How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in South Carolina?

Most personal injury claims in South Carolina must be filed within three years of the date of injury under SC Code § 15-3-530. Critical exceptions apply: if the injured party is a minor, the clock does not start until they turn 18. If a government entity — the City of Charleston, a state agency, MUSC — is involved, you must serve written notice within one year under the SC Tort Claims Act § 15-78-80. Many clients lose valid government claims because they assumed they had three years. Contact an attorney as soon as possible after your injury to protect your right to compensation.

What is South Carolina's comparative fault rule and how does it affect my claim?

South Carolina follows a modified comparative fault standard under § 15-38-15. If you are found partially responsible for the accident, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. You can still recover — unless your share of fault reaches 51% or more, at which point you are barred from recovery entirely. Insurance companies routinely attempt to assign claimants partial fault to reduce payouts. Marin & Murphy builds cases specifically to contest fault attribution from the first day of investigation.

How much is my personal injury case worth in Charleston?

South Carolina does not cap compensatory damages in personal injury cases. Case value depends on all medical expenses incurred and projected future costs, lost wages and reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering and emotional distress, property damage, loss of consortium, and the availability of insurance coverage to pay a judgment. Marin & Murphy analyzes all of these factors during your free case evaluation.

What should I do immediately after an accident or injury in Charleston?

Call 911 and seek medical attention, even if you feel fine. Document everything: take photographs of the scene, vehicles, hazardous conditions, and your visible injuries. Get names and contact information for any witnesses. Do not give a recorded statement to any insurance company — including your own — before speaking with an attorney. Call Marin & Murphy at (843) 642-2449.

How does a contingency fee work for Charleston personal injury cases?

Marin & Murphy represents personal injury clients on a contingency fee basis. You pay no upfront fee, no hourly rate, and no retainer. The firm's fee is a percentage of the amount recovered on your behalf — if there is no recovery, you owe no attorney fees. Case-related expenses such as court filing fees, expert witnesses, and medical records are explained before you sign any engagement agreement.

The insurance company already offered me a settlement. Should I accept it?

Early settlement offers are almost always lower than the documented value of your claim. Adjusters are trained to close files quickly — before your full medical picture is established, before you have consulted an attorney, and before future costs are calculated. Marin & Murphy evaluates initial offers against your actual economic and non-economic damages. Once you accept a settlement and sign a release, you cannot return for additional compensation even if your condition worsens.

What if I wait to see how my injuries develop before contacting a lawyer?

Waiting is one of the most common and most costly mistakes personal injury victims make. Surveillance footage is typically overwritten within 30 days. In truck accident cases, electronic logging device data is deleted at the next routine inspection unless a preservation letter was sent immediately. Black box data from commercial trucks is deleted at the next inspection unless someone demands its preservation in writing. Every day you wait is a day closer to the three-year statute of limitations under SC Code § 15-3-530.

Charleston Personal Injury Lawyer | Marin & Murphy Law

If you have been injured in an accident in Charleston, South Carolina, you are likely facing medical bills, lost income, and insurance companies that are working to minimize what they pay you. You did not cause this situation — and you should not have to navigate it alone.

Attorney Matthew T. Marin represents individuals and families across the Charleston metro area who have been hurt because of someone else’s negligence. Whether your injury happened on I-26, at a downtown intersection, or on the water near Shem Creek, he works to make sure you receive full and fair compensation for what you have been through.

Call (843) 642-2449 for a free consultation. There are no upfront fees — you owe no attorney’s fee unless there is a recovery. No fee unless there is a recovery — and no case expenses either. Our fee is a percentage of the gross recovery, calculated before case expenses are deducted. Case expenses are then paid from the recovery. If there is no recovery, you owe no attorney’s fee and no case expenses.

Why Hire a Personal Injury Attorney in Charleston, SC

South Carolina is an at-fault state. The person who caused your accident — or their insurance company — is financially responsible for your damages. But insurance adjusters are trained to settle claims quickly and for as little as possible. They may contact you within days of your accident with a lowball offer that does not reflect the full cost of your injuries.

