 11 hour driving limit – maximum of 11 hours driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty.
• 14 hour driving limit – may not drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty, following 10 consecutive hours off duty.
• 60/70 hour on-duty limit – cannot drive after 60/70 hours on duty in 7/8 consecutive days. Driver can restart a 7/8 consecutive day period after taking 34 or more consecutive hours off duty.

Hours of Service for Truck Drivers Carrying Passengers

Truck drivers who carry passengers are subject to the following hours of service: 

• 10 hour driving limit – maximum of 10 hours driving after 8 consecutive hours off duty.
• 15 hour on-duty limit – may not drive after being on duty for 15 hours, following 8 consecutive hours off duty.
• 60/70 hour on-duty limit – cannot drive after 60/70 hours on duty in 7/8 consecutive days.

Contact a Charleston personal injury attorney immediately if you have been seriously injured in a South Carolina truck accident. An attorney can help you determine if you have a valid South Carolina personal injury claim.

Contacting a Charleston Personal Injury Attorney Today

Before you file a South Carolina personal injury claim, request a copy of our complimentary consumer guide, The South Carolina Accident Book for Personal Injury Victims. When you’re ready to get started on settling your truck accident claim, contact a Charleston personal injury attorney for a complimentary information packet and consultation – 888-690-0211.

You can receive Social Security Disability benefits if you are disabled and under 65 years of age. Also, you must have sufficient earning credits, which is determined by the Social Security Administration. You may be able to qualify for Supplemental Security Income benefits if it has been determined that you do not have enough credits for Social Security Disability.

If you were charged with fault for an accident, but you do not agree that you were at fault or think the accident report is incorrect, you should contact the police officer at the police department that investigated the accident. Tell the officer that you would like to file an amended report or provide your statment as to the facts of the accident. If the officer agrees that the report is incorrect, he may file a supplemental police report and correct the error.

You should also contact your insurance company and give them the facts of the accident so that they know that you dispute the police report or the charges against you. They should take your version of events in to account when conducting their investigation in to liability. Typically, an insurance company does not accept liability and pay the damages to another party’s vehicle if you were not at fault in the accident.

Even though you may have been exposed to asbestos, that does not mean that you automatically should file a lawsuit. In the situation where you have not yet been diagnosed, you should notify your doctor that you have been exposed to asbestos and seek medicall aid as soon as you notice a change in your health. On the other hand, it would be worth your while to file a lawsuit if your doctor has diagnosed you with an asbestos-related disease, such as mesothelioma. These types of injuries are severe and deserve compensation for the damages that the asbestos caused. If you have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, it is highly recommended that you seek the assistance of an experience asbestos lawyer.

Even if you think that you are not injured or that your backache or sore neck is minor, you need to keep in mind that many times a seemingly minor injury or soreness can turn out to be a severe injury weeks or even months down the road. If your injury does not seem all that bad at first, it is always better to be cautious and have yourself checked out by a doctor and consult with an attorney. If you decide not to immediately go to the doctor, you should monitor yourself and immediately go to the doctor if your pain worsens. You should NEVER settle your case immediately after the accident or if you have pain from the accident. You should consult with an attorney before deciding to settle on your own. The South Carolina accident lawyers at the Shelly Leeke Law Firm provide free complimentary case evaluations.

If you have been exposed to asbestos and are experiencing health issues, you are entitled to compensation. Manufacturers of asbestos and companies who use asbestos are aware of the dangerous side effects of this product. Therefore, you have the right to pursue a lawsuit against these companies for their negligent actions. By hiring a Charleston, SC asbestos lawyer, you are increasing your chances of gaining compensation through your asbestos lawsuit. Asbestos attorneys have years of experience handling these types of cases and dealing with insurance adjusters, which can be a difficult task considering the goal of insurance companies is to get you the least amount of money possible. If you have been exposed to asbestos and would like to contact a South Carolina asbestos attorney to discuss your case, call 1-888-690-0211 today!

After you have been involved in a South Carolina car accident, the adjuster for the other driver’s insurance company will most likely try calling you. They will ask for a recorded statement and if you have been injured, they will want to talk in depth< about your injuries. While it is usually alright if you speak with an adjuster about your vehicle and property damage, you should not discuss your injuries with an adjuster until you have spoken with an attorney.  

It is important to remember that the insurance company is NOT your friend. Auto accident attorneys handle personal injury cases daily, and are used to the tactics used by insurance adjusters to devalue your wreck case. It is always best to speak with an attorney before you talk to an adjuster about your injuries. Shelly Leeke Law Firm provides free complimentary case evaluations. If you have been involved in an accident in Berkeley, Dorchester, Charleston or anywhere else in South Carolina, we can help. Contact us today at 1-888-690-0211.

Punitive damages are damages that are awarded for the purpose of punishment or with the intent of deterring the behavior that brought about the injuries or damages. In real world terms, this type of damages is awarded when the accident that caused the Plaintiff’s injuries was reckless conduct more  extreme than an ordinary accident.

A good example of  a case where punitive damages are often awarded is a case where a drunk driver caused a car accident. Because driving drunk is such an extreme violation of the law, a Plaintiff that is injured in an automobile accident that is caused by a drunk driver is entitled to punitive damages in addition to the damages he would be entitled to in a typical car wreck.

If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident and need advice from an experienced South Carolina personal injury attorney, contact the Shelly Leeke Law Firm today at 843-277-6061!

Nursing homes are filled with overworked and underpaid staff, many of whom are unqualified to care for all of the needs of an elderly person. Over time, many of these workers start to care less about the patients and more about themselves. Often, management will allow this behavior to continue so long as the facility is making a profit. This “turning a blind eye” behavior is callous and egregious, but, sadly, is common practice in many of today’s nursing homes.

There are a number of dangers associated with temporary amusement rides and other fair rides in South Carolina. When there is a defect or flaw in the design or manufacture of the ride, it could result in someone suffering life-threatening or fatal injuries.

If you have sustained severe injuries or if a loved one was fatally injured by a dangerous fair ride, you may be able to file a South Carolina premises liability claim. Not only can the owner and operator of the fair ride be held liable but so can the manufacturer, if it was a result of product liability.

Most of the dangers from fair rides are due to the risk of falling from great heights or from the high speed that can be reached by the rides. When a ride such as a rollercoaster malfunctions, the chance of suffering a severe or fatal injury is extremely high.

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the latest report from 2004 indicates that there were a total of 2,500 injuries requiring treatment in an emergency room from fair rides.

Temporary amusement fair rides such as inflatable slides or bounce houses accounted for approximately 4,900 injuries requiring emergency room treatment. This type of fair ride has seen a significant increase in the number of injuries.

In 2004 there were also 5 fatalities from amusement fair rides and 4 fatalities from temporary, inflatable fair rides.

To understand what your legal rights are and if you have a valid South Carolina premises liability claim, you should speak as soon as possible to a Summerville personal injury lawyer.

Seeking the Help of a Summerville Personal Injury Lawyer

The Summerville personal injury lawyer team at the Shelly Leeke Law Firm is available to help accident victims cope with the legal implications of a serious injury. Our firm’s focus on personal injury cases includes injury from auto accidents including pedestrian and bicycle injuries, work-related injuries and Workers’ Compensation claims, fair rides, and injuries resulting from dangerous prescription drugs.

Before you file a South Carolina premises liability claim, request a free copy of our South Carolina injury book. When you’re ready to get started on settling your premises liability claim, contact a Summerville personal injury lawyer for a free information packet and consultation, 1-888-690-0211.

