Personal Injury Attorney in Mount Pleasant, SC

Personal injury cases involve individuals who cause harm to others through more than just a simple mistake. Victims of this harm are usually owed compensation for the damages they suffer. But this compensation is not a given, and it does not automatically reflect the extent of a person’s damages. To truly receive the financial resources they deserve, injury victims typically must hire a personal injury attorney to fight for them. Lowcountry Law, LLC, believes in holding people responsible for their actions. As a graduate of The Citadel, our founder learned early the importance of integrity and hard work, two values that underlie our dedication to our clients. Those we represent get the time to fully focus on recovering with the peace of mind that we are handling every aspect of their case. We always pursue maximum compensation for our clients because we know how much they need valuable resources to cover their damages. If you have been injured because of someone else, call our office today. We can set up a free consultation with a personal injury attorney and give you a case review. Types of Injury-Causing Negligence Like other states, South Carolina has a way for injury victims to hold others accountable for the injuries they cause while acting negligently. “Negligence” refers to someone’s failure to behave in a way that would keep others safe. This creates a dangerous situation for others. If negligent behavior does cause an injury, then the negligent person may be on the hook for the damages stemming from the injury. When you hire a personal injury attorney to represent you, one of the first things they will do is find the negligent parties. Determining negligence requires your personal injury attorney to review the injurious behavior and compare it with acceptable standards to see how it measures up. Hence, negligence is highly contextual. The following are the types of negligence that most commonly cause injury to others. Car Accidents Sadly, negligent and reckless driving are not rare occurrences, are preventable, and contribute to the injury crashes that occur every 16 minutes on South Carolina roadways. Because of the power that motor vehicles generate, accidents typically cause severe injuries and death. Common forms of negligence that cause car accidents include: Driving a motor vehicle while under the influence (DUI) Driving while texting, rubbernecking, or distracted Driving while fatigued or tired Driving an unsafe vehicle (e.g., one with bald tires or unsecured loads) Excessive speeding Failure to yield or obey traffic signs and signals At particular risk in vehicle accidents are motorcyclists. Accidents involving riders are more likely to cause fatalities, as was the case in this accident in the summer of 2022 near Wando Park Boulevard in Mount Pleasant. Premises Liability When an owner or tenant fails to maintain a property in a safe condition, they may be responsible to pay for injuries that occur there, and an experienced personal injury attorney can help you obtain compensation. Businesses, homes, schools, and other locations where people may walk or congregate must be kept reasonably safe. Typical examples of unsafe conditions found on premises include: Slippery surfaces, including sidewalks, hallways, and other walkways Cluttered walkways and doorways Poorly lit walkways and areas Broken steps and stairs Missing or faulty handrails Holes in the ground Dangerous animals Absent or inadequate security Fortunately, homeowners, businesses, and other organizations customarily have insurance policies that cover some or all of the injuries that occur on their properties, making it easier for a personal injury attorney to pursue compensation. Medical Malpractice Healthcare professionals are held to much higher standards of care than the average person. Because they treat the body and the mind directly, their errors can have grave consequences. Whatever the type of treatment, the chance of medical malpractice occurring is always real. Common medical malpractice situations include: Surgical error (e.g., wrong-site surgery and wrong-limb amputations) Misdiagnosis Delayed diagnosis Improper training Lack of supervision Prescription errors Failure to treat Doctors, nurses, technicians, and others directly involved in the treatment of an individual may all be held liable for medical malpractice when negligent.

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Car Accident Lawyer in Mount Pleasant, SC

With a car accident happening approximately every four minutes in South Carolina, it is likely that you will experience at least one wreck in your life. If you are injured, and the car crash was not your fault, you may have a valid claim for the damages you suffer, and an experienced car accident lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve. However, compensation for your injuries is never automatic. In fact, insurance companies regularly fight with injury victims over compensation. At Lowcountry Law, LLC, we help car accident injury victims get the funds they need to address the damage done to their lives. With our founder and Citadel graduate Matthew Breen at the helm, we have successfully recovered multiple millions of dollars for our car accident clients over the years. We may be able to do the same for you. If you have been injured in a car accident, you need time to heal, but you also need to pursue compensation for your injuries. With a car accident lawyer on your side, you get the time you need to recuperate and the peace of mind that comes with knowing your case is in good hands. Trust Lowcountry Law, LLC, to fight to get you compensation. Many others have, and so can you. Call our office in Mount Pleasant today for a free consultation. Other Drivers Owe You a Duty of Care Drivers on the road owe everyone else a duty of care. This means they are required to operate their vehicle in a safe and reasonable manner. When a driver violates this duty, their actions may be considered negligent. And if they cause an injury while behaving negligently, they may be responsible to pay for any losses they cause. Damages Owed by Negligent Drivers Negligent drivers create chaos and destroy lives. The forces under their control are powerful enough to easily injure and kill. Fortunately, the law gives injury victims and their families the power to hold negligent drivers accountable for their actions. When a negligent driver harms someone, the injuries may lead to all manner of financial damages, including: Expenses for medical treatment Loss of income and the ability to work Costs incurred to hire help around the home If the injury is particularly serious and leads to long-term debilitation, the damages listed above will be substantial. Years of medical care and time off work will cripple most people financially, which is why hiring a car accident lawyer in Mount Pleasant, SC, is important. Your lawyer will fight to ensure that your future needs are addressed. Financial damages are not the only recoverable losses that car accident victims and their families face. South Carolina law recognizes non-economic damages in addition to economic ones. Non-economic damages are those negative consequences that affect your emotional and psychological well-being. Although there are no objective price tags on non-economic damages as there are for economic damages (i.e. a medical bill), drivers responsible for causing them can be held to pay. Non-economic losses recognized in South Carolina include: Pain Suffering Inconvenience Mental anguish Emotional distress Loss of consortium Although lacking a verifiable price tag, each of these damages can be assigned a dollar amount that reflects an injury victim’s situation and injuries. Unlike some states, South Carolina does not place a cap on non-economic damages. In rare cases, punitive damages may be available to an injury victim. Punitive damages address particularly bad behavior by a defendant and are for the express purpose of punishing the defendant and not for compensating the victim. In order to receive an award for punitive damages, the claimant must prove that the defendant acted in a way that was willful, reckless, or wanton when they caused harm. Careless Driving There are many examples of negligent driving, all of which are preventable by making the right choices. Unfortunately, many drivers make the wrong choices and put others at risk by engaging in one or more of the following types of behaviors behind the wheel: Driving under the influence (DUI) of drugs or alcohol Distracted driving, such as texting while driving or rubbernecking Excessive speeding Failing to yield Failing to obey stop signs and traffic signals Driving while tired Driving while eating or drinking Additionally, driving a poorly maintained vehicle may also be a form of negligence. Whatever the cause of your injuries, you can trust Lowcountry Law, LLC, to represent you vigorously. Our car accident lawyer has been named a SuperLawyer for the past three years and is ready to review your case.

