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(843) 864-6444Personal Injury Attorney in Gaffney, SC
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 Gaffney, 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:
- Now that you're injured, what happens next?
- How am I going to pay for my stay at the hospital?
- Am I going to get fired because I've missed work?
- How will I be able to become independent again after this serious injury?
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.
- Your Local Personal Injury Attorney
- Max Sparwasser: A Personal Injury Lawyer in Gaffney, SC You Can Trust
- Injured in a Car Wreck? It's Time to Fight for Your Rights
- The Truth About Insurance Companies and Car Accidents in South Carolina
- Trust the Max Sparwasser Law Firm Difference
- Worker's Compensation Personal Injury
Service Areas
Max Sparwasser: A Personal Injury Lawyer in Gaffney, SC You Can Trust
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 Gaffney 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:
Why Choose The Max Sparwasser Law Firm, LLC?
Injured victims choose Max Sparwasser Law Firm, LLC because we put our clients' needs first.
We Work for You
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.
Seasoned Personal Injury Lawyer
Your case is going to be handled personally by Max, properly and professionally. NO FEES are collected unless you are paid benefits.
Personalized Attention
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.
Injured in a Car Wreck? It's Time to Fight for Your Rights
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 Gaffney 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 Gaffney, SC, can maximize your chances of winning your case.
The Truth About Insurance Companies and Car Accidents in South Carolina
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.
The Truth About Insurance Companies and Car Accidents in South Carolina
When you hire a personal injury attorney in Gaffney, 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.
The Role of Negligence in South Carolina
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:
- Running Red Lights
- Speeding
- Failure to Yield
- Distracted Driving
- DUI
- Improper Lane Change
- Much More
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.
Workers' Compensation Claims in South Carolina Explained
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 Gaffney, SC, fought some of the state's biggest employers in court, including brands such as:
- Volvo
- BMW
- College of Gaffney
- Boeing
- Medical University of South Carolina
- Kapstone
- Roper Hospital
- Rober Bosch Corporation
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
Who Can Receive Workers' Comp Benefits in South Carolina?
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:
- Federal Employees
- Small Businesses with Three or Less Employees
- Agricultural Employees
- Casual Employees
- Some Realtors
- Corporate Officers
- Railroad Workers
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.
Top Reasons to Hire a Worker's Compensation Personal Injury Attorney in Gaffney, SC
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:
- Reporting the Injury to Management and Continuing to Work
- Having an Existing Condition
- Fear Over Job Termination
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.
Trust the Max Sparwasser Law Firm Difference
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 Gaffney, 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.
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Latest News in Gaffney, SC
National Guard Soldier helps neighbors through Helene relief efforts
www.army.milhttps://www.army.mil/article/280285/national_guard_soldier_helps_neighbors_through_helene_relief_efforts
GAFFNEY, S.C. — When Tropical Storm Helene hit South Carolina, it brought widespread damage and left communities like Gaffney grappling with power outages, flooding and a shortage of basic necessities. Amid the chaos, U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Kevin Garcia, a Gaffney resident himself, stepped in to serve his neighbors in a unique capacity — both as a protector and a community member.On Oct. 2, 2024, Garcia found himself distributing water and supplies to Gaffney residents, many of whom he grew up with. “It feels good,&rdq...
GAFFNEY, S.C. — When Tropical Storm Helene hit South Carolina, it brought widespread damage and left communities like Gaffney grappling with power outages, flooding and a shortage of basic necessities. Amid the chaos, U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Kevin Garcia, a Gaffney resident himself, stepped in to serve his neighbors in a unique capacity — both as a protector and a community member.
On Oct. 2, 2024, Garcia found himself distributing water and supplies to Gaffney residents, many of whom he grew up with. “It feels good,” Garcia said. “I enjoy helping the community where I can.”
Garcia is an Army tank commander in Bravo Company, 1-118th Infantry Regiment, Armored Brigade Combat Team. He has been in the military for 13 years, starting with five years on active duty before transitioning to the National Guard. The Guard was an ideal fit for him, allowing him to continue serving his state and nation.
“I joined the National Guard because I wanted to continue being a Soldier and serve the country,” Garcia explained. “But it’s also about being there for my community. When I see people in need, it gives me a sense of purpose.”
On the ground, Garcia and his fellow Guard members handed out water and food rations to those affected by the storm.
“It’s good to see that people are grateful,” Garcia said, noting how a simple gesture — providing essential supplies — had a profound impact on the community’s morale. “Seeing people’s smiles and gratitude in a time of need is the best part.”
For Garcia, serving in this capacity is personal. Beyond the uniform, he is a proud member of his local church and sees his service as an extension of his faith.
“I’m a Christian and a godly man,” he said. “Being able to provide for others, especially those who can’t leave their homes, fills my heart with joy.”
Garcia mentioned how local churches had partnered with the National Guard the day before to ensure that homebound residents received food and water.
“It was awesome to see that people have the heart to put others before their own needs,” he said, clearly moved by the community’s collective effort.
For this 13-year military veteran, the opportunity to give back to the town where he grew up is something he doesn’t take for granted. Garcia plans to continue serving his full 20 years in the National Guard, but on days like this, the pride he feels for both his uniform and his hometown is on full display.
“Helping out here in Gaffney just means more,” Garcia said. “It’s home.”