Since your loved one may not be able to communicate to you that they are experiencing abuse in their nursing home, there are warning signs that you should look for that could indicate abuse. Signs of physical abuse can be bedsores, unexplained injuries, and stained or soiled clothing. A change in your loved one’s behavior can also be an indicator of nursing home abuse. Also, you should be suspicious if the staff does not let you see your loved one at a certain time or does not allow you to be alone with them. Another sign of abuse is if you notice that there are changes in your loved one’s finances or if some of their belongings are missing.

Click here for a more detailed description of the warning signs of nursing home abuse, or contact us today at 1-888-690-0211 so that we can help answer any questions that you may have about nursing home abuse cases.

Symptoms of asbestos exposure typically do not appear right after you have been exposed to asbestos. There are some instances where you may experience a wheezing cough or difficulty in breathing shortly after being exposed; however, most often, symptons do not appear until 15 to 20 years after being exposed. Common symptoms associated with asbestos exposure include:

• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Frequent cough
• Difficulty in breathing or swallowing
• Sudden fever
• Swelling of the face or neck
• Nausea
• Anemia
• Loss of appetite/ weight loss

While these symptoms do not automatically signify that you have been exposed to asbestos and are experiencing health issues because of it. That is why it is best to go to a doctor who will be able to determine whether or not asbestos caused your symptoms and provide you with a treatment plan that is best for you. It is important to seek medical aid as soon as you are experiencing any asbestos-related health issues because the effects of asbestos exposure can lead to cancer or even death.

If you have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, protect your rights with SC asbestos lawyer Shelly Leeke. Call 1-888-690-0211 to set up a free consultation appointment today!

In South Carolina, golf carts can be driven on secondary roads, but only if the speed limit is not greater than 35 miles per hour. You are permitted to cross highways and streets that intersect the secondary roads, but it is important to be especially cautious when doing so. In order to legally drive on public roads, golf cart drivers are required to get a permit by providing proof of title and paying a fee of five dollars. Golf cart drivers are required to follows all of the laws of the road that apply to motor vehicles. If a person is driving under the influence while operating a golf cart, they will face the same charges as a driver of a car would. Minors who do not have a license are not permitted to drive on public AND private roads. If a police officer pulls over a child on a golf cart, their parents will receive a $217.50 fine. Although South Carolina does not require golf cart drivers to carry insurance, it is recommended that you get your cart insured in case of an accident.

If you have been in an accident with a golf cart in South Carolina and the accident was not your fault, contact an experienced personal injury attorney today at 843.277.6061 so that we can help you get your life back to normal.

While drivers of both motorcycles and cars face similar situations that cause accidents, motorcyclists are particularly at-risk for accidents caused by distracted or careless drivers. The most common accident that can be devastating for motorcyclists is when a driver turns left in front of the motorcycle. Drivers are not usually looking for motorcycles on the road and tend to “miss” them or underestimate their speed when trying to make a turn. There are also instances where the motorcycle is in the driver’s blind spot or there are other things obstructing the driver’s clear view of the motorcycle. Lastly, it has been reported that some motorcycle accidents have ocurred as a result of defective motorcycle equipment, which have caused serious injuries to the driver.

If you were in a Charleston motorcycle accident and need help figuring out what steps to take next, you should consider contacting an experienced Charleston motorcycle accident lawyer. Shelly Leeke has been representing accident victims for nearly a decade and will be able to get you the compensation that you deserve. Call 1-888-690-0211 today in order to set up a free consultation appointment.

Traumatic brain injuries can occur with or without penetration to the skull. The leading causes of TBI are falls, motor vehicle accidents, being struck by something, and assaults. TBIs can also be caused by breathing in chemicals, lack of oxygen, tumors, infections, and strokes. Children and the elderly are the most susceptible to experiencing a TBI, which is most often caused by a slip or fall for these age groups. If you or someone you know has experienced a Traumatic Brain Injury, it is important to contact a South Carolina personal injury attorney today at 888-690-0211.

People who suffer “mild” TBIs, like concussions, may show signs of loss of consciousness for less than 30 seconds, seems confused or stunned, moves clumsily, can’t remember what happened prior to injury, etc.

People who suffer a “severe” TBI may show signs of prolonged loss of consciousness, physical disabilities, difficulties with thinking, personality changes, in addition to symptoms of “mild” TBIs.

Once you meet with a personal injury lawyer, they will be able to educate you on the personal injury legal process. They will then gather any documents that you may have relating to the accident. They will analyze your insurance policy and your coverage to see what funds are available to cover the damages and also suggest what type of coverage you should get in order for you to be more prepared in case of an accident.

After doing this preliminary work with you, the attorney will then behing the initial investigation, which could include interviewing witnesses and collecting additional evidence. They will analyze the legal issues surrounding the accident, including liability issues and potential legal defenses. Another important job of the personal injury attorney is to review your medical records and speak with your medical providers so that they can understand the extent of your injuries. They will also check your health insurance policy to determine whether any bills must be repaid.

If you have signed a contract with the attorney, they will take care of dealing with the insurance company for you. They will notifiy the insurance company that you are filing a claim and remain in touch with the adjuster throughout the claims process. They are responsible for negotiating with the insurance company in order to settle the claim without litigation. If a lawsuit must be filed, the attorney will draft the Summons and Complaint to file in court. They will prepare you for your deposition, prepare questions to the defendant and other witnesses, and prepare for and conduct the deposition. They may even hire experts to support or provide validity for your claim.

They will prepare for the trial by organizing evidence and then go to trial and try the case in front of a jury or judge. After the trial is over, they will analyze the jury’s verdict in order to determine whether there is a need for an appeal and then make recommendations to you on whether or not you should appeal your case.

If you have been injured in an accident, you should consult with an attorney before entering into any negotiations with the insurance company. You could potentially lose out on a large amount of compensation that you are entitled to if you do not first seek out the help of an experienced personal injury lawyer. To set up a free consultation with Attorney Shelly Leeke, call 843.297.8485.

Roadway defects such as uneven pavement, potholes, too-tight curves, lack of signage, or poor upkeep account for a small percentage of motorcycle accidents.  Roads are required by law to be safely designed and maintained; when they poorly maintained or designed, state legislature and other entities can be held liable for causing an accident.

Within a year from the date of the violation, you can sue a collector in state or federal court. If you win your case, the collector can be required to compensate you for any costs of damages associated with their illegal collection practices, which can also include attorney’s fees and court costs. If more than one person has been harassed by the collector, then they can form a group of people to file a class action lawsuit who can recover money for damages up to $500,000 (or 1% of the collector’s net worth, whichever is less). It is important to remember that even though the debt collector violated the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you still will owe the debt.

If you need the help on attorney to stop debt collection harassment, contact the Shelly Leeke Law Firm today at 843-277-6061.

A claim may be brought against the manufacturer of a motorcycle if it is found that a defect caused the death that resulted in injury or death. If we represent you in your claim, Shelly Leeke Law Firm will conduct a thorough investigation to determine if a manufacturing defect was present. Important note: In cases such as these, the motorcycle itself can be the most important piece of evidence in your claim.  Do not discard the motorcycle after the accident. It will need to be investigated for evidence of how the defect caused the crash that resulted in injury or death.

If you sign a medical authorization for the insurance company, you are granting them full access to all of your medical history and personal information. You should never sign a health authorization for the insurance company until you have first spoken with a qualified personal injury about your case. We will be happy to discuss your options if you have been involved in an auto accident and have questions about your case, For Free, Call 843-277-6061, or email us by clicking here. 