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Truck Accident Lawyer in Mount Pleasant, SC

Large commercial trucks are a common sight on Mount Pleasant roadways. They are also a common feature in severe and fatal traffic collisions. The National Safety Council reports that although large trucks account for only four percent of all registered vehicles, they are present in nearly one out of every ten fatal crashes in the United States. A large truck can do serious damage to your passenger car or truck and can leave you and your loved ones to deal with the aftermath. When truck drivers cause these crashes by careless or reckless driving, Lowcountry Law, LLC, is here to help hold such drivers and the companies that employ them accountable. If you or a family member suffered injuries or incurred other expenses, you may be entitled to compensation for these costs. Contact our Mount Pleasant truck accident lawyer immediately to discuss your case and learn about your legal options. Causes of Trucking Accidents in South Carolina Accidents rarely just happen. Instead, truck drivers who are careless behind the wheel may cause these terrible tragedies to occur. Additionally, truckers who willfully violate safety laws are a danger to other motorists, including you and your loved ones. The reasons truckers collide with other vehicles include: The truck driver is speeding or violating some other traffic safety law The trucker is distracted by something like a cellphone, radio traffic, or passenger The truck operator is tired or impaired by medications, drugs, or alcohol The trucker suffers from an undisclosed or untreated medical condition Truck drivers must be especially careful while driving. The truck’s size and weight mean that it takes longer for the truck to stop or maneuver in the event of an emergency. Even when a truck driver is otherwise careful, defects in the truck or others’ negligence and oversight can contribute to a crash. Examples of this include: The truck’s tires are not routinely inspected and replaced as needed The truck’s brakes are worn and ineffective An oversized load or trailer does not display the required warning signs and flags The truck’s load is overweight or unbalanced You may not know why the truck driver collided with you. But trust your truck accident lawyer with Lowcountry Law, LLC, to get to the bottom of your case. Our legal team is experienced in investigating these complicated collisions and will work tirelessly to identify the causes of your crash. But we do not stop there. Once the causes of your truck collision are identified, we aggressively pursue compensation for you from any person or business that played a role in your wreck. Call our office today for a free consultation. What to Do Following a Trucking Accident in South Carolina Crash scenes are chaotic, no matter the types of vehicles involved. But truck accidents are especially so, considering the likelihood of severe injuries. The scene of a truck crash can be a whirlwind of activity, with law enforcement, emergency medical personnel, and bystanders all running about. You may not know what to do or what to expect. Yet, these first minutes and hours can be crucial to your health, recovery, and legal rights. Consider the following tips following a collision with a truck: Do call for law enforcement or emergency medical help Don’t assume that because you feel fine that you’ve suffered no injuries Do meet with the truck driver if possible and get their name and employer’s name Don’t discuss the crash at the scene or admit fault Do speak with a truck accident lawyer as soon as possible Don’t agree to any settlement or resolution without speaking to legal counsel Your and your family’s health and safety are the top priority following a trucking accident. You may be injured and not even know it, given the adrenaline and excitement of a crash. Seeking prompt medical attention, either on the scene or at a hospital, can help mitigate any injuries you did sustain. Just like your health, your legal rights also need attention and protection. Our dedicated truck accident lawyer, Matthew Breen, can help you protect and assert your legal rights. Give our team a call and ask for your risk-free, complimentary case consultation. A comprehensive case review with our truck accident lawyer can give you clarity about your legal situation, the rights you have available, and how to exercise those rights. When to File a Trucking Crash Lawsuit South Carolina’s statute of limitations gives you three years from the date your crash occurred to file a lawsuit and ask for monetary compensation. This is known as the statute of limitations. Aside from when a few extenuating circumstances apply, you are not able to pursue compensation from the trucker, trucking company, or other responsible parties outside of this time period.

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Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Mount Pleasant, SC

