Accidents can happen suddenly, catching even the most prepared person off guard. One minute, you may be strolling to a restaurant after a long day at work, and the next minute, someone else's carelessness can change your life forever. Personal injury victims not only endure negligence but also experience pain and worry about their families and ability to work. Often, these victims cannot afford to focus on work and family when they're injured or even clinging to life in an ER. Without a personal injury attorney in Laurens, SC, to fight for their rights, these same victims provide official statements by mistake to insurance companies. They accept embarrassingly low settlement offers without realizing that they deserve much more.
If you've been hurt in an accident recently, ask yourself these questions:
With 30.21 personal injury cases for every 100,000 residents in South Carolina - 217% higher than the national average - it's not surprising that men and women like you are asking the questions above. At the Max Sparwasser Law Firm, LLC, our hearts hurt for victims who are suffering needlessly.
Because, at the end of the day, they're not just hurting physically. They're struggling to make ends meet due to the cost of car repairs, medical bills, doctor's appointments, and loss of income. Fortunately, personal injury laws in South Carolina state that the parties found responsible for your suffering and pain must account for your expenses. With a personal injury lawyer by your side, you have a real shot at getting the compensation you deserve.
If you've been injured in an accident in South Carolina, you have the right to file an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible party. If the insurance company doesn't offer a fair settlement, consider speaking with our Laurens personal injury lawyer.
At the Max Sparwasser Law Firm, LLC, our goal is to help accident victims in South Carolina recover the maximum amount for their losses, including damages for pain and suffering. Unlike some personal injury law firms, our expert attorneys know that no two cases are ever exactly the same. That's why we take a personalized approach to each case that comes across our desk.
You can rest easy knowing that your personal injury case starts with a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer. During this initial meeting, we'll review your accident, determine liability, and recommend the best legal course of action for you. Max Sparwasser and his team focus on a range of personal injury categories, including the following:
Injured victims choose Max Sparwasser Law Firm, LLC because we put our clients' needs first.
Max dedicates focused attention to your claim and is confident that once you've met and talked to him, you will feel comfortable entrusting him with your personal injury case.
Your case is going to be handled personally by Max, properly and professionally. NO FEES are collected unless you are paid benefits.
Now that you know a little bit more about our personal injury law firm and how we take care of our clients, let's take a look at two of the most common types of personal injury cases we take: Car accidents and workers' compensation.
As an experienced personal injury attorney, Max has the right training and legal tools to assist with your compensation claims and your personal injury case as a whole.
If you've ever been in a minor fender bender, you know how frustrating and scary it can be when police are called and insurance companies get involved. Dinging a car is one thing, but a full-on car wreck is a completely different story. A car accident in Laurens can result in significant expenses such as vehicle damage and medical costs.
If a distracted driver kills your loved one, the impact on your family can be profound and long-lasting. Survivors of car accidents often experience emotional distress, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other challenges that alter their quality of life. In the face of these life-changing events, aggressive representation from a personal injury attorney in Laurens, SC, can maximize your chances of winning your case.
Here's an uncomfortable truth to digest: Insurance companies often aim to pay out as little as possible. Fortunately, you can protect yourself from their tactics by getting the right legal support for your personal injury claim.
When you report a crash to an insurer, they'll assign an adjuster to your case. However, these adjusters deal with many cases and may not fully understand yours. If an insurance claims adjuster contacts you, be cautious. They aren't looking out for your best interests. It's common for adjusters to push for settlements that undervalue your claim.
Stick to the facts if you talk to an adjuster and refuse to provide a recorded statement or agree to any settlement. Instead, wait until you've consulted with a personal injury attorney. At the Max Sparwasser Law Firm, LLC, our team of car accident lawyers will assess the true worth of your claim and protect you from being taken advantage of by insurance companies.