Do NOT sign any documents from the insurance adjuster without letting an attorney review them first. A personal injury attorney who is experienced with accident cases and dealing with adjusters is best suited to handling these documents. They can ensure that your rights are protected and that you will get the compensation that you deserve.

No. Once you sign a full and final release of claims for your bodily injury claim, your case is closed. You cannot go back later and change your mind and get more money from the insurance company.

While there are some cases that can be settled on your own without an attorney, there are many more cases where a good personal injury attorney can in fact SAVE you thousands. That’s why it is always a good idea to at least speak with an attorney before settling your injury case on your own.

Yes. It strengthens your slip and fall case if you have proof that the store was aware of the dangerous condition prior to your fall. This means that the store was being negligent in that they failed to clean up or fix the condition, thus endangering customers in the store.

Call the police and make sure that you wait where the accident occurred until medical help arrives. While you are waiting, if possible, try to write down all of the contact information of the driver, including name, address, phone number, drivers license and license plate number, registration, and insurance company and policy number. Also, make sure that you write down the contact information for anyone who may have seen the accident when it happened. If the police do not come to the scene of the accident, you should file a report as soon as possible. Let your insurance company know about the accident. Also, even if the accident was a hit-and-run, make sure that you report it to the police and your insurance company.

If you have been turned down for SSDI, you should file an appeal and continue to appeal denials at least through the hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. If you not file your appeal within 60 days, you may not be entitled to full SSD benefits. The Social Security Administration states that the most common mistake people make when trying to receive SSD benefits is failing to appeal or waiting too long to file their “Request for Reconsideration” and/or “Request for Hearing”.

Unless you are subpoenaed, you are not required to be in court during the adverse driver’s hearing or trial. However, you should cooperate with the solicitor’s office who is prosecuting the defendant for the DUI. Your cooperation may help with the conviction of the drunk driver for the criminal portion of the case.
 
Your civil case for damages against the defendant is a separate case, and you have the right to purse a settlement from the drunk driver’s auto insurance company or the driver himself.

No, you may have a claim against the driver that hit you, even if you were not in a cross walk. Driver’s have a duty to avoid negligently hitting pedestrians. Any number of factors can contribute to a compensable claim, such as whether you looked before crossing the street, was the driver of the vehicle distracted, texting, talking on the cell phone, and any number of additional factors. Keep in mind, the insurance company may try to use the fact that you were not in a cross walk to discredit your claim, so you should speak with an experienced pedestrian accident attorney about your case before talking to the insurance company.  Call us today for a Free Case Evaluation.

When you have been in a motorcycle accident in South Carolina where a car makes a left turn in front of you, the other driver is almost always liable for the accident and your injuries. Before making any assumptions on who is at fault for your motorcycle accident in South Carolina, you should consult with a Charleston motorcycle accident attorney.

There are many circumstances to consider when you are involved in a motorcycle accident in South Carolina and trying to determine who is at fault.

One of the few exceptions to the near-automatic rule that a left turning car is at fault in a motorcycle accident in South Carolina is when you are found to have violated a traffic law. If you were found to have been speeding or disobeying a traffic signal, you may be found to be at fault for part of the accident as well.

When you need to prove who was at fault in a motorcycle accident in South Carolina, your claim will benefit greatly from the help of Charleston motorcycle accident attorney.

This is because in most scenarios, insurance adjusters will determine fault for the accident. Depending on how much at fault insurance adjusters find you to be, your potential compensation could be impacted accordingly. This is not a situation in which you want to fend for yourself.

A Charleston motorcycle accident attorney can speak up on your behalf after a left turn accident and can handle each and every stage of your claim while you focus on recovery.

Seeking the Help of a Charleston Motorcycle Accident Attorney

The Charleston personal injury attorney team at the Shelly Leeke Law Firm is available to help accident victims cope with the legal implications of a serious injury. Our firm’s focus on personal injury cases includes injury from auto accidents including pedestrian and bicycle injuries, work-related injuries and Workers’ Compensation claims, and injuries resulting from dangerous prescription drugs.

Before you file a South Carolina personal injury claim, request a free copy of our South Carolina injury book. When you’re ready to get started on settling your accident claim, contact a Charleston motorcycle accident attorney for a free information packet and consultation – 1-888-690-0211.

It is always important to have car insurance at all times and whether or not your insurance was in affect at the time of an accident will impact you ability to recover damages against the at-fault party for your injuries. If the accident was the fault of another driver, you are able to file a claim with his or her car insurance company for your injuries and property damage.

You are entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, and other damages associated with the accident. Be aware that the process may be more difficult because you were not insured at the time of the accident and you may receive a traffic citation for driving an uninsured vehicle.

Generally, you cannot sue your employer when you are hurt on the job. Workers’ Compensation is the sole remedy for work related injuries. Under workers’ compensation, an employer will pay medical expenses and lost wages incurred as well as a lump some if there is a permanent disability in exchange for not being sued.

Some workers can sue their employers for certain intentional acts or harms that may have caused injury to the employee. The employer’s act must be intentional, outrageous, and not accidental. When an injury is not considered an accident it is not covered under the Workers’ Compensation Act.

You may file a workers’ compensation claim for your medical treatment and also file a separate claim against the driver of the vehicle that caused your injury. If the workers’ compensation carrier pays for your medical treatment and you later recover money from the at fault driver’s insurance company, the workers’ compensation insurance company will have a subrogation claim for reimbursement for the medical bills paid. However, the carrier will often not expect to be reimbursed the full amount they paid for your medical bills. To learn more about your work injury claim, you should contact an experienced workers’ compensation law firm. Click here or contact us at 843-277-6061.

If you return to light duty or work part-time during the time you are recovering from your injuries, you are entitled to compensation if your wages are less than what you normally received prior to the worker’s compensation accident. You are entitled to compensation of two-thirds of the difference between your salary before the injury and what you are making while on light duty/part-time duty. You are entitled to this compensation until you reach maximum medical improvement. 

Yes, driving under the influence means alcohol or any illegal substance such as drugs.

Yes, there are instances where you would still be able to recover damages even if you were not physically hit by a motorist. A driver of a motor vehicle can be held liable if they were found to have been negligent while traveling on the roadway. For example, a motor vehicle driver could have swerved towards a cyclist, causing the cyclist to also swerve and crash. In this case, the motorist would be found liable and responsible for the damages and injuries sustained in the accident because they were being negligent.

If you have been in a bicycle accident similar to the one described above, contact a Charleston bicycle accident attorney at 1-888-690-0211 to set up a free case evaluation.

If you return to work light duty, and your wages are less than the amount you normally receive (your average weekly wage), you are entitled to compensation of 2/3’s of the difference between your average weekly wage and teh amount you receive while working light-duty. Your checks should continue at this rate until you are released back to work without restrictions, or at maximum medical improvement (MMI).

No. Once you accept an offer from the at fault party’s insurance company, your case will be over. When the insurance company settles with you, all claims that you have against the other driver and the insurance company will be released. You will be responsible for all bills that are outstanding once you accept an offer and settle with the insurance company.

Remember, adjusters work for hte insurance company. This means that their primary interest is in saving the insurance company money. Their settlement offer may or may not be a reasonable offer, but keep in mind that their goal is to settle with injured parties for as little as possible. Our firm will review any settlement offer you have. Contact our office for details.

A lawsuit may be brought against the dog’s owner or keeper, or even against the homeowner of the dog if the dog’s owner did not own his or her property. The ultimate recovery usually comes from an insurance policy that covers injuries, such as the dog owner’s homeowner’s insurance policy or renter’s insurance policy. An experienced dog bite attorney will be able to examine the insurance coverage available for the dog bite victim.