When you think of motorcycles, you think of the open road, the wind blowing through your hair, and a lifestyle free from worries. You do not picture severe accidents, debilitating injuries, or long recovery periods. Yet freedom and risk are two sides of the same coin. Motorcyclists enjoy a greater sense of freedom than other motorists, but they are also at greater risk of being harmed on the road. Mount Pleasant motorcyclists are not immune to this reality. An inattentive or careless driver can unexpectedly cause a crash that leaves you with serious injuries. When this happens, your motorcycle accident lawyers at Lowcountry Law, LLC, stand ready to assist. Our attorney, Matthew Breen, has been recognized as a SuperLawyer for the past three years. We will use our knowledge and experience to fight for the compensation you deserve for your motorcycle wreck injuries. Common Factors Leading to Motorcycle Crashes In a 2019 published report, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) identified some of the common factors and circumstances that contribute to serious and fatal motorcycle collisions. Some of these factors include: Age of Motorcyclist Motorcyclists between the ages of 21 and 59 are at the greatest risk of being involved in a fatal motorcycle crash. The 29 to 34-year-old age group and the 65+-year-old age group experienced the greatest number of fatalities in 2019. The former group suffered 674 fatalities, and the latter group experienced 510 deaths in motorcycle wrecks. Alcohol Usage by Motorcyclists Of the 4,733 motorcyclists killed in wrecks during 2019, approximately 30 percent had a blood alcohol concentration of at least 0.08%. According to the NHTSA, motorcycle riders had the highest level of alcohol impairment of any type of motor vehicle operator killed in wrecks. Location of Crash NHTSA statistics reveal that motorcyclists were twice as likely to be killed while riding in urban areas than in rural areas. Additionally, about twice as many fatal crashes happened at areas other than intersections than happened at intersections. State Where Crash Occurred According to the NHTSA’s 2019 statistics, 140 motorcyclists lost their lives in motorcycle crashes. Some of the states with the highest number of motorcycle fatalities include Florida (559), California (451), and Texas (400). Although NHTSA’s statistics looked only at fatal motorcycle wrecks, these same factors also increase the likelihood of non-fatal motorcycle collisions. Our years of experience representing injured Mount Pleasant motorcyclists means we know how to investigate your crash. We will identify what led to your crash and help you seek compensation from those responsible for causing the wreck. Am I Entitled to Compensation? You may wonder if you even have a case with which a motorcycle accident lawyer can help. This is why we offer prospective clients a free, no-obligation case evaluation. Generally, you may be able to receive compensation for your losses and injuries if each of the four following circumstances is present in your case. They include: Negligence by Another If another motorist acted carelessly or recklessly, compensation might be available. What constitutes negligent or reckless behavior varies from case to case. However, common examples of negligent conduct behind the wheel include: Not looking for motorcyclists while driving Driving too fast for traffic or weather conditions Not using turn signals or working brake lights Driving while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or medications To put it another way, a driver is careless if another reasonable driver in their situation would have acted differently. Reckless conduct by a motorist signifies actions taken in disregard of a risk to others’ safety or property. Causation Next, the evidence from your wreck must show that the other motorist’s negligent or reckless conduct is what led to the crash. If the crash would have happened regardless of the motorist’s conduct, then causation may not be present. Oftentimes, there are several factors that precipitate a wreck, such as negligent conduct, weather, and visibility conditions. Your motorcycle accident attorney in Mount Pleasant will need to look at the evidence of your case, including crash reports and photographs of the scene, to evaluate whether causation is present.

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Pedestrian Accident Attorney in Mount Pleasant, SC

Pedestrians are perhaps the most vulnerable individuals in a traffic situation, a fact which is borne out by the injury and fatality figures dealing with accidents and pedestrians. Sadly, many of these accidents are due to the negligence of the driver, which means they are preventable and worthy of compensation for the victim. Lowcountry Law, LLC pursues justice for pedestrians who have been harmed in traffic accidents. Pedestrian accident attorney Matthew Breen understands how injuries can turn your life upside down. For this reason, he fights hard for the resources that you will need to rebuild and heal. Call our office for a free consultation to learn what we can do for you. Pedestrians Face Serious Consequences in Traffic Accidents The shells that cover automobiles protect passengers from harm, and motorcyclists and bicyclists have helmets and other protective equipment. However, pedestrians typically have only the normal clothes they wear and nothing else when interacting with traffic. Therefore, the chances that a pedestrian gets injured in an accident are much higher than for individuals in motor vehicles. The chances of a pedestrian dying in a car accident are also quite high. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 6,516 pedestrian fatalities in 2020 on roadways. As a pedestrian, you have the right to expect drivers to follow the rules of the road. Unfortunately, many are careless and cause pedestrian accidents, leaving victims facing catastrophic injuries and potentially years of expensive medical treatment and physical rehabilitation. How Pedestrian Accidents Occur Pedestrian injuries and fatalities are on the rise. Just ten years ago, there were consistently fewer than 5,000 pedestrian deaths annually. Yes, there are more drivers on the road today. However, the percentage of deaths is still higher now than back then, and they are still occurring under similar circumstances. Alcohol-Related Drunk driving continues to be common, and it continues to cause destruction. Drunk driving was involved in 47% of all pedestrian traffic fatalities in 2020, according to the NHTSA. Many alcohol-impaired drivers cause accidents that result in substantial losses for victims, which they should be made to cover. An experienced pedestrian accident attorney can help ensure you get the compensation you deserve. Time of Day Nighttime is the time of day that most pedestrian accidents occur, which makes sense for many reasons. First, visibility is much poorer at night than during the day, and pedestrians already suffer from being less visible to drivers. Second, more people drive under the influence of alcohol at night than during the day. Speed and Accidents Speed kills, and it increases the likelihood of a pedestrian suffering an accident. According to a report by the American Automobile Association’s (AAA) Foundation for Traffic Safety (FTS), the risk of serious injury and death increases exponentially in an accident as the velocity of the car increases. Looking at the data, we see that the risk of severe injury is roughly 10% when the vehicle is going just 16 mph. At 23 mph, the risk jumps to 25%, and it jumps to 50%, 75%, and 90% when the vehicle is going 31, 39, and 46 mph, respectively. The risk of death follows a similar pattern, with the risk of fatality being 10%-90% for crashes involving vehicles going 23-58 mph, respectively. Location Data from various organizations and agencies, including the National Safety Council (NSC), overwhelmingly demonstrate that most pedestrian accidents occur in urban settings, which makes sense given the high concentration of vehicles and distractions. Any place where pedestrians and vehicles cross paths can be the site of an injury accident, including: Roadways Crosswalks Intersections Medians Driveways Parking lots Sidewalks Bike lanes and paths However, fatal crashes tend to take place away from intersections with traffic controls. They often happen in locations where drivers are speeding and can’t react in time to avoid hitting a pedestrian.