When you hire a personal injury attorney in Laurens, SC, from Max Sparwasser Law Firm, you don't have to know all our state's car crash and insurance laws. We have the expertise, knowledge, and resources to handle any case related to a car accident in the Lowcountry. Our long-time car accident attorneys can handle the legal proceedings for you and provide you with peace of mind during negotiations. With that said, we understand that the more you know about South Carolina's car wreck laws, the better you can safeguard your rights after an accident.
As such, here are three car wreck laws in South Carolina you should understand:
It's important to keep in mind that there's a time limit, known as the statute of limitations, for filing a car accident claim in South Carolina. Typically, you need to pursue your claim against the at-fault driver or another party within three years of the car accident. However, there are certain cases that require action within two years. If you fail to file your personal injury claim within the specified deadline, you may forfeit your right to make a claim permanently.
Like many other states, South Carolina operates under a "fault" insurance system. This system holds the driver responsible for covering the damages of the injured party if they are at fault for the accident.
If you are in a car accident and it leads to a personal injury claim due to negligence, the court needs to determine that you (the plaintiff) are 50% or less at fault for the accident. If you are found to be more than 50% responsible, you will lose your right to seek compensation. However, if you are 50% or less at fault, you will receive at least some compensation. Your award will be reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to you.
When drivers take the wheel, they bear the responsibility of being careful and attentive to their surroundings. This means watching out for other drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, and all road users. However, if a driver chooses to text, eat, or talk on the phone while driving, they are failing to do so and are behaving negligently.
Negligence involves acting carelessly, resulting in harm or damage. Other examples of negligence include:
If you've been in a car accident and need help understanding our local laws or the role of negligence in your case, schedule your free claim assessment with the Max Sparwasser Law Firm, LLC, today. The sooner you know your rights and file a claim, the sooner our lawyers can advocate on your behalf. Our accident lawyers will uphold your best interests despite pushback from insurance companies and the complex legal system in South Carolina.
While South Carolina's workplace incidence rate was lower than the national average in 2020, tens of thousands of workers were reportedly injured on the job. In fact, private employers in South Carolina reported 29,100 nonfatal injuries and illnesses, resulting in an incident rate of 2.1 cases per 100 full-time equivalent workers. In 2021, the private sector reported 30,300 such injuries and illnesses, leading to an incidence rate of 2.2 cases per 100 workers, many of whom hired.
Public sector employers reported 8,100 injury and illness cases in 2021, with 72 percent occurring among local government workers. Occupational illness trends in South Carolina mirrored those seen nationwide. In 2020, the private sector accounted for 4,200 of the total reported cases, and 3,100 in 2021, showing a 26 percent decline.
Respiratory illnesses made up 79 percent of the total occupational illnesses reported in South Carolina in 2020. In 2021, 89.8 percent of private industry recorded incidents were injuries.
Personal injury attorneys in Laurens, SC, fought some of the state's biggest employers in court, including brands such as:
While there is no single federal law governing workers' compensation, every state in the U.S. has its own workers' compensation system. This program provides financial benefits to employees who experience job-related injuries or illnesses. Typically, an injured worker can receive workers' compensation benefits without needing to prove their employer's negligence. In exchange, the employee forfeits the right to file a personal injury claim against the employer.
Under the state workers' comp system, an injured employee will be reimbursed for all necessary medical treatment following a workplace accident. If the injury or illness leads to more than seven days of missed work, the employee will receive 66.66% of their average weekly wage, up to a maximum amount. Workers may also receive compensation for permanent disabilities or disfigurement. The maximum award for death or total disability is 500 weeks of compensation.
Lifetime benefits are available in cases of paraplegia, quadriplegia, and brain injury. It should be noted that trying to
In South Carolina, most employees are eligible for workers' compensation benefits if they suffer an injury or illness while working. Employees don't need to prove fault; they just need to prove that the injury or illness happened at work or during a work-related activity. Unfortunately, there are exceptions under the SC State Workers' Compensation Act, meaning some employers never qualify for workers' compensation.