Once you report the on the job injury, usually the employer will send you to a treating physician of their choice to treat you for your injury. If you are unhappy with the medical treatment you receive, you have the right to seek a second opinion from your own doctor or a doctor of your choice. If you feel that you need a second opinion for your work injury, you should notify your employer and seek the advice of an experienced South Carolina workers’ compensation attorney who can make sure that your right to adequate medical treatment is protected.

If the accident was not your fault, your insurance premiums should not increase.

However, insurance companies base their premiums on risk factors. The number of accidents you are involved in will affect your premium, which means the more accidents you are involved in, the more “at risk” you are for an increase in your insurance premiums. Typically, only accidents occurring within the past three years affect premium rates.

For a free evaluation of your accident, contact us today, or call 843-277-6061.

If you are attacked by a dog, you are entitled to recover for the damages sustained, which includes medical bills, pain and suffering, emotional distress, lost wages, future medical bills, surgery costs, and possibly psychological damages resulting from the dog bite attack.

Yes, your insurance will cover your vehicle and pay damages if your friend is involved in an accident while driving your car. However, your insurance company will not pay for any damages unless your friend had your permission to use your car.

The settlement is meant to help with all of the damages caused by the motor vehicle. This could include expenses such as medical bills, lost income and future earning power, and costs for rehabilitation. Moreover, your settlement may also cover the pain and suffering that you may have experienced as a direct result of the accident.

Yes, the Omnibus Adult Protection Act was put in place to protect the rights of those living in nursing homes.  Under the law, employees at nursing homes are required to report any abuse that they suspect to have occurred and if they do not report the abuse, then they are required to pay a fine.  Moreover, the Omnibus Adult Protection Act mandates that anyone who has been proven of neglecting a resident of a nursing home will face criminal penalties.

In most cases when a car is making a left-hand turn they are liable in the case of a crash in South Carolina. However, there are some exceptions to this. The complexity of a traffic accident involving serious injuries is why a West Ashley car accident lawyer should be consulted. They can examine the facts of the case to help determine liability and gather evidence that will support your case.

Determining Liability in a Left-Turn Accident

Liability in a left-turn accident will depend on the circumstances surrounding the incident. Drivers who are making a left-hand turn are expected to do so only when it is safe.

However, some of the circumstances where a driver in a left-turn accident may not be held liable include:

• other driver is going beyond the posted speed limit;
• other driver goes through a red light; and/or
• while safely turning left, an unexpected event occurs that causes the driver to suddenly stop or slow down.

The third type of left-turn accident may be more difficult to prove than the first two. However, if someone else’s negligence led to a left-turn accident that resulted in injuries, you should immediately consult with an experienced West Ashley car accident lawyer.

A West Ashley car accident lawyer knows how to sift through the facts to get to the real cause of your left-turn accident. They will collect any photographs taken of the accident scene or your damaged vehicle, along with police reports and any other documentation that will help build a substantial case.

Seeking the Help of a West Ashley Car Accident Lawyer

The South Carolina car accident attorney team at the Shelly Leeke Law Firm is available to help accident victims cope with the legal implications of a serious injury. Our firm’s focus on personal injury cases includes injury from auto accidents including pedestrian and bicycle injuries, work-related injuries and Workers’ Compensation claims, and injuries resulting from dangerous prescription drugs.

Before you file a South Carolina car accident claim, request a free copy of our South Carolina injury book. When you’re ready to get started on settling your accident claim, contact a West Ashley car accident lawyer for a free information packet and consultation, 1-888-690-0211.

A prompt investigation is essential due to both the statute of limitations and the insurance company’s need to attempt to prove the motorcyclist at fault so that they may decrease the value of the claim.

When you consult with an attorney, it is important that you bring the contract with you for them to review. Additionally, if you have any other contracts with the nursing home, you should bring them as well so that the attorney is fully informed of the legal relationship that was made with the nursing home.

No, you will pay the same amount regardless of whether or not you were referred to us. The contingency fee still applies if you have been referred to us so you therefore will not pay any amount if you do not receive an award through settlement or trial. In some instances, two attorneys from different law firms may share the contingency fee, but this does not come at an extra cost to you.

According to the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, it is estimated that around 1.4 million people receive traumatic brain injuries every year. In regards to children under 14 years of age, traumatic brain injuries are the cause of 435,000 trips to the emergency room, 37,000 hospitalizations, and close to 2,700 deaths every year.

If you have experienced a traumatic brain injury as a result of a South Carolina accident, visit our traumatic brain injury information library for resources and articles. If you would like to speak with a personal injury attorney about your accident claim, call us at 843.277.6061 to set up a free consultation appointment.

In South Carolina, you have to apply for Social Security Disability (SSD) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits by going through the Social Security Administration (SSA). You can apply by telephone, at a Social Security office, or on the Internet.

If you choose to call or visit an office, you will first have to call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213. The operator will then schedule a date and time when the SSA will call you if you would like to apply by phone or schedule an appointment for you at an office if you prefer to apply in person.

Your other option would be to complete the Social Security Disability application online by clicking here. However, this is only for SSD; you cannot apply for SSI using any Internet method.

Although you are not required to hire an attorney to assist you with applying for Social Security benefits, it has been proven that applicants who are represented by an attorney win their benefits more often than those who decide to apply without the help of an attorney. There are South Carolina Social Security Disability attorneys who offer free consultations in order to determine whether or not you have a good chance of receiving benefits. That way, you will not have to waste your time, effort, and money applying if there is only a small chance that you will win benefits.

If you have been involved in a traffic accident and police arrived at the scene, then you will receive a green form (FR-10) that will need to be completed by the insurance company. Then, you will want to request the accident report so that you and your attorney have a detailed account of what happened in the accident. The law enforcement individual who gave you the green form will complete their investigation and give their report to the Department of Motor Vehicles. You can then request a copy of the accident report from the DMV by completing a Form FR-50 and include payment for the $6.00 fee. The accident report can also be obtained from the investigating officer, such as the South Carolina Highway Patrol. However, if you choose to hire a South Carolina personal injury attorney, they will be able to assist you with getting the traffic accident report while you concentrate on recovering from your injuries.

If you have rental coverage on your auto policy you can contact the adjuster for your insurance company and they can get you into a rental and seek reimbursement for the costs from the at-fault party’s insurance company. If you do not have rental coverage on your insurance policy, then you need to contact the at-fault party’s insurance company and go through them directly about getting a rental vehicle. This may take a little longer because usually they will want to speak with their insured to confirm the facts about the accident and then contact you about getting you into a rental vehicle while your car is being repaired. If you have any problems, we are certainly willing to assist you in this process as it can be confusing; however, the quickest way to get into a rental vehicle is to contact with the insurance adjuster directly and speak with them about the rental coverage and the property damage only.

If someone you know is living in a nursing home or assisted living facility and has told you that they have been abused, then you should take note of some signs that would indicate abuse. For example, if there is bruising or scrapes, you should consider reporting the abuse.  Your loved one may have been moved in an improper or negligent manner that would cause these injuries.  Also take note if they have been treated for falls or any other medical problems, as well as if they are dehydrated.

If you have been injured in a car accident in South Carolina, it will be difficult to know if you have been offered a fair settlement for your South Carolina personal injury claim. The insurance company will not necessarily offer you a full and fair settlement amount, particularly if you are handling the negotiations on your own. You cannot count on their offer to be adequate because their goal is to give you as little as possible to resolve the matter, even if that is less than you deserve or would be fair under all of the circumstances.

Personal injury law in South Carolina can be complicated and unless you are experienced in that area, you cannot know for sure if your settlement is truly fair.