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Slip and Fall Lawyer in Mount Pleasant, SC

Mount Pleasant residents are no strangers to the water and the unique hazards it can create. But water and weather are not the only slip and trip hazards that you can encounter in Mount Pleasant. Chemical or cleaning product spills, cords, wires, or carelessly placed items can all cause you to lose your footing and fall. These injury events can be more than simply embarrassing. Falls, especially for older individuals, can result in harm that could require considerable medical treatment. For this reason, persons who invite or allow others to come onto their property may be held responsible if that property is not safe. Holding property owners accountable for violating this legal duty can be challenging. That is why your slip and fall lawyer at Lowcountry Law, LLC is here to help. Our firm is experienced in slip and fall injury cases and will aggressively fight to hold negligent property owners responsible for the harm you and your loved ones suffer. Contact Lowcountry Law, LLC for a free consultation with our legal team today. Do I Have a Slip and Fall Case in Mount Pleasant? Whenever the owner of a residential or business property invites someone onto their property, that owner has certain legal obligations to that person. These obligations can depend on a variety of circumstances, including: Whether the visitor was specifically invited onto the property by the owner The purpose of the person visiting the property Whether the person visiting the property is an adult or child The nature of the hazards to be found on the property Business owners who open their property up to customers owe some of the most expansive duties to their guests. Business owners generally must undertake reasonable inspections of their properties in order to identify and clean up any spills or other hazards. Private individuals who invite you or your loved one over for a barbeque or social event also have a legal obligation to you, albeit a smaller one. Here, the property owner has to warn their guests of any dangerous conditions on the property that the owner should reasonably know about and that are not readily apparent to you and other guests. Trespassers are individuals who enter a property without the permission of the owner. Property owners generally have no legal obligation to warn trespassers of dangerous conditions on the property. Proprietors also do not have an obligation to inspect their property and identify dangers that might affect a trespasser. South Carolina Property Owners and Negligence To succeed in a slip and fall case, it is necessary for you to show that the owner of the property where your slip and fall accident happened violated their legal obligation. Thus, one of the first things you must show is that you were not a trespasser. If the property is not a business, you must present evidence that you were at the property at the owner’s invitation. You must next show that the property owner unreasonably violated that legal obligation. This can be challenging since the duties only require the property owner to take actions that are reasonable. However, a property owner or business owner may not act reasonably if: The property owner does not respond to customer complaints about a spill The spill or trip hazard is obvious and in a place that is clearly seen The property owner knew about the hazard or danger for some time The business proprietor does not make regular inspections of their property These obligations and requirements may seem confusing. That is why hiring a slip and fall lawyer in Mount Pleasant from Lowcountry Law, LLC is a good idea. As slip and fall lawyers in Mount Pleasant, we are familiar with premises liability laws and can analyze your case in Mount Pleasant, Myrtle Beach, or Charleston. We can not only determine whether the property owner was negligent in your case, but will also work to hold them accountable.

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Dog Bite Lawyer in Mount Pleasant, SC

It’s wonderful that people find companionship with dogs. However, some dog owners have dogs that will attack a human or another animal more readily than others. When this occurs, the victim has a near indisputable right to compensation for their injuries However, your right to compensation as a dog bite victim does not guarantee you the damages you deserve. The insurance company handling your claim will likely fight to pay you a much smaller compensation package than your case warrants. It is what their adjusters do every day, and it can save insurance companies millions of dollars. An experienced dog bite lawyer fights to prevent this from happening. Their work involves making the compensation figure go up instead of down. With the right skill and experience, a dog bite lawyer can get their client up to five or six times more compensation than the insurance company’s initial offering. Considering the losses dog bite victims experience, they need access to maximum compensation whenever possible. Consequences of Dog Bites With nearly 80 million dogs in the U.S., it’s no wonder there are over 4.5 million dog bites each year, and more than 800,000 of them need medical treatment. The injuries dogs inflict are painful and can be deadly, especially when more than one dog is involved. Common Dog Bite Injuries Some dogs have incredible jaw strength. Testing has shown that some dogs can exert over 700 PSI. The average dog can produce around 250 PSI, which is easily sufficient to cause a catastrophic injury or death. Injuries dog bite victims typically face are: Puncture wounds Abrasions Lacerations Broken and crushed bones Amputations Scarring and disfigurement Infections Rabies and other diseases Emotional injuries PTSD Treating these injuries can cost tens of thousands of dollars and lead to other economic losses, such as: Lost income from missing work Expenses for household care assistance Travel expenses for treatment Future medical costs Additionally, dog bite injury victims face intangible losses that affect them just as deeply as their out-of-pocket costs. They include: Pain and suffering Inconveniences Physical impairment Mental anguish Loss of society and companionship Emotional distress Loss of consortium If you have been bitten by a dog, you might be owed compensation for each of these losses, depending on the facts of your case. How to Get Compensation for a Dog Bite Dog bites are personal injury cases that require you to prove someone else was at fault for your injury. Normally, your attorney would have to demonstrate negligence. However, South Carolina law hits dog owners with strict liability for the injuries their dog’s cause. This means your attorney need only prove that the dog bite occurred instead of proving that the dog owner or handler was negligent. Your attorney will then have to prove that you suffered losses as a result of the dog bite. This is accomplished by presenting proof of medical treatment, loss of income, receipts, and similar documentation. The intangibles are not so easily calculated and truly require the services of a seasoned dog bite lawyer to help ensure the insurance company reaches a proper figure. Negotiations can be contentious with dog bite claims. As explained, insurance companies work hard to protect their profits and are never on the victim’s side. In cases that are particularly contentious, an insurance company might refuse to pay a just compensation figure. If this occurs, your dog bite lawyer may recommend going to trial. How Our Dog Bite Lawyer in Mount Pleasant Can Help At Lowcountry Law, LLC, we handle all of the legal work for our clients as they settle their lives after an attack. The last thing you need to concern yourself with is an insurance company trying to pay you less than what you deserve. With a dog bite lawyer handling your claim, your chances of getting a high payout increase. Educated at the Citadel, attorney Matthew Breen founded Lowcountry Law on principles of justice, integrity, and discipline, which is why Lowcountry Law represents injury victims. He knows how hard insurance companies try to pay less for valid claims, and they know he counters that effort with ceaseless dedication. When you trust Lowcountry Law to manage your claim, you get the benefit of working with a firm that: Handles all legal paperwork for you, including drafting and filing claims Investigates your dog bite attack and collects relevant evidence Engages in negotiations with the insurance company on your behalf Hires relevant experts and investigators Represents you at trial when necessary We also keep you well informed as to the progress of your claim and give you a round-the-clock line to your dog bite lawyer. Call Lowcountry Law to set up a complimentary consultation today.

