At the Law Office of Joshua P. Golson, we believe every person deserves dignity, fairness, and justice after suffering a serious injury. Whether you need an accident lawyer, a slip and fall lawyer, or a wrongful death attorney in Columbia, our team is here to stand by your side.
South Carolina allows injured individuals to seek compensation, but the process is often intimidating. That’s why hiring a local personal injury attorney is essential to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.
If you’ve been injured due to negligence in South Carolina, contact our Columbia office to schedule a free injury consultation with our attorneys. We’ll listen to your story, answer your questions, and guide you through every step of your claim.
Understanding South Carolina Personal Injury Law
South Carolina law does not clearly define “catastrophic injuries,” but these are generally considered to be severe injuries to the brain, spine, or spinal cord, including loss of limb, organ damage, severe burns, or injuries resulting in permanent or long-term disability.
Catastrophic injury victims often require lifelong medical care, which can be extremely costly for families. Our Columbia personal injury lawyers have extensive experience handling catastrophic injury claims and will fight to secure the compensation you need to cover your ongoing care and future needs.
What to Do After a Serious Injury in Columbia, SC
If you suffer a serious injury, taking the right steps immediately can protect your health and your legal rights. Here’s what you should do:
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, some injuries may not show symptoms right away. Getting prompt medical care ensures your health is protected and creates a record for your claim.
- Document Your Injuries: Take photos of your injuries and keep all medical records. This documentation is crucial for your case.
- Report the Incident: If your injury happened in a public place or involved another party, notify the proper authorities and get a police or incident report if possible.
- Gather Evidence: Collect contact information from witnesses, take photos of the scene, and keep any relevant documents or receipts.
- Contact Our Law Office: Schedule a consultation with our Columbia, SC law office as soon as possible. Our personal injury law firm is committed to helping individuals hold negligent parties accountable and recover the compensation they deserve.
- Follow Medical Advice: Attend all follow-up appointments and follow your doctor’s recommendations. Consistent care strengthens your case and supports your recovery.
- Avoid Speaking to Insurance Companies Alone: Before discussing your case with any insurance adjuster, consult with an attorney to protect your rights and ensure you receive fair compensation.
For serious injury legal help, reach out to the Law Office of Joshua P. Golson today.
How Our Columbia Injury Lawyers Can Help
Our experienced attorneys provide comprehensive legal services, including:
- Advising you of your rights and legal options
- Handling all communications with insurance companies
- Filing necessary paperwork and obtaining medical records or police reports
- Representing you in negotiations or at trial
- Assisting families with wrongful death claims
No matter the nature of your injury, our team is dedicated to helping you obtain the financial recovery you need to move forward.
Common Personal Injury Cases We Handle
South Carolina has one of the highest rates of personal injury claims in the country, with car accidents, slip and falls, workplace injuries, medical malpractice, dog bites, and wrongful death cases being the most common.
Auto Accidents and Truck Collisions
Car accidents are the leading cause of personal injury claims in South Carolina, with tens of thousands of injury-causing crashes reported each year. These accidents often result from driver error, drunk driving, speeding, or distracted driving, and can lead to serious injuries such as broken bones, head trauma, and spinal cord damage.
Our Columbia motor vehicle accident lawyers are skilled at investigating these incidents, holding negligent drivers accountable, and helping you recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and property damage.
Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents are a major category of premises liability claims. These injuries often occur due to hazardous conditions like wet floors, icy sidewalks, or poorly maintained walkways. Property owners have a legal duty to keep their premises safe, and when they fail to do so, injured individuals may be entitled to compensation.
Workplace Injuries and Workers’ Compensation
Workplace injuries are common in South Carolina, especially in industries like construction and healthcare. Most employees are covered by workers’ compensation, which can help pay for medical treatment and a portion of lost wages. However, our attorneys can help you assess your options and see if you qualify for a personal injury claim as well.
Medical Malpractice and Hospital Negligence
Medical malpractice claims arise when healthcare providers fail to meet the standard of care, resulting in harm to patients. These cases can involve misdiagnosis, surgical errors, medication mistakes, or birth injuries.
Our experienced medical malpractice attorneys work with medical professionals to prove negligence and help you recover compensation for medical bills, ongoing treatment, and other damages.
Dog Bites and Animal Attacks
South Carolina holds dog owners strictly liable for injuries caused by their pets, meaning victims do not need to prove the owner was negligent. Dog bites can result in serious physical injuries and emotional trauma.