A Charleston personal injury attorney handles the work that protects your claim. Matt Marin investigates the accident, preserves time-sensitive evidence, communicates with insurance companies on your behalf, and builds a case that accounts for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, he is prepared to take your case to trial at the Charleston County Courthouse on Broad Street.

You focus on getting better. Your attorney handles the legal fight.

Types of Personal Injury Cases We Handle in Charleston

Marin & Murphy Law represents injured clients across a wide range of accident and injury claims in Charleston and the surrounding Lowcountry. Every case begins with a free, confidential consultation to evaluate your situation and explain your legal options.

Car Accidents

Charleston’s roads see thousands of collisions every year. I-26, I-526, US-17, Folly Road, and the James Island Connector are among the most dangerous corridors in the region. Whether you were rear-ended in Mount Pleasant traffic, hit at an intersection on James Island, or involved in a highway crash in North Charleston, a Charleston car accident lawyer can help you pursue the compensation you are owed.

Truck Accidents

Collisions involving commercial trucks and 18-wheelers often result in catastrophic injuries. These cases involve complex liability questions — driver fatigue, improper cargo loading, trucking company negligence, and federal regulations that do not apply to standard car accident claims. Our Charleston truck accident lawyer knows how to investigate these cases and hold the responsible parties accountable.

Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcyclists are among the most vulnerable road users in the Charleston area, and injuries from motorcycle crashes tend to be severe. If a negligent driver caused your motorcycle accident, our Charleston motorcycle accident lawyer can help protect your rights and pursue fair compensation.

Slip and Fall Injuries

Property owners in South Carolina have a legal duty to maintain safe conditions for visitors. From the historic cobblestone sidewalks on Chalmers Street to wet floors in King Street retail shops, dangerous conditions cause serious injuries every day. If you were hurt on someone else’s property, talk to a slip and fall lawyer in Charleston about your options.

Dog Bites

South Carolina’s strict liability statute (S.C. Code Ann. § 47-3-110) holds dog owners responsible when their animal attacks someone — regardless of whether the dog has bitten anyone before. You do not need to prove the owner knew the dog was dangerous. Our Charleston dog bite lawyer can explain how this law applies to your case.

Premises Liability

When dangerous conditions on someone’s property cause injury — inadequate security, broken stairways, poor lighting, or structural hazards — the property owner may be held liable. A premises liability attorney in Charleston can evaluate your claim and determine who is responsible.

Boating Accidents

Charleston Harbor, Shem Creek, and the Intracoastal Waterway are busy recreational waters year-round. Boating accidents can involve complex intersections of maritime law and South Carolina state law. Our Charleston boating accident lawyer handles claims for injured passengers, swimmers, kayakers, and boaters throughout the Lowcountry.

Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrians struck by vehicles on East Bay Street, Morrison Drive, Meeting Street, or the Crosstown Expressway face serious and often life-altering injuries. Drivers who fail to yield to pedestrians can be held liable for the harm they cause. A pedestrian accident lawyer in Charleston can help you hold the negligent driver accountable.

Bus Accidents

Accidents involving CARTA buses, charter vehicles, or school buses raise questions about government liability and the South Carolina Tort Claims Act. Filing deadlines for claims against public entities are significantly shorter than standard personal injury deadlines — 180 days instead of three years. Our Charleston bus accident lawyer understands the specific procedures these cases require.

Bicycle Accidents

Cyclists on East Bay Street, Morrison Drive, and the West Ashley Greenway are at risk from distracted and negligent drivers. South Carolina law gives bicyclists the same rights as motor vehicles on the road. If a driver caused your bicycle crash, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, medical bills, and damaged equipment.

Our Charleston bicycle accident lawyer can evaluate bicycle crash claims. Golf cart injuries on Isle of Palms, Sullivan’s Island, and other Lowcountry communities have their own rules of the road — our Charleston golf cart accident lawyer handles those cases as well.