Those full circumstances depend on your particular facts as well as general personal injury law principles under South Carolina law. That can be a complicated mix, especially if you do not frequently handle situations like this against an insurance company, who handles claims like yours on a daily basis.

Having a personal injury lawyer on your side may be a great benefit. We can look at the facts of your case, your injuries suffered, and the impact they have had on your life to help you determine whether the settlement you have been offered is fair.

A South Carolina personal injury lawyer can help you to assess the fairness of a settlement by helping you do the following:

• Determine the full extent of your injuries (including future care and treatment);
• Calculate the amount of lost wages and earning potential;
• Recognize non-economic losses (such as emotional trauma, reduced quality of life, etc.);
• Identify any third-party claims that may be available also;
• Consult with accident investigation specialists and medical specialists; and
• Apply South Carolina law, which is different than that in many other states.

With the help of a South Carolina personal injury lawyer to help you through that evaluation process, you can make a more informed decision about whether a particular settlement offer is fair.

Contact Shelly Leeke Law Firm Today. 

Before you file a South Carolina personal injury claim, request a copy of our free South Carolina accident guide. When you’re ready to get started on settling your accident claim, contact a South Carolina personal injury attorney for a free information packet and consultation, 1-888-690-0211

While you may be hesitant to report a DUI because you are not positive that they’re driving under the influence, it is better to be safe than sorry. By reporting a driver, you could be potentially saving a life, considering the fact that many DUI accidents end in either the death of the driver or the death of an innocent citizen. If you do notice that someone is driving erratically, such as swerving or drifting to the side of the road, make sure that you keep your distance from the driver. You do not want to risk getting yourself into an accident while trying to prevent one. From a distance, try to find out the make, model, color, plate number, and plate state of the car. Before notifying the police, you should also make sure you know where you are and where you think the DUI vehicle is going so that you can accurately report the vehicle. Then, call 911 and report the driver, making sure that you give them all of the details that you noticed about the vehicle. Your local South Carolina police department will then hopefully be able to get that driver off of the road and possibly prevent an accident because of your assistance.

When a debt collector initially contacts you, you should speak with them, regardless of whether or not you think you have debt or can pay it back. After speaking with the collector, if you do not want them to call you back again, send them a letter telling them to end correspondance with you. You should keep a copy of the letter for yourself to keep in your records. When sending the letter, buy a return receipt for it so that you know if and when the letter was received. At this point, the collector will only be able to contact you either to inform you that they won’t call again or to tell you that the creditor intends to file a lawsuit, which they are lawfully allowed to do in order to collect your debt. If the debt collector continues to harass you after they received the letter, then you have the right to file a lawsuit against them. Once you are being represented by an attorney, the debt collector must stop contacting you and can only speak with your attorney about the debt.

If you have been harassed by a debt collector and need legal advice, contact the Shelly Leeke Law Firm today at 843-277-6061.

While smokers have a higher risk for developing an asbestos-related disease, it does not mean that the likelihood that you will recover money from your claim would be decreased if you are a smoker. If you have mesothelioma, it will not be difficult to prove that the asbestos exposure was the cause of it because smoking does not cause mesothelioma. It is a little more difficult when it comes to lung cancer since smoking does cause this disease; however, asbestos exponentially increases the chance of developing lung cancer, which is why you are still entitled to compensation with your claim. An experienced South Carolina asbestos exposure attorney will be able to research your condition and separate the asbestos exposure from the smoking and get you the compensation that you deserve.

Deciding who is responsible for a South Carolina traffic accident will depend on a number of factors. If you have been injured in an accident in South Carolina and are considering filing a South Carolina personal injury claim, you should speak with an attorney.

In order to hold someone liable for damages related to an accident in South Carolina, it will be necessary to prove that person’s fault. While in some cases it may be obvious, in other circumstances, it may be very complicated.

Typically what constitutes fault for an accident in South Carolina is negligence or carelessness. Even if more than one party contributed to the accident, all parties who are at fault will be responsible for paying some or possibly all of the damages suffered.

Liability is also based on whether the individual had a duty to make sure another party wasn’t injured. There may be circumstances in which an accident in South Carolina was not preventable. It could also be that someone failed to obey a traffic signal or was distracted while driving, such as talking on a cell phone.

When more than one party is at fault, the case can become even more complicated. If an injured party is found partly responsible, the amount of damages received may be decreased by their percentage of fault. 

To fully understand responsibility in an accident in South Carolina, it is always best to consult with a personal injury attorney. A South Carolina personal injury attorney will help you with every aspect of your South Carolina personal injury claim so that you stand a better chance at getting a fair and full settlement.

Seeking the Help of a South Carolina Personal Injury Attorney 

The South Carolina personal injury attorney team at the Shelly Leeke Law Firm is available to help accident victims cope with the legal implications of a serious injury. Our firm’s focus on personal injury cases includes injury from auto accidents including pedestrian and bicycle injuries, work-related injuries and Workers’ Compensation claims, and injuries resulting from dangerous prescription drugs.

Before you file a South Carolina personal injury claim, request a free copy of our South Carolina injury book. When you’re ready to get started on settling your accident claim, contact a South Carolina personal injury attorney for a free information packet and consultation – 1-888-690-0211.

Tractor trailers weigh up to 80,000 lbs; these are the most common large trucks on the road in the Charleston area. Larger and oversize trucks can weigh more and require special permits. As a comparison, the average passenger car weighs 5,000 lbs.

In South Carolina, in most cases, you have three years to file a lawsuit against someone for injuries sustained in an accident when they were driving under the influence. This is known as the statute of limitations.

Drunk driving accident cases may also involve claims against the bars and nightclubs where the person became intoxicated. The statute of limitations for cases against the bar or nightclub is typically three years. However, in some cases, the statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit is less than three years, so you should always consult with an attorney to find out the statute of limitations for your particular case.

In South Carolina, the Statute of Limitations for a personal injury claim, including a nursing home abuse claim, is three years from the date that your loved one was injured. While this may seem like a long time, it is best to begin your nursing home abuse claim as soon as possible. The longer that you wait to begin your claim, the harder it will be to gather evidence and details that will help to support your case. Often, the initial consultation with a nursing home abuse attorney is free of charge, which means that you have nothing to lose by seeking the advice of an attorney as soon as you can. To speak with a nursing home abuse attorney today, call 843-297-8485.

In South Carolina, most medical malpractice personal injury lawsuits are generally subject to a three year statute of limitations. However, there may be exceptions depending on the circumstances. For example, the statute of limitations is different for negligence suits against a South Carolina state government agency pursuant to the South Carolina Tort Claims Act (“TCA”) and the federal government pursuant to the Federal Tort Claims Act (“FTCA”). In these cases, a lawsuit must generally be filed within two years, unless certain steps are taken which will extend the time for filing.

It is extremely important to consult with an experienced medical malprac-tice attorney promptly, so that he or she can evaluate the viability of your potential medical malpractice claim and most importantly, the statute of limitations for filing your lawsuit.

Under South Carolina Law, you must report the accident to your employer within 90 days. Any claim for benefits must be filed with the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission within two years.

For more information on workers’ compensation:
Read Our Article, “What Is Workers’ Compensation?”
Find Out The Steps To Take After An On-The-Job Injury
Contact The Shelly Leeke Law Firm For a FREE Consultation!

Not all dog bite claims are the same and therefore take different amounts of time to be settled. The more severe the injuries are, along with other aspects of the dog bite case, the more likely it will take longer to resolve. It is possible for some dog bite claims to be settled in as little as a few weeks; on the other hand, it could also last more than a year, depending on the circumstances. That is why it is important to contact an attorney immediately so that you can begin your dog bite claim while receiving treatment for your dog bit injuries.