Our firm helps clients pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. We also advise on exceptions, such as if the victim provoked the animal or was trespassing.
Wrongful Death Cases
Wrongful death claims allow surviving family members to seek compensation when a loved one dies due to another’s negligence. These cases may arise from car accidents, workplace incidents, medical malpractice, or other preventable tragedies. Compensation can cover funeral and burial expenses, medical bills, and loss of financial support, helping families cope with their loss and move forward.
What Compensation Are You Entitled To?
Personal injury claims allow victims to pursue compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages cover out-of-pocket expenses, while non-economic damages compensate for intangible losses.
Economic Damages
- Past and future medical bills
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Property damage (in motor vehicle accidents)
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Emotional trauma
- Permanent disfigurement and scarring
South Carolina personal injury settlement amounts depend on the severity of your injuries and the impact on your life.
How We Prove Liability and Damages
Our attorneys take a comprehensive approach to proving liability and the full extent of your damages. We begin by gathering all relevant evidence, including eyewitness testimony, police reports, photographs, video footage, and medical records, to establish a clear connection between the defendant’s negligence and your injuries. We also interview witnesses and consult with medical experts to strengthen your case and ensure every aspect of your claim is thoroughly documented.
In South Carolina, you must prove your case by a “preponderance of the evidence,” meaning it is more likely than not that the defendant’s actions caused your injuries and losses. Our team carefully analyzes the facts, identifies the elements of negligence, and presents a compelling argument to secure your compensation. We can also counter any claims of comparative negligence, ensuring your rights are protected and your recovery is not unfairly reduced.
By documenting your injuries, lost wages, medical expenses, and emotional trauma, we help ensure that you receive fair compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. Our goal is to present a strong, well-supported case that clearly demonstrates the impact of your injuries and the responsibility of the negligent party.
How Long Do You Have to File a Claim in SC?
In South Carolina, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is three years from the date of your accident or injury. If you fail to file within this timeframe, you may lose your right to seek compensation.
If your claim involves a government entity, the deadline is significantly shorter with filing required within two years.
There are important exceptions to these time limits. For example:
- If you were a minor when you were injured, the clock does not start until you turn 18, and you then have three years from your 18th birthday to file your claim.
- If you have a mental disability that prevents you from taking legal action, the statute of limitations may be paused until you regain capacity.
For medical malpractice cases, the deadline is generally three years from the date of the act, or up to six years from when the injury should have reasonably been discovered.
For wrongful death claims, the statute of limitations is also three years from the date of your loved one’s death. The personal representative of the deceased’s estate is responsible for filing the claim.
Understanding Comparative Negligence in South Carolina
South Carolina follows a modified comparative negligence rule. If you are found partially at fault for your injury, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault. Our attorneys will work to minimize any assigned fault while securing your recovery.
Dealing With Insurance Companies
Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts. Our experienced lawyers handle all negotiations with insurers, ensuring your rights are protected and you receive fair compensation.
What Happens if You’re Partially at Fault?
If you are found partially at fault, your compensation may be reduced. Our attorneys can help you understand how comparative negligence affects your case and work to protect your interests.
When a Case Might Go to Trial
Most personal injury cases settle out of court, but if a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to take your case to trial. Our attorneys have extensive courtroom experience and will fight for your rights. There are several common reasons why a case might proceed to trial:
- Disputed Liability: If the other party or their insurance company denies fault for your injuries, settlement negotiations may break down. For example, in a car accident where both drivers claim the other was at fault, a trial may be necessary for a judge or jury to determine who was responsible.
- Disagreements Over Compensation: Even if liability is accepted, the insurance company may offer a settlement that does not cover your full damages. If you have suffered catastrophic injuries or long-term disability, the compensation needed may be much higher than what the insurer is willing to pay, leading to a trial.
- Unreasonable Settlement Offers: Sometimes, the insurance company makes a lowball offer that does not reflect the true cost of your medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering. If negotiations fail, a trial may be the only way to secure fair compensation.
- Desire for Accountability: In cases involving gross negligence or reckless behavior, you may want to go to trial not just for financial compensation but to hold the defendant publicly accountable. For example, if a company ignored safety regulations and caused a serious workplace injury, a trial can expose their wrongdoing and help prevent future harm.
- Complex Legal Issues: Some cases involve complicated questions about what happened, who is responsible, or the extent of your injuries. If these issues cannot be resolved through settlement, a trial may be necessary to clarify the facts and ensure justice.
