People get injured every day, and in many cases those injuries are caused by the negligence of others. Whether you are injured in a South Carolina car accident, slip and fall on a slippery floor at the local supermarket, are injured by a defective product, or are the victim of medical malpractice, there is always pain that accompanies those injuries. In addition to the physical pain that results from such incidents, victims often go through emotional turmoil and anxiety as they worry about paying for the medical treatment needed to help them heal. Additionally, those who are seriously injured will be unable to work, and that loss of income only serves to amplify the existing pain and suffering. Whether you have suffered abrasions, spinal injuries, burns, puncture wounds, or head trauma, the law may provide you with the means to seek redress for your injuries. The Hawkins Law Firm has handled personal injury claims of all types, and our team is dedicated to getting you compensated to the fullest extent of the law.

Most personal injury cases are based upon the theory of negligence, which means that another person or company failed to exercise a reasonable duty of care, and that failure caused someone to be injured. In bringing such a case to court, it is imperative that any victim is able to prove every element of the claim – duty, breach, causation, and damages -- or the victim will not be entitled to any recovery. Additionally, South Carolina courts subscribe to the comparative theory of negligence, which means that a victim’s recovery will be reduced in proportion to their amount of fault. For example, were a person found to be twenty percent at fault, that person could only recover eighty percent of his damages.

It is difficult to place a value on one's health and well being, but South Carolina law recognizes that those who are injured by the careless or malicious actions of others should be monetarily compensated for their injuries. In order to set a dollar amount for a given injury, the court must evaluate every case individually. Courts take all of the circumstances of the accident into consideration so that the damage award makes the victim whole in the eyes of the law, as there is no way to undo the injury itself. The courts' power is limited to ordering monetary damages, so a large component of every personal injury case is establishing the damages suffered and calculating the pecuniary award accordingly. Because every case is different, damages can include everything from medical bills to lost work income, and the skills of a knowledgeable and persuasive attorney can make sure that all of your damages are accounted for when the court makes its decision.

During most personal injury cases, an insurance company will become involved, and the goal of those insurance companies is to minimize their liability. Because insurers try to minimize the amounts paid out to those who are injured, they employ teams of lawyers and clever tactics to reduce their financial exposure. Hiring an experienced advocate levels the playing field because your lawyer knows how the insurance companies work and can ensure that your interests are being served, not the insurance company’s.

The Hawkins Law Firm offers a free consultation to all potential clients who come to us with a personal injury case. If you have suffered an injury, contact an experienced South Carolina personal injury attorney at The Hawkins Law Firm Call at 864-574-8801, toll free at 1-888-HAWKLAW (429-5529), or contact us through our online form.