If you’ve sustained a personal injury in South Carolina, you might be considering filing a personal injury claim. While a personal injury lawsuit can be the right move in many instances, there are some things you should know before you move forward.
Here’s what you need to know before pursuing a personal injury claim in South Carolina.
Time Limit to File Your Personal Injury Claim
Every state has a specific time limit for you to file your personal injury claim. In South Carolina, you have three years from the date your personal injury took place to file your lawsuit.
If you’ve suffered a personal injury, getting your case evaluated and your claim filed by an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible may give you your best chance to succeed in court.
Shared Fault for the Accident
In some personal injury cases, the defendant may be able to claim that you are partially responsible for the circumstances that led to your injury. Think of a car accident, for example—if the other driver ran into you but you were distracted when the accident happened, you may be found partially liable.
This liability can affect the compensation you receive. In personal injury cases where you’re found to be partially responsible in South Carolina, you’re only rightfully owed compensation that’s equivalent to your percentage of fault. If you’re found to be more than 50% responsible, you can’t receive any compensation.
Strict Liability for Dog Attacks
In South Carolina, the owner of a dog that’s bitten or attacked someone is considered strictly liable for the animal. This differs from some other states that protect the owner if this is the first offense of their dog. Dog owners in South Carolina are fully responsible for the actions of their dog, even if this is a first-time offense.
Don’t Wait to File Your Personal Injury Claim
When it comes to personal injury cases, time is often of the essence. At Harden Law, we can help you secure the evidence you need to successfully fight your case in court. Contact us today to set up a free consultation if you’re considering filing a personal injury claim in South Carolina!