There is not a particular set length of time for a dog bite claim to be resolved in South Carolina. The extent of the injuries sustained from a dog bite varies, as does the length of time it will take for the case to be settled. While it is possible for some South Carolina dog bite claims to be settled in a few weeks, the more severe the injury, the longer it will take to be resolved. However, you should not feel discouraged by the thought of filing a claim that could take up to a year to resolve. You deserve justice for your personal injury and the best way to do that is through a South Carolina dog bite claim.

In South Carolina, the statute of limitations for a personal injury case is three years. While most people would assume that you would have three years from the date of exposure to asbestos, mesothelioma and asbestos-related cancers can take decades to develop. so this is not the case. For asbestos exposure lawsuits in South Carolina, you have three years from the date you were diagnosed with mesothelioma or an asbestos-related cancer to file a claim.

If a loved one has died of an asbestos-related cancer or mesothelioma, then you would have three years from the day they died to file a wrongful death claim. The compensation available through a South Carolina wrongful death claim will help to cover expenses related to the asbestos exposure and your loved one’s death.

Unfortunately, there is not a set amount of time that a nursing home abuse claim will take before it is settled. The amount of time that your nursing home abuse case will take is dependent upon the specific characteristics of your case. If your case is more complicated and involves more severe injuries, then it is likely that it will take a longer amount of time to settle. If your loved one is still receiving medical treatment for their injuries, then the settlement process cannot begin. Once they are done receiving treatment, then your nursing home abuse will start to be settled. For a more in-depth explanation of how the settlement process works for a nursing home abuse case, contact a South Carolina nursing home abuse attorney today at 1-888-690-0211.

You will have 60 days to file your appeal. It is important that you appeal it within this amount of time because you could potentially lose your right to valuable SSD benefits if 60 days have passed.

Studies show that nearly 80 percent of all motorcycle accidents in the United States have an outcome of injury or death. This includes around 2,000 motorcyclists with accident related deaths and around 50,000 injured.

The amount that receive depends on your specific situation, but you have the potential to get $650.00 per month to $2,000.00 per month. You could possibly receive even more from the Social Security Administration depending on how much you have paid into the system and how many legal dependents are living in your home.

Once you start receiving compensation, you will get 66 2/3 percent of your average weekly wage that you were earning four quarters before your injury. However, you will not be able to receive more than the average weekly wage. Prior to the accident, if you were employed by more than one company, then you are entitled to receive compensation for the wages from your other jobs as well. The 66 2/3% is of your average weekly wage will include the total earnings that you make during a typical week prior to your injury.

In order to recover damages after being injured in an accident in South Carolina you will have to file a South Carolina personal injury claim. As part of the South Carolina personal injury claim process, you will be contacted by insurance adjusters-this is done with every party involved in the accident.  

Speaking with insurance adjusters can be nerve wracking. After all, they are the on-the-ground representation, or “foot-soldiers,” of the insurance industry. It’s their job to make sure their insurance company pays as little as possible. 

Learning how to deal with insurance adjusters can make or break your South Carolina personal injury claim. For example, if an insurance adjuster asks you to make a recorded statement after your accident in South Carolina, do not do so without speaking to a qualified attorney first. 

Most importantly, be organized and professional when dealing with insurance adjusters. Get their contact information, and company they work for. Find out if the insurance adjuster knows of any witnesses and do your best to describe your injuries in only general terms-let the doctors go into the details.

It’s likely that all the insurance adjusters you speak to will be very personable and chatty, in an effort to encourage you to be the same and divulge information after being in a South Carolina car accident. When they contact you after you have filed your South Carolina personal injury claim, keep the conversation friendly but stick to the facts of the case.

If you sustained any injuries in the accident in South Carolina, even if they seemed relatively minor at the time, make sure to contact a Charleston personal injury attorney to protect yourself from being taken advantage of by insurance adjusters.

Seeking the Help of a Charleston Personal Injury Attorney

The South Carolina personal injury attorney team at the Shelly Leeke Law Firm is available to help accident victims cope with the legal implications of a serious injury. Our firm’s focus on personal injury cases includes injury from auto accidents including pedestrian and bicycle injuries, work-related injuries and Workers’ Compensation claims, and injuries resulting from dangerous prescription drugs.

Before you file a South Carolina personal injury claim, request a free copy of our South Carolina injury book. When you’re ready to get started on settling your accident claim, contact a Charleston personal injury attorney for a free information packet and consultation, 1-888-690-0211.

Yes. If you are injured at work, you must report the injury to your employer. You only have 90 days from the date you realize you are injured to report the injury, or you may lose your right to benefits.

If you suffer a serious injury, you could face permanent impairment or work restrictions, so you should contact an experienced workers compensation attorney immediately to discuss your rights. As you may already know, the insurance company represents your employer, not you, and they will certainly look for any reason to reject your claim. If your claim is denied by the insurance company, it is advisable to consult with an attorney. While you may represent yourself and request a claim hearing on your own, be aware that the insurance will hire an attorney, so you should make sure your rights protected by an experienced work injury attorney.

Yes. Although it is recommended that you retain insurance at all times, lack of insurance on your motorcycle will not hinder your claim against the driver at fault.

Yes.  In South Carolina, all employers are required to pay for injuries sustained by their employees while on the job.  Under the Workers’ Compensation Act, sub-contractors are considered employees of the general contractor for whom they are working.  If your boss is a general contractor and you were injured on the job, he, or his insurance provider, is required to cover your medical bills.  To learn more about your work injury claim, you should contact an experienced workers’ compensation law firm.  Click here or contact us at 843-277-6061.

No. An employer may not fire you for filing a workers’ compensation claim. There are specific laws in South Carolina that protect workers from being fired for filing a work injury claim. If you are injured on the job and you are fired because you filed a workers’ compensation claim, you may have a claim against your employer for retaliation.

If you have been injured in an accident in South Carolina, then there are a few instances in which you may not need to hire a Charleston personal injury attorney.

The instances in which you may not need an attorney include: 

• cases in which there was no injury and only property damage (these will require a property damage claim only);
• cases in which you were not seriously injured, or did not require medical attention for some time after the accident; and
• cases in which you were at fault for the accident in South Carolina (if you were more than 50% at fault for the accident you do not have a valid claim).  

If, on the other hand, you were seriously injured in an accident in South Carolina, and you have suffered extensive property damage, then you may want to get the help of an experienced Charleston personal injury attorney. An experienced attorney can investigate your case and evaluate the value of the damages that you have incurred.

A Charleston personal injury attorney can explain all of your legal options for seeking compensation, help determine liability and work with you throughout the claims process.

Contacting a Charleston Personal Injury Attorney

South Carolina residents can take comfort knowing that the attorneys at the Shelly Leeke Law Firm are there to help them settle their personal injury claims. Our firm’s focus on personal injury cases includes injury from auto accidents, including pedestrian and bicycle injuries, work-related injuries and worker’s compensation claims, and injuries resulting from dangerous prescription drugs.

Before you file a South Carolina personal injury claim, request a copy of our complimentary consumer guide, The South Carolina Accident Book for Personal Injury Victims. When you’re ready to get started on settling your accident claim, contact a Charleston personal injury attorney for a complimentary information packet and consultation – 888-690-0211.

Yes. When we initially accept your case, we send a letter to both your insurance company and the insurance company of the at-fault driver letting them know that while it is okay to speak with you directly about your property damage, it is not okay to discuss your injuries or any facts about the accident. So, if you are contacted by an insurance company adjuster about your property damage, it is okay to speak with them. However, do not give a recorded statement or sign any forms without speaking with us first.
 