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Uber Accident Attorney in Mount Pleasant, SC

Ride-sharing services like Uber, LYFT, and others are an integral part of many cities’ and suburbs’ transportation systems. According to Pew Research, the percentage of individuals using rideshare services more than doubled nationwide from 2015 to 2018, rising from 15 percent to 36 percent. Residents of Mount Pleasant also make use of ride-sharing services. With these services, you or your loved ones can get around town when you may not be in any shape to drive. Or if you simply don’t want the hassle of driving your own vehicle, a rideshare service is often a convenient option. Just like any other motorist, though, a rideshare driver may not drive with due care for safety. Nor is riding in a rideshare vehicle a guarantee that you will not be in a collision. You and your loved one may still be hurt even while in a rideshare car, and may still suffer injuries as a result. Investigating a rideshare accident can be even more complex than other motor vehicle accidents. Suing Uber or LYFT may not be an option, and not bringing suit against the appropriate individuals can increase the time it takes for you to receive compensation. Trust Lowcountry Law, LLC’s Uber accident attorney with investigating and pursuing your case in Mount Pleasant, Charleston, or Myrtle Beach. We can unravel the complexities of your case and will help you get compensation as quickly as possible. Uber or LYFT May Not Be Responsible for Your Injuries Your first thought after a rideshare accident may be to sue Uber, LYFT, or whatever rideshare company with which the driver is associated. Generally, employers are responsible for the injuries caused by the carelessness of their employees. However, Uber, LYFT, and other rideshare companies have long considered their drivers to be independent contractors. This means that the rideshare company may not be responsible for paying you compensation. Uber’s insurance coverage depends on when the accident occurs during the ride-sharing process. When Waiting on a Ride Request When a rideshare driver has not received a ride request, Uber’s insurance will provide limited liability coverage in accidents involving its drivers. For this reason, rideshare drivers must carry their own private liability insurance. Many insurance companies will require their insured clients to carry rideshare-specific policies. When Traveling to Pick Up a Ride Different rules apply when the driver is on the way to pick up a ride request. During this time period, Uber provides a generous liability policy to cover injuries to the rideshare driver and others hurt in any accident. However, accessing this policy’s benefits depends on proving that the driver did in fact receive a ride request and was traveling to pick up that person. When Traveling with an Uber Passenger When the rideshare driver is traveling with a passenger picked up through the app, the same generous insurance policy would apply. If you or a loved one is hurt while riding in an Uber vehicle, or if you are another motorist or pedestrian and are injured by an Uber driver, this insurance policy offered through Uber would be the primary source of benefits. Other Motorists May Be Responsible, Too If another vehicle crashes into your rideshare vehicle because of negligence, then that motorist and their insurance may be responsible for compensating you for your injuries. Your Mount Pleasant Uber accident attorney is best suited to determine whether Uber, LYFT, or the ride-sharing company’s insurance policy is the best source for compensation. At Lowcountry Law, LLC, our commitment is to you and to your recovery in South Carolina. Whether from Uber, the rideshare driver, or someone else, our Uber accident attorney will help you obtain the compensation you need. Who Can Be Injured by Rideshare Drivers? Uber or rideshare passengers are not the only ones who can be hurt in an accident. If you are the rideshare driver, you yourself may be hurt in a crash caused by another motorist. Or perhaps you are the other motorist, and your car was struck by an Uber or LYFT driver. Just because you or your loved one was not a passenger in an Uber vehicle does not mean you are not entitled to receive compensation after a crash. Any motorist, pedestrian, or other person who is hurt by an Uber driver’s carelessness may be eligible for compensation for their injuries.

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Wrongful Death Attorney in Mount Pleasant, SC