Those restrictions apply to:
Employers who fall under the SC State Workers' Compensation Act must maintain the required minimum amounts of workers' comp insurance. If you're trying to pick up the pieces after being injured at work, contact the Max Sparwasser Law Firm, LLC today. Our personal injury attorneys will work tirelessly to get you the help you need to rebuild your life.
Many injured workers assume they can save money by foregoing a personal injury attorney to oversee their workers' comp claim. In reality, many plaintiffs lose money - or don't get the proper amount they're owed - when they choose not to hire a lawyer. If you were recently injured at work and are on the fence about retaining counsel for your case, keep these facts in mind.
To safeguard your rights and ensure you receive fair compensation, injured individuals must file a workers' compensation claim. Unfortunately, many people come up with reasons why they shouldn't file a claim before determining whether their claim is valid.
Some of the most common reasons for doing so include:
You should know that making the decisions above doesn't necessarily disqualify you from making a workers' comp claim. That's why it's so important to work with an experienced workers' compensation lawyer. Great workers' comp attorneys - like those at the Max Sparwasser Law Firm, LLC - thoroughly assess your case and help determine whether you have a valid claim for workers' compensation benefits.
Here's a safely kept secret in the insurance industry: Skilled workers' compensation lawyers create risk. Insurance companies hate risk because it exposes them and causes them to lose money. An experienced workers' compensation lawyer takes on risk by developing the best strategy to maximize your benefits and gathering evidence that will be admissible in a hearing.
Do you truly understand the benefits you're entitled to? Do you know what you need to prove in order to win? Do you know how to effectively present that evidence? This can be quite complex, even for attorneys, which is why an injured employee alone doesn't pose much of a threat to the insurance company. That's why professional help from a qualified attorney is essential in workers' comp cases.
It's important to keep in mind that there's a time limit, known as the statute of limitations, for filing a car accident claim in South Carolina. Typically, you need to pursue your claim against the at-fault driver or another party within three years of the car accident. However, there are certain cases that require action within two years. If you fail to file your personal injury claim within the specified deadline, you may forfeit your right to make a claim permanently.
It's important to keep in mind that there's a time limit, known as the statute of limitations, for filing a car accident claim in South Carolina. Typically, you need to pursue your claim against the at-fault driver or another party within three years of the car accident. However, there are certain cases that require action within two years. If you fail to file your personal injury claim within the specified deadline, you may forfeit your right to make a claim permanently.
Whether you have been injured in a car accident, hurt at work, or are struggling with another type of personal injury situation, know that our team is here to help. Our personal injury attorneys in Laurens, SC are insurance claims experts and know how to negotiation and achieve maximum financial compensation. The best part? We take all cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don't pay us unless we win. That's the Max Sparwasser Law Firm difference. Contact our office today to learn more about personal injury cases in South Carolina and whether or not you have a valid claim.
GivingPosted Wednesday, November 20, 2024 11:30 am “The 2024 Angels exemplify the diverse needs and passions of people from all over South Carolina,” said Secretary Hammond. “It is my hope that this recognition will encourage others to donate their time and resources to an area that interests them, and to do so wisely."SC Secretary of State's OfficeCOLUMBIA – Today (Nov. 20) South Carolina Secretary of State Mark Hammond announced the Angels of 2024. Secretary Hammond honored ten An...
Giving
Posted Wednesday, November 20, 2024 11:30 am
“The 2024 Angels exemplify the diverse needs and passions of people from all over South Carolina,” said Secretary Hammond. “It is my hope that this recognition will encourage others to donate their time and resources to an area that interests them, and to do so wisely."
SC Secretary of State's Office
COLUMBIA – Today (Nov. 20) South Carolina Secretary of State Mark Hammond announced the Angels of 2024. Secretary Hammond honored ten Angel charities in a ceremony at the Edgar Brown Building on the Capitol Complex.