Related Links
Official Website of the National Guard
The National Guard (@TheNationalGuard) | Facebook
Takeaways from the Freedom football team’s Week 4 loss at SC powerhouse Gaffney
Justin Epleyhttps://morganton.com/sports/high-school/football/takeaways-freedom-high-school-football-week-4-loss-at-sc-powerhouse-gaffney/article_d67ef57e-7255-11ef-b0a3-8398e76011a6.html
GAFFNEY, S.C. — The Freedom football team’s Week 4 trip to South Carolina powerhouse Gaffney was never going to be easy, and a 31-0 final score from Friday night’s nonconference contest on “The Reservation” bears that out.But in some respects, the Patriots played a little better than that score indicates, even as they saw their two-game winning streak snapped. And, at any rate, seeing an opponent of the Indians’ caliber offers learning opportunities, even in a difficult loss.Here are some of ...
GAFFNEY, S.C. — The Freedom football team’s Week 4 trip to South Carolina powerhouse Gaffney was never going to be easy, and a 31-0 final score from Friday night’s nonconference contest on “The Reservation” bears that out.
But in some respects, the Patriots played a little better than that score indicates, even as they saw their two-game winning streak snapped. And, at any rate, seeing an opponent of the Indians’ caliber offers learning opportunities, even in a difficult loss.
Here are some of the top takeaways from Freedom’s loss at Gaffney in the visitors’ first-ever game outside the state of North Carolina versus their inaugural out-of-state opponent.
Patriots hang tough... for a while
In a game many thought might be a rout from the opening kickoff, Freedom (2-2) held tough with the Indians for quite some time.
The game was scoreless through the first quarter before Gaffney scored on a 21-yard touchdown pass 50 seconds into the second period. After a Patriots three-and-out, the Indians made it back-to-back TDs and a 14-0 lead with an 18-yard scoring run.
Gaffney’s other scores were a 59-yard TD pass near the end of the third quarter, a 15-yard touchdown pass to start the fourth frame, and a 21-yard field goal to close out the scoring with exactly six minutes left to play.
In addition to holding the Indians (3-0) off the board for more than a quarter, the Freedom defense registered the game’s only takeaways as Julius Dominguez forced a fumble in the backfield and teammate Andrew Leonard made the recovery and Kobe Johnson had an interception near the goal line and returned it toward midfield.
FHS offense stuck in the mud
While the Freedom defense kept the visitors in the ballgame for a time, the offense never really got going against a big and fast Gaffney defense.
The Patriots had 14 plays that lost yardage, mainly reflected in their 34 carries gaining just 10 yards, and a dozen more plays that went for no gain.
Junior quarterback Kaden Davis was 8 of 15 for 49 yards, connecting with Johnson (2-28), Tiras Walker (3-18), Jaiveon Belin (2-10) and Cam Brown. Johnson had a 51-yard TD reception called back in the third quarter due to an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty behind the play and Walker had a pass bounce off his hands near the end zone in the first half.
Brown led the ground game with 19 yards on four carries, including a 15-yarder for the team’s longest gain on the ground for the night.
Gaffney’s Gilmore impresses
Though it statistically was his worst game of the season so far, Gaffney QB Jayvon Gilmore, a junior, showed some glimpses of why he is a highly-touted prospect committed to Arkansas of the Southeastern Conference.
Gilmore finished 17 of 27 for 205 yards, three touchdowns and the pick, which was his first of the season. The 6-5 signal-caller’s TDs were a 21-yarder to running back Chas Smith (13-117-1 rushing), a 59-yard bomb to wideout Jamarcus Smith (8-129-1) and a 15-yard strike to Shane Davidson (3-21-1).
He also felt the pressure from the FHS pass rush on a few occasions, taking a couple sacks.
Laundry on the field
Both teams were hindered by penalties as the Patriots were tagged 12 times for 90 yards and the Indians were cited on 11 infractions for 106 yards.
Holding penalties, in particular, slowed down the hosts’ offense as they were bopped with six calls of that nature. The Indians were much cleaner on the penalty front in the second half.
The 15-yard penalty that erased the Davis-to-Johnson TD pass was by far the most costly for Freedom.
Motown Throwdown on the shelf
Friday’s game was a schedule replacement for Patton, which elected not to field a varsity team this fall due to low numbers.
That means Motown Throwdown XVI, which will be the 17th all-time meeting between the crosstown rivals, will have to wait until 2025, at least, as it isn’t totally clear if Patton will resume varsity football next fall at this time.
In the meantime, FHS will hold on to its 15-1 all-time record against the Panthers, who scored their lone win in the series in 2016 and have lost six straight versus Freedom since.
One more nonconference game
Freedom has a chance to rebound before starting Northwestern 3A/4A Conference play as the Patriots host Chase for their fifth and final non-league game this coming Friday in Morganton.
The Trojans are 0-3, most recently losing 34-28 in overtime to Draughn on Thursday in Henrietta. Chase was outscored 103-0 through its first two games, falling to Mountain Heritage 54-0 and Stuart Cramer 49-0.
The Chase offense finally got in gear versus the Wildcats, though it largely was a one-trick affair as quarterback Zac Frashier ran for 316 yards and four touchdowns on 38 carries, giving the Patriots a good idea of what their defensive focus will need to be in Week 5.
Justin Epley can be reached at jepley@morganton.com or sports@morganton.com.
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