If you have lost a loved one at the hands of another person, Lowcountry Law, LLC, can help you understand your options for getting justice. While the criminal court seeks justice on behalf of the deceased individual, certain survivors of wrongful death victims may also seek justice and compensation for their losses. At Lowcountry Law, we invite you to schedule a free consultation and case evaluation with our wrongful death attorney, who can help you determine what your next decision should be. We understand the pain and loss of death, so we work vigorously to get our clients significant compensation and deliver it into their hands as quickly as possible. Call our Mount Pleasant office to set up a free consultation with a wrongful death attorney today. Justice for the Loss of Your Loved One People pass away every day. It is a natural part of life. Sadly, some of these deaths are directly and unjustifiably caused by others, leaving victims’ loved ones in a world of pain and shock. If you have lost someone, you understand the finality of death and know that there is nothing that can bring your loved one back. However, you may be entitled to financial relief from your economic and non-economic losses. A wrongful death attorney may be able to help. End-of-Life Care Wrongful death sometimes occurs long after the accident that causes it. For example, a car accident victim may survive days, months, or years after the wreck before they pass away from their injuries. The treatment they receive before dying is usually costly, time-consuming, and strains families to their financial limits. Lost Income When a breadwinner dies, their dependents lose out on valuable resources needed to cover basic living costs, such as housing, food, clothing, education, and transportation. If a deceased individual was expected to have many more years of work, then a wrongful death takes years of income away from the family. End-of-Life Expenses According to a report by the National Funeral Director Association (NFDA), the average cost of a funeral and burial in 2021 was roughly $7,000. Add these to other end-of-life costs, and you are easily into five digits. Eligible Claimants Under South Carolina law, only certain individuals may seek compensation through a wrongful death claim on behalf of a deceased individual. Their administrator or executor will file the case on behalf of the eligible parties, which may include their: Wife or husband Children Parents, if there are no children or spouse In the event there are no children, spouses, or parents, the decedent’s legal heirs will be the beneficiary of the wrongful death claim. If no administrator or executor has been appointed in a will, the court will appoint someone to fill the role. An experienced wrongful death attorney will help you navigate this process if needed. Distribution of Wrongful Death Benefits Once a settlement or verdict has been reached, the proceeds are distributed according to South Carolina intestacy laws, which see the surviving spouse getting half of the compensation and award and the other half going to the children. If there are no children, the spouse gets the entire amount and vice-versa. When the surviving children are minors, they cannot legally be directly awarded the proceeds of a wrongful death suit. As such, a trust is usually established in the child’s name until they reach the age of majority. If there are no children and no spouse, the surviving parents will split the proceeds, pending a probate judge’s approval of the settlement. How Lowcountry Law Helps You Get Justice for Your Loved One Lowcountry Law’s wrongful death attorney will handle every aspect of your claim so you have time to grieve and take care of important business. You should not have to go head to head with an insurance company for compensation. Let wrongful death attorney Matthew Breen take the reins for you and pursue the compensation you deserve, just like so many have done in the past. When Lowcountry Law takes your case, we take care of everything, including: Making sure all paperwork is complete and filed Calculating damages Fiercely negotiating with insurance companies for maximum compensation Collecting essential evidence for your wrongful death claim Taking your case to trial if necessary We also hire and consult with top experts when needed, such as when medical malpractice results in a death, and we hire professional investigators to assist us in building your case. If you want effective representation, choose a wrongful death attorney who has been named a SuperLawyer for three years running (2020-2022), and call attorney Matthew Breen at Lowcountry Law today.

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Nursing Home Abuse Attorney in Mount Pleasant, SC

Nursing home abuse is a tragic occurrence that destroys lives and saddles people with heavy financial and emotional losses. Nursing home abuse attorneys represent abuse victims and their loved ones to help them get justice — including compensation for injuries and emotional and psychological harms. If you are looking for an experienced nursing home abuse attorney who will take swift action, look no further than attorney Matthew Breen. Years of training at The Citadel and even more years fighting for clients have made him a formidable attorney of action who is more than prepared to fight for his clients’ needs. Call Lowcountry Law, LLC, today for a free consultation and case review from an experienced nursing home abuse attorney. Types of Abuse in Nursing Homes The abuse that occurs in residential care centers can take several different forms. Any treatment — or lack of treatment — that results in physical or psychological harm to residents could be considered abuse. The following are types of nursing home abuse and the injuries that result from it. Physical Abuse Tragically, some nursing home residents become victims of serious physical abuse by a staff member or by other residents. Regardless of the source, it is the specific duty of the nursing home to ensure the safety and well-being of its residents. When physical abuse occurs in nursing homes (about 30% of all reported cases of abuse), it is not limited to striking or kicking a resident. Also included are pushing and shoving, restraining (both physically and chemically), and other forms of physical molestation that harm. Emotional and Other Forms of Non-Physical Abuse Various forms of emotional abuse exist, all of which significantly decrease a resident’s quality of life and may lead to certain stress disorders. Threats and bullying are two insidious forms of emotional abuse that can lead to violence. Another form of non-physical abuse is financial abuse, which is increasing faster than any other type of abuse. Residents may lose hard cash, jewelry, and other valuable items from their rooms. They can also be taken advantage of by staff or other residents who trick them into signing over valuable property or money. Neglect Neglect refers to substandard or absent care. In the realm of sustenance, neglect occurs when a resident fails to receive the food or water they need to remain healthy. Sometimes, the issue involves too little food, and other times the opposite is the case. Neglect also occurs in the realm of hygiene. Some residents are utterly reliant upon nursing home staff to keep them clean, and most need their living quarters cleaned as well as their bedding and towels. When these are neglected, all humans, especially the elderly and the very young, start to deteriorate and develop negative health conditions. Falls Many forms of negligence in nursing homes lead to residents falling and becoming injured, including: Slippery and cluttered nursing home floors and doorways Broken beds and furniture Faulty or absent handrails Dangerous landscaping Holes and uneven walking surfaces Poorly lit walkways and common areas In cases of abuse, the falls often come about through direct physical assault from a staff member or another resident. Medical Malpractice Doctors, nurses, technicians, and other healthcare workers can all be held liable for medical malpractice, which occurs when any of these deliver substandard medical care. Sadly, medical malpractice against the young and elderly can be particularly harmful. In the nursing home setting, medical malpractice may be caused by medical professionals who are on staff at the nursing home or by healthcare professionals at another facility that the abused elder visited for care, such as a clinic. Nursing Home Abuse Injuries The abuse and neglect listed above can lead to severe injuries and even death, especially when it continues on a regular basis. This is why it’s essential to act quickly to help your loved one before they develop one or some of the following injuries: Bedsores and pressure ulcers Head injuries Dehydration Malnutrition Broken bones Internal injuries Infections In many cases, nursing home residents begin their stays with preexisting conditions. When they face abuse, their conditions may become exacerbated and quickly lead to their deterioration.