Even though you may have been crossing the street outside of a crosswalk, you can still file a South Carolina personal injury claim. South Carolina does have laws that relate to pedestrians walking outside of a crosswalk; however, this type of case would be harder for you to win on your own. The insurance adjuster will likely try to discredit your claim, citing the fact that you were not in a crosswalk, but an experienced injury attorney who is familiar with South Carolina pedestrian laws, will help you to win compensation for your SC pedestrian accident.

Yes, if your child is disabled, they may be entitled to receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), as opposed to Social Security Disability (SSD). The Social Security Administration has set income and resource limits that you, as the parent or guardian of a disabled child, must meet in order to be eligible to apply for SSI. In addition to these guidelines, your child must meet the medical requirements in order to be qualified to receive SSI. This requires that you have a disability interview with the Social Security Administration where you will provide and any all information about your child’s medical history. If the Social Security Administration determines that your child is eligible for disability, they will set up an interview to ensure that you still meet the income and resource limits, and then your child will receive benefits.

If you have questions on how to apply for Supplemental Security Income for children, contact South Carolina Social Security Disability attorney Shelly Leeke today at 1-888-690-0211!

Depending on how old the South Carolina school is, it is possible that asbestos was used in the building. Asbestos was commonly used as insulation to wrap around pipes and it was also used in ceiling tiles and wallboard. This type of asbestos, called friable asbestos, can be especially harmful because it can be inhaled in the lungs. If you are concerned that there might be asbestos in your child’s school, then it is recommended that you speak with someone from the school about your concern. If your child is showing symptoms of asbestos exposure, then be sure to take them to the doctor immediately and then consult with an attorney regarding a South Carolina asbestos claim.

If you were injured in a wreck in South Carolina and the accident was not your fault, you may be entitled to recover from the other driver for the damage to your vehicle, your medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering.  In South Carolina, you recover to the extent that you were not at fault for the accident.  However, if you were more than 50% at fault, then you will not be able to recover anything.  It is always best to seek the advice of an accident attorney to evaluate your case and let you know the likelihood of recovering from the insurance company for your case.  Each case is different and it is nearly impossible to know exactly how  much your case is worth, but an experienced South Carolina car wreck attorney can advise you and guide you in evaluating your injury case.
The Shelly Leeke Law Firm provides complimentary case evaluations. Call our South Carolina personal injury law firm today to set up an appointment!

In South Carolina, the following must be proven in order to obtain a successful outcome in a medical malpractice claim:

1. A significant, persistent personal injury was suffered;
2. The health care provider or institution performed at a level of care be-low the accepted standard;
3. The injury was a direct result of the substandard level of care provided;
4. The medical error that caused your injury must have been preventable and caused by negligence.

If you feel you have been a victim of medical malpractice and have questions, please contact our office at 843-277-6061 or 1-888-690-0211.

If your car suffered extensive damage but you weren’t injured beyond a few aches and pains that went away after a few days, you won’t have grounds for a personal injury claim in South Carolina.

A personal injury claim is reserved for those types of instances when an individual sustains serious bodily injuries that require medical intervention. A South Carolina personal injury claim is designed to help the injured person be compensated for medical expenses as they relate to care and treatment of  injuries.

When it comes to property damage, this is generally something that can be easily settled on your own with the insurance company. The only time it gets really complicated and requires the help of an attorney is when there are injuries involved.

Of course you should be wary of any attorney who is willing to take on a case where you have suffered just property damage. An ethical attorney won’t accept such a case.

However, if you have been injured as a result of someone else’s negligence and you are facing expensive medical care and treatment, you may have grounds for a personal injury claim in South Carolina.

A Charleston car accident lawyer can examine the facts in your case, along with the severity of your injuries to determine if you should proceed with filing a South Carolina personal injury claim. A Charleston car accident lawyer will also help you collect the necessary evidence that will help to build a solid case.

Seeking the Help of a Charleston Car Accident Lawyer

The South Carolina personal injury attorney team at the Shelly Leeke Law Firm is available to help accident victims cope with the legal implications of a serious injury. Our firm’s focus on personal injury cases includes injury from auto accidents such as pedestrian and bicycle injuries, work-related injuries and Workers’ Compensation claims, and injuries resulting from dangerous prescription drugs.

Before you file a South Carolina personal injury claim, request a free copy of our South Carolina injury book. When you’re ready to get started on settling your accident claim, contact a Charleston car accident lawyer for a free information packet and consultation, 1-888-690-0211.

You do not have to hire a lawyer to file for workers’ compensation. However, since most initial consultations with lawyers are free, you should at least consult with an experienced South Carolina workers’ compensation attorney about the details of your case to be sure you will be able to handle your case on your own.

For more information on workers’ compensation claims:
Contact The Shelly Leeke Law Firm Today!
View Our Article, “What Is Workers’ Compensation?”
Find Out The Steps To Take After an On-The-Job Injury

You are not required to hire a lawyer in order to pursue a disability claim. However, it is important to note that the Social Security Administration has found that claimants who use a lawyer are far more successful in winning their claims than those who do not.

It is advised that you hire an attorney because there are important forms that you must fill out when you begin filing your claim. These forms can determine whether or not you win your case, so it is recommended that you seek the help of an attorney in order to fill them out correctly.

An attorney can also ensure that you have all of the evidence presented to prove your claim so that you do not lose your claim due to insufficient evidence. Since attorneys are familiar with the Social Security system and have experience winning a disability claim, hiring an attorney can increase the chances of winning your claim.

There are a number of factors that will determine if you need an attorney for your South Carolina truck accident claim or if you should handle it on your own. It’s important to understand that while many individuals think they will save money by avoiding attorney’s fees, you may actually be preventing yourself from receiving the fair compensation that you deserve.

Benefits of an Attorney for a South Carolina Truck Accident Claim

A North Charleston personal injury attorney has some of the following advantages when it comes to handling your truck accident claim, including: 

• an ability to navigate the complicated truck accident claims process, including interpretation of federal trucking company regulations, knowledge of how to establish negligence, and so on;
• an understanding of the laws surrounding truck drivers and the companies that employ them, as well as other third-parties that may be liable for your accident injuries;
• an ability to advise you on how to avoid common tactics employed by the insurance company to reduce or deny your truck accident claim;
• an ability to help you determine a fair settlement based on your current and future medical needs; and
• an ability to represent your interests while negotiating with the insurance companies on your behalf. 

There are many intricacies to a South Carolina truck accident claim. A North Charleston personal injury attorney knows what evidence is necessary to prove that a truck driver or trucking company was negligent. Just because you have been injured in a truck accident does not necessarily mean you are entitled to receive compensation and the insurance companies are prepared to fight you every step of the way.

Most importantly, a North Charleston personal injury attorney will work hard to help you receive the full and fair compensation to which you are entitled. Contact a North Charleston personal injury attorney today to discuss your South Carolina truck accident claim.

Seeking the Help of a North Charleston Personal Injury Attorney

The North Charleston personal injury attorney team at the Shelly Leeke Law Firm is available to help accident victims cope with the legal implications of a serious injury. Our firm’s focus on personal injury cases includes injury from auto accidents including pedestrian and bicycle injuries, work-related injuries and Workers’ Compensation claims, and injuries resulting from dangerous prescription drugs.

Before you file a South Carolina truck accident claim, request a free copy of our South Carolina injury book. When you’re ready to get started on settling your accident claim, contact a North Charleston personal injury attorney for a free information packet and consultation – 1-888-690-0211.

