A sudden injury can derail your health, strain your finances, and leave you unsure where to turn. If you or a loved one was hurt in an accident in Greenwood, South Carolina because of someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and more.
At Johnson, Johnson, Whittle, Lancer and Staggs (JJWLS), our Greenwood personal injury lawyers move quickly to secure evidence, handle insurers, and pursue the maximum recovery the law allows—so you can focus on healing. Have questions right now? Contact us for a free consultation. For easy access later, bookmark our Greenwood page at Greenwood.
Do I Have a Personal Injury Case?
Whether you have a viable claim usually turns on three pillars: deadline, fault, and damages.
1) Statute of Limitations (Deadline)
South Carolina’s general deadline for most personal injury claims is three years from the date of injury. See S.C. Code § 15-3-530. Shorter timelines and notice requirements may apply in claims involving government entities under the Tort Claims Act—talk to a lawyer as soon as possible to avoid missing a cutoff.
2) Negligence (Fault)
You must prove another party’s failure to use reasonable care caused your harm:
- Duty: The at-fault party owed a duty (safe driving, safe premises, safe products).
- Breach: They violated that duty (speeding, ignoring hazards, defective design).
- Causation: The breach actually and proximately caused your injuries.
- Damages: You sustained losses recognizable under the law.
3) Damages (Losses)
Medical care, lost wages, pain and suffering, disability, and other losses all matter. Prompt medical evaluation creates the records that connect the accident to your injuries.
What Should I Do After an Injury in Greenwood?
These steps protect both your health and your claim:
Call Law Enforcement (for crashes) or File an Incident Report
For roadway incidents, dial 911 and obtain the report number. Statewide safety resources are available via the S.C. Department of Public Safety (scdps.sc.gov). For premises incidents, ask the property to generate an incident report and request a copy.
Do Not Admit Fault
Stick to facts. Even “I’m sorry” can be twisted as an admission.
Document the Scene
Take photos/video of vehicles, hazards, lighting, weather, and visible injuries. Save damaged clothing and footwear. Collect witness names and numbers.
Get Medical Attention
Concussions, internal injuries, and soft-tissue trauma can surface hours or days later. Follow treatment plans and keep every bill, receipt, and record.
Don’t Talk to Insurers Alone
Adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. Direct calls to your lawyer. For licensing matters or general driver information, consult the SCDMV at scdmvonline.com.
Contact a Greenwood Personal Injury Lawyer
Early counsel preserves evidence (surveillance video, 911 audio), prevents avoidable mistakes, and keeps you on schedule. Start with a free case review—contact us.
Why Hire an Attorney for Your Injury Case?
- Identify every liable party: Driver, employer, contractor, manufacturer, property owner—multiple defendants can expand available coverage.
- Build compelling proof: Medical records, expert opinions, scene measurements, EDR/black-box data, maintenance logs, and video are gathered before they disappear.
- Handle the paperwork: Claims, preservation letters, FOIA requests, court filings, and lien issues—done correctly and on time.
- Negotiate from strength: We present full valuation (including future care) and push back on low offers with data and expert support.
- Trial-ready when needed: If an insurer won’t be fair, we’re prepared to try your case in Greenwood County.
How Much Is My Case Worth?
Every case is unique, but recoverable damages may include:
- Economic: Medical expenses (past/future), wage loss, diminished earning capacity, rehab, home/vehicle modifications, out-of-pocket costs.
- Non-Economic: Pain and suffering, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, scarring/disfigurement.
- Punitive: In egregious misconduct, punitive damages may be available under South Carolina law.
The state’s modified comparative negligence rule can reduce recovery by your percentage of fault and bars recovery if you’re more than 50% at fault. See general tort provisions at scstatehouse.gov.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer?
Most injury cases are handled on a contingency fee—no fee unless we recover compensation. We typically advance case costs and recoup them only if we win. Get a free, no-obligation evaluation: contact us.
How Long Do I Have to File?
The general limitation is three years from the injury date under S.C. Code § 15-3-530. Different or shorter rules can apply for claims involving a government entity—ask us to review your specific deadlines immediately.
How Do You Prove Negligence?
We establish duty, breach, causation, and damages using medical documentation, photos, inspection reports, product testing data, truck logs and telematics, and expert testimony (accident reconstruction, biomechanics, life-care planning).
Types of Personal Injury Cases We Handle in Greenwood
- Car Accidents (rear-end, T-bone, head-on, hit-and-run, UM/UIM)
- Truck Accidents (hours-of-service, negligent hiring, unsecured loads, maintenance failures)
- Motorcycle Accidents
- Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) Crashes
- Slip & Fall / Premises Liability (wet floors, uneven surfaces, poor lighting, negligent security)
- Product Liability (defective design/manufacture, failure to warn)
- Workers’ Compensation
- Nursing Home Abuse/Neglect
- Wrongful Death
- Dog Bites and Catastrophic Injuries
Personal Injury Claim Process (What to Expect)
1) Claim Setup & Preservation
We notify insurers, send spoliation letters, and move to preserve evidence like nearby surveillance or 911 audio. Statewide court forms and rules are available through the S.C. Judicial Branch at sccourts.org.
2) Investigation & Valuation
We collect medical proof, wage documentation, expert analyses, and calculate full damages—including future care and loss of earning capacity.
3) Demand & Negotiation
We submit a detailed demand with exhibits to support liability and damages, then negotiate firmly with carriers and defense counsel.
4) Litigation (If Needed)
If the insurer won’t be fair, we file in the proper court and prepare your case for trial while exploring reasonable settlements.
5) Resolution & Lien Handling
We finalize settlement or verdict, address medical and insurance liens, and disburse funds promptly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I have to go to trial?
Many cases settle; some require suit to achieve fair value. We prepare every case as if it will be tried—insurers notice.
How long will my case take?
Timelines vary based on medical recovery, investigation needs, insurer responsiveness, and court calendars (statewide info: sccourts.org).
What if I was partly at fault?
You can still recover if you are 50% or less at fault; your award is reduced by your percentage of fault.
What should I bring to a free consultation?
Photos, medical records, bills, insurance letters, pay stubs, and any incident/police report numbers.
Why Choose JJWLS for Greenwood Personal Injury?
- Local insight: Familiarity with Greenwood County court practices helps streamline your case.
- Full-service support: We coordinate record retrieval, lien resolution, property-damage guidance, and rental vehicle issues.
- Trial-ready approach: Being prepared for court strengthens negotiation leverage.
- Clear communication: You’ll always know the status of your case and next steps.
Speak with a Greenwood Personal Injury Lawyer Today
You don’t have to navigate insurers alone. The Greenwood team at JJWLS is ready to investigate quickly, manage the process, and pursue the compensation you deserve. Contact us now for a free, confidential consultation with our personal injury lawyers at Johnson, Johnson, Whittle, Lancer and Staggs. Free consultation—let’s start your recovery today.