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Workers’ Compensation Lawyer in Mount Pleasant, SC

From the sterile hospital hallway to the noisy construction job site, a workplace accident can happen in the blink of an eye. In 2020, employers across the U.S. reported 2.7 million cases of workplace injuries and illnesses, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Following a workplace injury, you may not be able to return to work right away. You may need treatment and your doctor’s permission before resuming work. You may even be permanently restricted from returning to work at all. Any of these situations can cause financial difficulties for you and your family as you seek to pay for necessary treatment while meeting your daily expenses. South Carolina’s workers’ compensation laws may provide compensation to you. Accessing these benefits, however, is not always easy to do. A workers’ compensation lawyer from Lowcountry Law, LLC can assist you in navigating the workers’ compensation laws and receiving monetary benefits. Lowcountry Law, LLC provides free initial consultations to all its workers’ compensation clients, so we can show you how we will help resolve your case in Mount Pleasant, Myrtle Beach, and Charleston. Workers’ Compensation Laws in South Carolina South Carolina law establishes the workers’ compensation system. This system requires most employers to provide this sort of coverage for its employees. Workers’ compensation provides monetary benefits to covered employees who are injured or become ill while on the job. In many cases, workers’ compensation benefits are available no matter the type of injury or illness. Whether you trip and break your ankle while going up stairs or you inhale toxic fumes and develop an infection, you would still be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. Workers’ compensation benefits are also available even if you may have caused or contributed to your injury incident. Similarly, these benefits are available if you are hurt by the negligence of someone else who is not an employee of your company. All that is required is that the injury or illness occurs while you are at work and on the job. Speak with a Mount Pleasant workers’ compensation lawyer if you have questions about whether your workplace injury accident is covered. How a Mount Pleasant Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Can Help You Unfortunately, even though your injury may occur while you are at work, you may still have trouble obtaining workers’ compensation benefits. Your claim may be denied if the available evidence does not clearly establish your injury happened during the course of your employment. Compensation benefits may also be denied if your employer is not participating in the workers’ compensation program. Your employer may not provide workers’ compensation benefits to you if: You are an independent contractor and not an employee of your employer Your employer has fewer than four employees Your employer’s annual payroll is less than $3,000 You are an agricultural worker accepted from Farm Labor laws You are a railroad employee exempted from the Federal Employers Liability Act These exemptions to the general rule that employers must carry workers’ compensation coverage for their employees can be difficult to understand. Your workers’ compensation lawyer is available to determine whether these valuable benefits are available to you and what can be done if they are not available in your case.

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Construction Accident Attorney in Mount Pleasant, SC

As one of the fastest growing areas of Charleston in the late 1990s and early 2000s, construction job sites are a common sight for many Mount Pleasant residents. These job sites are often a hive of activity and a haven for hazards that can seriously injure workers and the general public. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that in 2020, there were nearly 17,000 nonfatal injuries on construction sites in the United States. This number only represents private construction workers, however. It does not account for injuries that can and do occur to municipal and state construction workers, as well as motorists and pedestrians who pass by job sites. Construction companies and forepersons have a responsibility to encourage safety. This is for the benefit of their workers and others who can be hurt in the event of an accident. Lowcountry Law, LLC is your construction accident attorney in Mount Pleasant. If you or a loved one have been hurt on a construction site in Mount Pleasant, Myrtle Beach, or Charleston, let us assist you. You may have a legal case and be entitled to monetary compensation. Types of Construction Site Mishaps and Accidents Many construction sites are littered with power tools, heavy equipment, ladders, scaffolding, and loose hand tools. Any one of these can be the cause of a construction site accident. Common ways that workers and bystanders can be hurt include: Falls Falls from ladders, scaffolding, and high places account for a large percentage of construction site injuries. While workers who are in a hurry might contribute to the approximately 3,500 falls that happen each year, there may be other causes as well. Supervisors who demand workers hurry to meet a deadline can create an environment where accidents happen. Forcing workers to use scaffoldings and ladders that are defective or have not been inspected can also increase the likelihood of an accident. Finally, not providing workers with safety gear like harnesses and helmets increases the chance of serious injuries in the event of a fall. Falls can lead to serious injuries. If you strike your head, you may suffer a concussion or traumatic brain injury. Landing on your back can cause a spinal cord injury. Broken bones and bruises are also common injuries following a fall. An experienced construction accident attorney can help you navigate an injury resulting from a job site fall. Strikes by Falling Objects Construction workers who do not secure their tools or materials when working at height may cause injuries to people below. Construction workers may be protected with a hard hat, but pedestrians walking by may not have any such protection. Being hit by a falling object may cause a surprising amount of harm, especially if you do not have appropriate head protection. Even a hand tool like a hammer or screwdriver, dropped from a ladder or platform, can cause blunt force trauma to your head. Bleeding and bruising can follow. In some extreme cases, a concussion or more serious injury can result. Heavy Machinery Accidents Dump trucks, excavators, and other items of heavy machinery are in constant motion on many job sites. While these machines are designed to move heavy loads and large volumes of earth, they are not designed to give the operator a great view around the machine. People on foot and smaller cars nearby can easily be missed by the operator. Operators of heavy machinery must be properly trained on how to safely operate that machinery. Having an unqualified worker attempt to operate heavy machinery places that worker and others at risk. The worker, the worker’s supervisor, and the employer may all share the blame when someone gets hurt as a result. If you or a loved one is hurt on or near a construction job site, it is crucial to find out exactly what happened. Your ability to recover compensation for your injuries depends on uncovering whether one or more individuals behaved carelessly or recklessly. Your construction accident attorney can help you do this. At Lowcountry Law, LLC, we are experienced in investigating construction site accidents. A construction accident attorney is equipped with the knowledge and experience to evaluate the facts and determine liability. Our legal team can identify whether negligence played a role in your injury accident and who may be at fault. Contact us to discuss your case during a free, no-obligation case consultation.