“Each year, I look forward to recognizing ‘Angel’ charities that positively impact our Great State,” said Secretary Hammond. “Charitable organizations do so much for our communities, and I always enjoy meeting the nonprofit leaders who work so selflessly to help others.”
The Angels honored are charities that have made significant contributions to the well-being of South Carolinians and that have demonstrated good stewardship of charitable resources. Representatives from the organizations were in attendance to receive a certificate and recognition from Secretary Hammond. The Angels recognized, with the percentage of their expenditures that went toward their program services, are listed below. Those recognized are listed in alphabetical order and are not ranked by the Secretary of State.
Cliffs Residents Outreach, Inc., Travelers Rest, SC 93.2%
Habitat for Humanity of Horry County, Inc., Myrtle Beach, SC 83.7%
Keepin’ It Real Ministries, Columbia, SC 95.4%
Laurens County SAFE Home, Laurens, SC 81.2%
Mary Sunshine House, Central, SC 82.6%
Neighbors Together, Inc., North Charleston, SC 83.3%
PlaySafe, Anderson, SC 82.2%
PS I Love You Ministries, Spartanburg, SC 94.3%
Sea Turtle Patrol Hilton Head Island, Bluffton, SC 95.9%
The Mary Ann Morris Animal Society (MAMAS), Bamberg, SC 99.3%
Laurens County SAFE Home responded on Facebook: "Thank you to the South Carolina Secretary of State for recognizing the Safe home for the work we do in our community for victim of domestic violence by naming us one of the 2024 Angel Award recipients. The Angels honored are charities that have made significant contributions to the well-being of South Carolinians and that have demonstrated good stewardship of charitable resources."
The Angels were selected by review of financial reports submitted annually to the Secretary of State’s Office, as well as through nominations from the public. To be selected as an Angel, the charity must have devoted 80% or more of its total expenditures to charitable programs; must have been in existence for three or more years; must make good use of volunteer services; must receive minimal funding from grants; must have a significant presence in South Carolina; and must be in compliance with the South Carolina Solicitation of Charitable Funds Act.
“The 2024 Angels exemplify the diverse needs and passions of people from all over South Carolina,” said Secretary Hammond. “It is my hope that this recognition will encourage others to donate their time and resources to an area that interests them, and to do so wisely. Our office has worked hard to help donors and charities by offering tools such as Give Smart SC, a free mobile app that donors can use to research charities from their mobile devices. This past year, we have published tutorials on our website to assist charities with filing registration statements and annual financial reports online.”
Charitable donors can download Give Smart SC for free through the App Store and Google Play, and use the app to determine if a charity is properly registered to solicit in South Carolina. Charitable donors can also research charities by visiting the Secretary of State’s website at sos.sc.gov. You can use the Give Smart SC app or the online Charities Search engine to learn a charity’s total revenue, program expenses, total expenses, net assets, and fundraiser costs, as well as the percentage of total expenses that the charity has spent on program services. The video tutorials to assist charities with online filing are also available on the Secretary of State’s website.
If you have concerns about a charitable organization, professional fundraiser, or raffle, you can file a confidential complaint with the Secretary of State’s Office by using the online Charitable Solicitation Complaint Form. You can also submit a confidential complaint directly through the Give Smart SC app.
“I am grateful to have the opportunity to recognize these wonderful organizations today, and I hope that everyone will see them as models for how we can work together to better our communities,” said Secretary Hammond. “As always, remember to give from the heart, but please give smart.”
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The South Carolina Economic Developers’ Association (SCEDA) and the South Carolina Department of Commerce (SCDOC) announced that state and community leaders have graduated from a statewide economic development training program, The SC Economic Development Institute (The Institute).The Institute offers participants a highly interactive curriculum, affording them a more immersive “hands-on” economic development learning experience. The Institute, a decades-long partnership between SCEDA and SCDOC, has graduated more th...