Not sure whether your situation qualifies for a personal injury claim? Call (843) 642-2449 to discuss the details with attorney Matt Marin at no cost.

How South Carolina Personal Injury Law Works

Understanding the legal framework that applies to your case helps you make informed decisions. Here is how South Carolina handles personal injury claims.

At-Fault System and Comparative Negligence

South Carolina follows a modified comparative negligence system under S.C. Code Ann. § 15-38-15. You can recover damages as long as you are not more than 50% responsible for the accident. Your compensation is reduced by your share of fault. For example, if a jury finds you 30% at fault and awards $200,000 in damages, you would receive $140,000.

Statute of Limitations

Under S.C. Code Ann. § 15-3-530, you have three years from the date of your injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. Wrongful death claims also carry a three-year deadline under S.C. Code Ann. § 15-3-545. Claims against a government entity — such as a CARTA bus accident or a dangerous road condition maintained by the city — require a notice of claim within 180 days under the SC Tort Claims Act (S.C. Code Ann. § 15-78-80). Missing these deadlines can permanently bar your claim.

Types of Damages You Can Recover

South Carolina personal injury law allows you to seek compensation for both economic and non-economic losses:

Medical expenses — past, current, and anticipated future treatment
Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Loss of enjoyment of life
Property damage
Punitive damages (in cases involving reckless, willful, or wanton conduct)

What to Expect When You Call Our Charleston Office

Reaching out to a personal injury lawyer can feel like a big step. Here is what happens when you contact Marin & Murphy Law.

Free Consultation

We listen to your story, review the facts, and give you an honest assessment of your case. There is no obligation and no pressure. If we do not believe you have a viable claim, we will tell you directly.

No Upfront Costs

We work on a contingency fee basis. You pay no attorney fees unless there is a recovery compensation for you. The costs of pursuing your case — filing fees, medical records, witness consultations, depositions — are advanced by the firm.

Investigation and Evidence Preservation

Time-sensitive evidence can disappear quickly after an accident. Surveillance footage gets overwritten, skid marks fade, and witnesses forget details. Matt Marin moves quickly to preserve the evidence that supports your claim — including accident reports, medical records, witness statements, and any available video footage.

Negotiation and Litigation

Most personal injury cases in Charleston resolve through negotiation with the insurance company. Matt Marin prepares every case as if it will go to trial, which strengthens your negotiating position. If the insurer refuses to offer fair compensation, he is prepared to present your case before a jury at the Charleston County Courthouse.

Serving the Charleston Metro Area and Lowcountry

Our office is located at 997 Morrison Dr Ste 200 in downtown Charleston — steps from the Charleston County Courthouse. We represent injured clients throughout Charleston County and the surrounding Lowcountry, including:

Downtown Charleston and the Peninsula
West Ashley
James Island and Johns Island
Mount Pleasant and Daniel Island
North Charleston and Park Circle
Isle of Palms, Sullivan’s Island, and Folly Beach

We also handle cases involving accidents on the region’s busiest corridors — I-26, I-526, the James Island Connector, US-17, Folly Road, Morrison Drive, and the Crosstown Expressway. If your accident happened anywhere in the greater Charleston area, we can help.

Injured in the Goose Creek or Berkeley County area? Attorney Matt Marin also serves clients as a personal injury lawyer in Goose Creek.

Talk to a Charleston Personal Injury Lawyer Today

You do not have to figure this out on your own. If you or someone in your family has been injured in an accident in Charleston, attorney Matthew T. Marin is here to help you understand your options and fight for the compensation available under the law.

Call (843) 642-2449 or fill out the form on this page to schedule your free consultation. There are no upfront fees, and you owe no attorney’s fee unless there is a recovery.

Marin & Murphy Law — 997 Morrison Dr Ste 200, Charleston, SC 29403