A spinal cord injury (SCI) is incredibly serious. If someone else is liable for your SCI, hold them accountable for the harm they have caused. Speak with a spinal cord injury lawyer in South Carolina. From here, your attorney can explain if you have grounds for seeking compensatory damages from the liable party.
Shelly Leeke Law Firm has more than a decade of experience handling personal injury cases. We can connect you with a South Carolina personal injury lawyer who prioritizes your SCI case and positions you to get maximum compensation. Schedule a free case consultation with us.
Why You Need an SCI Lawyer on Your Side
When it comes to spinal cord injuries in a South Carolina accident, err on the side of caution. If you do not receive proper medical care, SCI symptoms can escalate. Meanwhile, if you wait too long to partner with a spinal cord injury attorney in South Carolina, you could miss your opportunity to recover damages from anyone responsible for your SCI.
Your attorney wants you to achieve outstanding case results. They analyze your case and look for ways to describe to a judge or jury why you deserve damages. Your lawyer can negotiate a settlement on your behalf. If no agreement is reached, your attorney can present your argument in court.
Many clients have provided Shelly Leeke Law Firm with positive client testimonials. This is due in part to our commitment to helping our clients in any way we can. Trust us to represent you in your spinal cord injury case.
How Much Time Do You Have to File a Spinal Cord Injury Claim in South Carolina?
According to the South Carolina Code of Laws Section 15-3-540, you have three years to file an injury claim. For example, suppose that you suffer a spinal cord injury in a motorcycle accident caused by a motorist traveling faster than the posted speed limit. In this scenario, you have three years from the date of your accident to ask this motorist to cover your losses.
A South Carolina spinal cord injury lawyer can teach you about the statute of limitations relative to your case. Ideally, they can get you money through an insurance claim. However, insurance settlement negotiations can be tricky. If an insurer disputes your claim or offers a lowball settlement, your attorney may advise you to proceed with a lawsuit.
Your attorney makes sure you understand what can happen when your case goes in front of a judge or jury. They answer any questions you have about what can occur during your trial. When a judge or jury hears your case, your lawyer will make it clear why you deserve fair compensation for your losses.
Compensation You Can Get in a Spinal Cord Injury Lawsuit
A South Carolina spinal cord injury attorney talks with you about compensatory damages. They want you to receive money for your quantifiable and subjective losses. Reasons a judge or jury could award damages include:
- Pain and suffering
- Medical bills
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of income
Just because you ask for these or other damages does not mean a judge or jury will give them to you. It is your responsibility to show that those at fault for your SCI were negligent. Your lawyer can prepare an argument to prove negligence.
How to Prove Negligence in an SCI Case
Your lawyer can share a breakdown of negligence laws in South Carolina and how they can impact your case outcome. In your SCI case, there are four elements of negligence that your attorney wants to prove were present when you suffered your injury:
Duty of Care
When someone has a duty of care, they are legally obligated to avoid any actions that could put others in danger. For instance, a trucker has a duty of care to comply with hours of service (HOS) regulations and other truck industry rules.
Breach of Duty of Care
A duty of care is violated when a party decides to act in a way that a reasonable person would classify as dangerous. By committing an act of carelessness or recklessness, a party can cause someone to suffer a spinal cord injury or other harm.
Causation
When your lawyer argues your case, they can highlight the link between a breach of a duty of care and your SCI. Accident scene photos, medical records, witness statements, and other evidence can help your attorney prove causation.
Damages
Because someone breached their duty of care and caused you to get hurt, you are dealing with damages. Your lawyer can detail your losses and how they may impact you now and in the future. If their argument is compelling, a judge or jury may be inclined to order a liable party to compensate you for your SCI.
Your attorney wants you to take care of yourself while they handle your legal proceedings. They keep you updated as they get your case ready for trial. If you have concerns or questions during your litigation, your lawyer is available to respond to them.
When to File an SCI Wrongful Death Claim
Sadly, a spinal cord injury can be fatal. If a family member dies due to an SCI caused by someone else, you may be eligible to submit a wrongful death claim. To find out, discuss your case with South Carolina wrongful death lawyers.
Wrongful death attorneys are caring, empathetic, and compassionate. They know how difficult it is to cope with the loss of a loved one. If you decide to file a wrongful death claim, your lawyer can assist you at each stage of this process. They want you to feel supported and remain accessible.
Your lawyer commits the time and resources required to help you get the compensation you want. If they receive a settlement offer, they will share the proposal with you and help you weigh its pros and cons. Alternatively, if a trial is necessary, your attorney ensures that you know what to expect when you enter the courtroom.
Get Legal Help from a South Carolina SCI Lawyer with a Track Record of Success
Shelly Leeke Law Firm provides comprehensive legal services and support to spinal cord injury victims and their families. Our team can evaluate your case and, if warranted, serve as your legal representation. Request a free case consultation with us.