Our team is ready to represent you in court if that’s what it takes to get the compensation you deserve.
How We Settle Personal Injury Cases
- We begin with a thorough investigation of your case, gathering all necessary evidence and medical records to fully understand your injuries and losses.
- Our attorneys prepare a detailed demand letter that outlines your damages and the legal justification for your claim, then send it to the insurance company or opposing party.
- We engage in negotiations, using our experience and knowledge of similar cases to advocate for the maximum compensation possible.
- If the initial offer is too low, we continue to negotiate and may suggest mediation, where a neutral third party helps both sides reach a fair agreement.
- Throughout the process, we keep you informed and involved, ensuring you understand every step and have the final say on any settlement offer.
- If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are fully prepared to litigate your case and fight for your rights in court.
If the initial offer is too low, we can continue to negotiate and may suggest mediation, where a neutral third party helps both sides reach a fair agreement. Throughout the process, we keep you informed and involved, ensuring you understand every step and have the final say on any settlement offer. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are fully prepared to litigate your case and fight for your rights in court.
The Importance of Medical Documentation
Thorough medical documentation is essential for proving your injuries and the impact they have on your life. Medical records, including doctor’s notes, emergency room visits, diagnostic tests, and treatment plans, serve as evidence that links your injuries directly to the accident and demonstrates their severity. Insurance companies and defense attorneys often challenge claims by arguing that injuries are pre-existing or unrelated, but comprehensive medical documentation counters these arguments and strengthens your case.
Why Choose the Law Office of Joshua P. Golson
Not all personal injury lawyers have the experience needed to secure favorable results. Our attorneys are well-versed in personal injury law and have a proven track record of helping clients recover the compensation they need.
Whether you’ve been injured in a car accident, suffered medical malpractice, or lost a loved one due to negligence, our team has the skills and dedication to handle your case. We are proud to be recognized as one of the best personal injury attorneys in Columbia for our client-centered approach and results-driven representation.
Our Track Record and Client Testimonials
Our firm is proud of our history of successful outcomes and satisfied clients. We are committed to providing compassionate, effective legal representation for every client. Some of our client testimonials highlight our dedication:
"The bottom line is if you want a hard-working, knowledgeable, empathetic, and supportive lawyer then look no further than Josh Golson. One phone call and he began diligently working on the motor vehicle collision that my mother was involved in. I have been very impressed with his professionalism, swift responses, and attention to detail. He continues to be proactive and always communicates the next steps in the case."
"Josh and his team are amazing, and they treat their clients like friends. They are extremely knowledgeable and professional, but they make you feel at home because they are also compassionate and understanding, and they truly treat their clients like family. They evaluate every possible outcome and work diligently to get the best results for their clients. I called Josh with a problem, and he helped me resolve it immediately. You will NOT be disappointed if you trust these guys with your case."
"I've tried many times to put into words the type of man Josh Golson is but there are truly no words that encompass his integrity, respect, knowledge, and tenacity. Above all, this is a man who recognizes right from wrong. He is part of the small percentage of attorneys who go into practice to truly help and make a difference. When I tell you that Mr. Josh Golson is the best of the best and has a genuine concern for others, I stand by that! And always will. Josh Golson will be on my speed dial forever!!!"
These testimonials reflect our commitment to listening, protecting, and winning for every client we serve.
Your First Consultation – What to Expect
- We’ll listen to your story and review the details of your injury and accident.
- Our attorneys will answer your questions and explain your legal rights and options.
- We’ll help you understand what compensation you may be entitled to and how the process works.
- You’ll learn about the next steps in your case, including gathering evidence and dealing with insurance companies.
- There are no fees unless we win your case. Our consultation is completely free and confidential.
No Fees Unless We Win – Our Promise to You
We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. This arrangement removes the financial risk of hiring a lawyer, so you can focus on your recovery without worrying about upfront legal costs.
Our fee is a percentage of the settlement or award we secure. If there is no recovery, you owe us nothing. This structure aligns our interests with yours, motivating us to work to achieve the best possible outcome for your case.
Ready to Talk? Call Us Today for a Free Consultation
Contact the Law Office of Joshua P. Golson in Columbia, South Carolina, to schedule your free consultation. Our experienced personal injury attorneys are ready to help you get the compensation you deserve. Reach out to our attorneys today to get started.
