Greenville Personal Injury Attorneys
Seeking Justice for the Wrongfully Injured in Upstate South Carolina
While no one plans on being in an accident, wrongful injuries can leave victims in pain and unsure of where to turn. At Smith Born Leventis Taylor & Vega, LLC, we understand the heavy physical, emotional, and financial toll that comes with a wrongful injury. That’s why our firm is dedicated to providing sound counsel to the wrongfully injured in Greenville.
When your health and economic security are on the line, don’t settle for less than skilled representation. From filing a claim to proving negligence, our personal injury lawyers can fight for the fair settlement you deserve, freeing you to focus on your recovery during this challenging time. With decades of experience and a proven track record of results, you can trust our Greenville personal injury lawyers to give your case the time and personalized attention it deserves.
Common personal injury claims we handle include:
- Car accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Product liability
- Slip-and-fall accidents
- Truck accidents
- Wrongful death claims
- Nursing home abuse
- Hotel guest injuries
If you were harmed by someone else’s negligence in Greenville, our attorneys can aggressively pursue justice. Call or contact us online to discuss your case.
Common Types of Injuries
Personal injury accidents can result in injuries ranging from minor to life-altering. Some of the most common injuries we see include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Broken bones and fractures
- Neck and back injuries
- Burns and scarring
- Internal organ damage
- Soft tissue injuries
- Amputations
- Psychological trauma, including PTSD
These injuries often require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term care. Our goal is to ensure your compensation reflects not only your current expenses but also your future needs.
South Carolina Personal Injury Laws
Understanding South Carolina personal injury laws is critical to protecting your claim. Some key legal principles include:
- Statute of Limitations: In most South Carolina personal injury cases, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline can result in losing your right to compensation entirely.
- Modified Comparative Negligence: South Carolina follows a modified comparative negligence rule. You can recover damages as long as you are less than 51% at fault for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
- Liability and Negligence: To succeed in a personal injury claim, you must prove that another party owed you a duty of care, breached that duty, and caused your injuries as a result.
Our Greenville personal injury lawyer can analyze how these laws apply to your case and build a strong legal strategy on your behalf.
Proving Liability in a Personal Injury Claim
Merely suffering an injury isn’t enough to recover damages in a personal injury claim. Partnering with an experienced attorney is paramount to establishing negligence and obtaining a favorable outcome in your case.
Proving liability is one of the most complex parts of any personal injury claim, especially because the burden of proof lies with the victim (plaintiff). Your lawyer can help you establish liability on the part of the at-fault party (defendant) by proving the four necessary elements.
These include:
- Duty of care: First, you must prove that the defendant owed you a duty of care, such as obeying traffic laws.
- Breach of duty: Next, you must show that the defendant breached their duty by acting negligently, such as running a red light or failing to warn of known hazards on their property.
- Causation: Then, you must demonstrate that the defendant’s negligence directly caused the accident and your resulting injuries.
- Damages: Finally, you must prove that you suffered compensatory harm (damages) as a result of the accident.
The Legal Process of a Personal Injury Lawsuit in SC
Many clients wonder what to expect when pursuing a personal injury claim. While every case is different, the process typically includes:
- Initial Consultation: We review the facts of your case, answer your questions, and determine whether you have a valid claim.
- Investigation: Our legal team gathers evidence such as police reports, medical records, witness statements, and expert opinions.
- Demand and Negotiation: We present a detailed demand to the insurance company and negotiate aggressively for a fair settlement.
- Filing a Lawsuit: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we file a personal injury lawsuit and prepare your case for trial.
- Discovery and Litigation: Both sides exchange evidence, conduct depositions, and argue motions.
- Settlement or Trial: Many cases settle before trial, but if necessary, our Greenville personal injury lawyer is prepared to advocate for you in court.
Throughout the process, we keep you informed and involved every step of the way.
Personal Injury Claim FAQs
What should I do after suffering a personal injury in Greenville?
- Seek medical attention immediately
- Document the incident (photos, witness info, police report)
- Avoid making statements to insurance adjusters
- Contact a local personal injury lawyer to evaluate your case
What compensation can I recover in a personal injury case?
You may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Property damage
- In some cases, punitive damages
Do I need to prove fault in a Greenville personal injury case?
Yes. South Carolina follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning you must prove the other party was mostly at fault. If you're found to be more than 50% responsible, you may not recover any compensation.
How long does it take to resolve a personal injury claim?
It depends on the complexity of the case. Some cases settle within a few months, while others—especially those involving serious injuries or disputes—can take a year or more. Your attorney can give you a clearer timeline based on the facts of your case.
Can I file a claim if my injury wasn’t immediate?
Yes. Some injuries, like whiplash or internal injuries, may not show symptoms right away. As long as you file within the statute of limitations and can link the injury to the incident, you may still have a valid claim.
Should I accept the insurance company’s first settlement offer?
Generally, no. Insurance companies often offer low initial settlements. It’s wise to consult a personal injury attorney before accepting any offer to ensure you receive fair compensation for your damages.
How much does it cost to hire a personal injury lawyer in Greenville?
Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay anything upfront. The attorney is paid a percentage of your settlement or award only if you win your case.
Turn to a Personal Injury Firm in Greenville, SC
Why trust Smith Born Leventis Taylor & Vega, LLC to pursue justice after a wrongful injury?
When you work with our dedicated attorneys, you’ll benefit from:
- Legal experience: Our advocates have decades of experience to build you a robust case and pursue justice by fighting to hold liable parties accountable.
- Winning results: With millions of dollars recovered for our clients, you can trust our attorneys to pursue the best possible outcome in your case.
- Client-centered counsel: When you partner with Smith Born Leventis Taylor & Vega, LLC, you can expect reliable and compassionate representation tailored to your unique legal situation.
- Contingency fees: Our lawyers operate on a contingency fee basis and offer complimentary case evaluations, meaning you won’t owe us a cent until we recover a settlement.
If you suffered an injury caused by someone else's negligent actions, our Greenville personal injury lawyers can fight tirelessly to recover the fair settlement you deserve. Call to schedule a free consultation.
Our Satisfied Clients
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“Being involved in a life-changing event is when you realize that we are really not in control of our lives and how we choose to handle it is where we find our character. Thank God for my legal team, Jacob and Erica, and everyone else involved.”- Former Client
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“George kept me informed and gave loving advice all the way through. I could call him when I needed. He recognized my personal, mental and physical struggles. You can trust in him. GOD knew EXACTLY what he was doing when he made him.”- Former Client
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“He was patient, listened, considerate, explained things to me that my previous attorney did not, and broke every part of my case down so I was sure to understand every aspect of my case before leaving his office.”- Cassandra J.
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“Promises were kept and interactions were both personal and professional. I would highly recommend Mr. George and his firm to anyone in need of legal help.”- Former Client
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“I had a workers compensation claim that my wonderful lawyer Lawton Harper was able to help me with. He was very attentive to detail and was able to get me the maximum claim I deserved!”- Former Client
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“When my case took a hit from the doctor’s final impairment rating, Danny didn’t give up – he went full force and earned me a fair settlement!”- Former Client
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“Lawton Harper has been amazing helping me with my works compensation case. He explained everything about what to expect throughout the case and was there for any questions or concerns I had.”- Kai P.
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“He was very attentive to detail and was able to get me the maximum claim I deserved!”- Former Client