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Traumatic Brain Injury Attorney in Mount Pleasant, SC

Much has been learned in recent years about the human brain. However, much remains a mystery to scientists and medical professionals. What is known, however, is that injuries and trauma to the brain can lead to harm and limitations that last long after the initial injury occurred. Traumatic brain injuries can come about by a variety of means in Mount Pleasant. While some are the result of true accidents, others occur because of the negligent behaviors of others. Those who cause traumatic brain injuries to you or your loved one may be held responsible through a personal injury lawsuit. You and your family may be fearful and worried about the future after being diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury. At Lowcountry Law, LLC, our traumatic brain injury attorney is prepared to help guide you through the process of obtaining compensation. Traumatic Brain Injury Statistics A traumatic brain injury is more than a simple bump on the head. And yet, a traumatic brain injury does not always result in unconsciousness or immediate loss of function. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) describe a traumatic brain injury (TBI) as any injury that impacts how the brain works. The CDC reports that 176 individuals in America die from TBIs every day. In 2019, the most recent year for which statistics are available, over 223,000 Americans were hospitalized with a traumatic brain injury. Even greater numbers of milder TBIs are treated every year but do not result in hospitalization. Causes and Severity of Traumatic Brain Injuries Even though traumatic brain injuries can result in the same constellation of symptoms and consequences, the causes of traumatic brain injuries can vary. The most common ways that a traumatic brain injury can occur include: Motor Vehicle Wrecks The violence and forces involved in even a low-speed car or truck crash can cause your head to snap back and forth quickly. This can happen even if you are wearing your seat belt and your airbag deploys correctly. When your head whiplashes like this, your brain can be jostled and hit the interior of your skull, causing trauma. Slip and Fall or Trip and Fall Accidents A slip and fall or trip and fall incident can send you or your loved one tumbling to the floor. If you are not able to catch yourself in time, you can hit your head on the ground or another hard surface as you fall. Even a fall from such a short distance can cause significant trauma and injury to the brain. Falls and Other Workplace Injuries Construction sites are especially notorious for workplace injuries, but any job site can present hazards. Falls and being hit on the head by falling objects like tools can cause blunt force trauma injuries to the exterior of the head and TBIs. Traumatic brain injuries in the workplace are an even greater risk when your employer does not give you head protection or safety equipment. Sports Injuries Researchers and medical professionals have just recently begun exploring the connection between full-contact sports and brain injuries. Sports like football, soccer, and hockey are most likely to result in contact between your head and some other object, but any sport has this potential. Playing sports with appropriate protective gear may not be enough to fully remove the risk of a traumatic brain injury. Players who do not practice safe contact methods with other players may carelessly hit you or your loved one in such a way that a traumatic brain injury occurs. One of the first things your Mount Pleasant traumatic brain injury attorney will want to know is how you believe your TBI came about. This helps your traumatic brain injury attorney know who may be responsible and where to look for evidence. At Lowcountry Law, LLC, we offer a risk-free, complimentary case consultation to clients. This enables you to learn more about your legal rights and how our firm can assist you during this time.

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Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer in Mount Pleasant, SC

Injuring your spinal cord in a Mount Pleasant accident can be a painful and frustrating experience. As the body’s nerve superhighway, the spinal cord must function properly in order to carry and receive sensations and commands between the body and the brain. When this highway becomes damaged or severed, it can take considerable time and treatment to return to normal. Accidents like slips and falls and car wrecks, brought about by the negligent conduct of others, can lead to spinal cord injuries. When this happens, you need the skilled assistance and representation of an experienced spinal cord injury lawyer. Lowcountry Law, LLC is available to help you and your loved ones in Mount Pleasant, Myrtle Beach, and Charleston following a personal injury accident. If you have been diagnosed with spinal cord damage following an accident, discuss your situation with our spinal cord injury lawyer. We may be able to help you recover compensation. How Spinal Cord Injuries Happen in Mount Pleasant The National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center (NSCISC) reported in 2020 that approximately 18,000 new spinal cord injuries happen each year. A new spinal cord injury occurs every hour of every day, according to the University of Miami’s The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis. The National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center also identifies several common ways in which spinal cord injuries can happen. Motor Vehicle Wrecks The NSCISC’s data shows that nearly 40 percent of all spinal cord injuries happen as a result of a vehicle crash. Many car, truck, and motorcycle accidents happen because a driver is not paying attention behind the wheel or is impaired by alcohol or drugs. Falls, Slips, and Trips Another common way in which your spinal cord may suffer harm is through a fall, slip, or trip. Even falls from a standing height can injure your back and spinal cord. Falls from greater heights, such as from a ladder, carry an even greater risk of spinal cord damage. Employers and property owners who allow fall hazards to exist or who do not provide safety instructions and equipment for their employees may be responsible for paying damages if a spinal cord injury happens as a result. Criminal Acts Acts of violence and other criminal acts also account for a surprising number of spinal cord injuries. Gunshot wounds that strike or sever the spinal cord and column are the most common examples of criminal acts that lead to spinal cord injuries. Even if the person did not intend to commit a crime, they might still be liable for civil damages. Other Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries in Mount Pleasant Sports-related injuries can also result in spinal cord injury. Contact sports like football and soccer, where players frequently collide with one another with significant force, can easily lead to spinal cord injuries if players are not careful. Coaches should ensure players know how to play safely and are provided with appropriate safety gear. Finally, medical or surgical mistakes can lead to a spinal cord injury if doctors and medical staff do not exercise due care. Operating on the wrong body part, not exercising care when operating on the back, or using improper techniques to move a patient are just some of the ways this can occur. Let your South Carolina spinal cord injury lawyer at Lowcountry Law, LLC assist you in recovering from your injuries. If your spinal cord injury occurred because someone was not careful or did not fulfill their duty to protect you, our firm can help you recover compensation from them.

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