The South Carolina Economic Developers’ Association (SCEDA) and the South Carolina Department of Commerce (SCDOC) announced that state and community leaders have graduated from a statewide economic development training program, The SC Economic Development Institute (The Institute).
The Institute offers participants a highly interactive curriculum, affording them a more immersive “hands-on” economic development learning experience. The Institute, a decades-long partnership between SCEDA and SCDOC, has graduated more than 1,500 participants since its inception.
Now in its 34th year, The Institute consists of quarterly, two-day sessions that are hosted in various locations throughout the state.
The Institute is open to individuals from a wide variety of organizations and entities, including city, town and county councils; local economic development practitioners; county economic development boards; county school boards; regional economic development boards; utility companies; and local and state governments.
2024 South Carolina Economic Development Institute graduates, listed alphabetically by last name:
John Alexander - Global Management Partners (GMP)
Allyson Barbier - SC Department of Commerce
Noah Beason - Cherokee County Development Board
Scott Biering - Colleton County Government
Kendall Blackmon - Lynches River Electric Cooperative and RiverNet Connect
Travis Bowman - SC Technical College System
Taylor Boykin – Southern Carolina Alliance
Will Brennan - City of Columbia
Kelli Brunson - Beaufort County
Katherine Busbee - Haynsworth, Sinkler, Boyd, P.A.
Quinetta Buterbaugh - Duke Energy
Alana Caddell - Charleston County Public Library
Amy Carnes - Lancaster County Economic Development
Eric Carrier - Lower Savannah Council of Governments
J.R. Charles - Ryan, LLC
Kelly Coakley - S.C. Department of Commerce
Melissa Collins - Central SC Alliance
John Daniels - S.C. Department of Commerce
Dawn Deck - Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC)
Eric Delgado - City of Laurens
Larry Eberhart - Reeves Young
Chris Forster - Town of Bluffton
Lisa Gainey - Chesterfield County Economic Development
Kevin Hart - Town of St George
Marilyn Hemingway - Gullah Geechee Chamber of Commerce
Mark Hopper - City of Greer
Anna Huffman - City of West Columbia
Yaunna Hunter - S.C. Department of Commerce
Lynn Hutto - LIH Consulting
Karen Jenkins - KRJ Consulting, LLC
Alexis Kiser - City of Goose Creek
Angelle LaBorde - Lexington Chamber & Visitors Center
Heather Lynch - Sumter Economic Development/TheLINK
Prenita Mack - Charleston Regional Development Alliance
J.D. McCauley - City of North Augusta
David McCully - Department of Commerce
Ryan Merritt - Alliance Consulting Engineers Inc.
Brooke Morris - City of Myrtle Beach
Mike Norris - Scott Insurance
Rick Norwood - City of Rock Hill
Kari Pait - County of Lexington Economic Development
Lauren Phillips - SCDOT
Rita May Ranck - Dorchester County
Grace Salter - City of Columbia Economic Development
Brian Schmitt - City of Myrtle Beach
Patrick Sellars - ReadySC
Cameron Shepard - South Carolina Technical College System
Mary Porter Shull - LS3P
Rochelle Smith - City of Cayce
Lisa Smith - Edifice Construction
Robert Still - Cranston
Jack Stuart - Town of Lexington
Michelle Suarez - Upstate SC Alliance
Brison Taylor - City of Clinton, SC
Jimmy Trippe - Colleton County Government
Regina Turner - Saluda County
Rebecca Walker - Town of Moncks Corner
Lynn Wilson - Florence County Economic Development Partnership
Terry Wise - Richland County Economic Development
Mark Wright - ECS Southeast
Since 1965, the S.C. Economic Developers’ Association is a professional trade association of more than 580 members, with representation from all 46 counties. SCEDA includes local and regional economic developers, as well as officials from municipal, county, and state government agencies, construction and engineering firms, utility companies, attorneys, consultants, financial institutions, and higher education.