You may or may not need to file a lawsuit- it is dependent upon the details of your specific case. That is why it is important to take advantage of a free consultation with an experienced South Carolina nursing home lawyer who will be able to evaluate and assist you with your case and determine whether or not you need to file a lawsuit.

No, a person does not need to be found guilty on a criminal charge for you to file and receive wrongful death compensation. Wrongful death is a civil action, which is a separate type of lawsuit. Criminal charges are not necessary for a civil lawsuit to be filed against the person responsible for the death of a loved one.

For more information on wrongful death cases:
Visit The Wrongful Death Article Library
Order One of The Shelly Leeke Law Firm’s Free Reports!
Contact The Shelly Leeke Law Firm For a FREE Consultation!

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that 1.7 million people suffer a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) annually. TBI accounts for almost a third of all injury-related deaths in the United States.

A wrongful death occurs when someone dies as a result of the negligent act of another. When someone dies because of someone else’s fault, the family members of the person who was killed may be entitled to recover on behalf of their loved one for the claims their loved one or they personally may have for damages caused by the accident. A wrongful death case may be brought against an individual, a group of individuals, a business, an entity, or several different parties.

After being involved in a South Carolina car accident it’s highly likely that no matter your role in causing the accident you will be requested by an insurance company to submit to an independent medical exam, or IME. Unfortunately, insurance companies are usually contractually able to demand Independent Medical Exams, but there are things you can do to protect your car accident claim, even when you must undergo an IME.

After being in a South Carolina car accident, it can be nerve racking to receive the official request for an independent medical exam. For one, despite “independent’ being in the name, it’s clear that the insurance company will do everything in their power to benefit from the results of the independent medical exam.

It’s reasonable to be concerned, and to see the medical examiners as agents for the insurance company that will potentially limit your reward or even completely dismiss your claim. The complexity of medical science leaves plenty of opportunities for an insurance company to limit their losses after an Independent Medical Exam.

Since IMEs are rapidly becoming standard procedure after South Carolina car accidents, you will want to contact a qualified Charleston car accident attorney immediately after an accident to protect your rights and make sure your claim is not unfairly dismissed.

To protect your claim, your Charleston car accident attorney may: 

• help you understand your policy obligations; and
• help you prepare for your IME (you’ll need to give your physician an accurate, detailed account of your injuries but you’ll also need to be aware of any discrepancies for which they’ll be searching).

While an IME can be a tough experience, as long as you are prepared and working with a qualified Charleston car accident attorney, there is really very little to worry about.

Seeking the Help of a Charleston Car Accident Attorney

The South Carolina car accident attorney team at the Shelly Leeke Law Firm is available to help accident victims cope with the legal implications of everything an insurance company will do to try to limit your claim. Our firm’s focus on personal injury cases includes injury from auto accidents including pedestrian and bicycle injuries, work-related injuries and Workers’ Compensation claims, and injuries resulting from dangerous prescription drugs.

Before you file a South Carolina personal injury claim, request a free copy of our South Carolina injury book. When you’re ready to get started on settling your accident claim, contact a Charleston car accident attorney for a free information packet and consultation, 1-888-690-0211.

Yes. If a crash is caused by an unidentified vehicle, your own uninsured motorist policy will allow you to file a claim for your injuries.

Yes, the debt collector can call people who may know you, but they can only ask them about your address, phone number, and where you work; they are not permitted to talk about your debt or call the person multiple times. If you choose to have an attorney represent you about your debt, the collector is required to contact your attorney about the debt, rather than speak with you. 

If you need an attorney to assist you with stopping debt collector harassment, contact the Shelly Leeke Law Firm today at 843-277-6061.

As with all vehicles, you are assuming a risk while driving. Research shows that injuries occur in 80% of reported motorcycle crashes. Only 20% of people involved in car wrecks report injuries. It has also been reported that a motorcyclist is 26 times more likely to be injured or killed in an accident that involves a motorcycle and a car.

One of the reasons why, statistically, motorcyclists are more dangerous than cars, is because of the size of motorcycles. When checking the roadways for clear traffic, they are easier for other drivers to miss because they are not as big as cars. The typical driver’s eyes are trained to look for cars on the road, therefore making them prone to not seeing motorcycles. Also, a motorcycle’s small size often fits perfectly in drivers’ blind spots.

Another reason why a motorcycle is more dangerous than a car is that driving it is more complex and requires balance, whereas a car is simpler and does not require balance. The fact that a motorcycle has two wheels makes it less stable and more likely to become out of control in an accident than a car with its four wheels.

The last reason why motorcycles can be more dangerous than cars is that they are more vulnerable to dangers in the road, such as potholes, puddles, and debris. The instability of the two wheels can cause a simple swerve to miss an object in the road into a serious accident. 

By using safety measures such as wearing a helmet while riding a motorcycle, you can greatly decrease the likelihood of being involved in a crash or suffering serious or deadly injuries. If you have been injured in a South Carolina motorcycle accident that was not your fault, consider contacting us today. Set up an appointment with our experienced South Carolina motorcycle accident attorney, Shelly Leeke, today by calling 843.277.6061.

Yes, drivers of tractor trailers, 18-wheelers, large buses, and other large trucks must abide by the Hours of Service (HOS) regulations. These vary depending on the size of vehicle and type of cargo. For example, a driver of a commercial bus carrying 20 passengers is allowed to drive a maximum of 10 hours after 8 hours of rest.

In South Carolina only people under the age of 21 are required to wear helmets; however, research shows that helmets help prevent injury and many people voluntarily wear them while on their motorcycles. In 2008 Myrtle, Beach South Carolina passed its own helmet law, which was ruled invalid by the South Carolina Supreme Court in June 2010.

Debt collectors are not permitted to call you at any time that would be inconvenient for you; for example, they cannot call you before 8:00 am or after 9:00 pm unless you tell them that it would be alright to call during these times. Moreover, if you tell them not to do so, debt collectors are not allowed to call you while you are at work.

If a debt collector has violated any of the above regulations, contact the Shelly Leeke Law Firm today for a FREE consultation at 843-277-6061!

Insurers can use information from your Facebook or other social media profiles in an attempt to diminish or devalue your South Carolina personal injury claim. When you comment or post photos on Facebook, this information may be considered public and could be used against you during your South Carolina personal injury claim case.

The insurance company’s goal is to save as much money as they can by proving that your injuries are not serious as you have claimed and have not negatively impacted your life. If you post comments on Facebook or social media sites about going on vacation or attending a party, the insurer may argue that you are not as injured as you say you are in your South Carolina personal injury claim. Even an innocent comment can be taken out of context, so you should exercise extreme caution on Facebook and other social media websites.

Discussing your South Carolina personal injury claim on Facebook should be off limits. Your personal injury attorney is the only person with whom you should discuss your case. Just remember that you shouldn’t post anything on Facebook or social media sites that you wouldn’t be comfortable discussing with the insurance company or defense.

Contacting a Charleston Personal Injury Lawyer

Learning how to use Facebook and social media during a South Carolina personal injury claim can be tricky. Fortunately, the South Carolina personal injury attorney team at the Shelly Leeke Law Firm is available to help accident victims cope with the legal implications of a serious injury. Our firm’s focus on personal injury cases includes injury from auto accidents including pedestrian and bicycle injuries, work-related injuries and Workers’ Compensation claims, and injuries resulting from dangerous prescription drugs.

Before you file a South Carolina personal injury claim, request a free copy of our South Carolina injury book. When you’re ready to get started on settling your accident claim, contact a Charleston personal injury attorney for a free information packet and consultation