Proven Advocates for Injury Victims in Myrtle Beach and Florence
When a serious injury disrupts your life, you need attorneys who combine courtroom skill with genuine commitment to your recovery. At Willcox, Buyck & Williams, PA, our South Carolina personal injury attorneys have protected the rights of injured individuals and families since 1895. From our offices in Florence and Myrtle Beach, we handle car accidents, truck collisions, premises liability claims, wrongful death cases, and other negligence-based injuries across eastern South Carolina. We pursue the full compensation you deserve while providing the focused, one-on-one attention that defines our firm.
Why Choose Willcox, Buyck & Williams, PA
Selecting the right personal injury firm can directly affect the outcome of your case. Our history of legal service spanning more than a century gives us a deep understanding of South Carolina’s courts and the communities we serve. Willcox, Buyck & Williams offers a combination of credentials and resources that few firms in the region can match:
- Over 125 years of continuous legal practice in South Carolina, founded in 1895
- Attorneys recognized in Best Lawyers in America for personal injury litigation
- A Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers and three ABOTA Diplomates on staff
- Former U.S. Attorney and former Assistant U.S. Attorney with decades of courtroom experience
- Proven results in multi-million-dollar and complex personal injury litigation
- Two convenient office locations in Florence and Myrtle Beach
Our firm brings large-firm litigation capability with the personalized service of a small practice. That means aggressive representation without sacrificing the accessibility and clear communication you expect from your legal team.
What Types of Personal Injury Cases Do We Handle?
We represent clients across a broad range of personal injury matters throughout South Carolina. Whether your injury resulted from a traffic collision, an unsafe property condition, or a defective product, our trial attorneys have the experience to build a strong case on your behalf. Common case types include:
- Car, truck, and motorcycle accidents
- Slip and fall and premises liability injuries
- Product liability claims
- Dog bite injuries
- Spinal cord and traumatic brain injuries
- Wrongful death
Each of these cases requires a thorough investigation, careful evidence preservation, and a litigation strategy tailored to the specific facts. We prepare every case as though it will go before a jury, which strengthens our position during settlement negotiations. Our complex trial experience sets us apart when cases demand courtroom advocacy.
How Long Do You Have to File a Personal Injury Claim in South Carolina?
South Carolina law generally requires personal injury lawsuits to be filed within three years of the date of injury under S.C. Code Section 15-3-530(5). Missing this deadline typically bars you from pursuing compensation entirely, regardless of the strength of your claim. There are limited exceptions to this rule.
The discovery rule may extend the deadline when the injury was not immediately apparent. For minors, the statute of limitations is tolled until the individual turns 18, and the three-year clock begins at that point.
Acting promptly protects critical evidence and gives your legal team the time needed to build the strongest possible case.
How Does Comparative Negligence Affect Your Recovery?
South Carolina follows a modified comparative negligence standard with a 51 percent bar. This means you can still recover compensation even if you share some fault for your injury, but only if your percentage of fault is 50 percent or less. If you are found to be 51 percent or more at fault, you are barred from recovering any damages.
When you do qualify for recovery, your award is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if your total damages are $200,000 and you are found 20 percent responsible, your recovery would be $160,000. Insurance companies frequently attempt to shift blame onto injured individuals to minimize what they owe, so having experienced attorneys who understand how to counter these tactics can make a meaningful difference in your final recovery amount.
What Compensation Is Available for Personal Injury Victims?
South Carolina personal injury victims may pursue several categories of damages depending on the circumstances of their case. Understanding what compensation is available helps you evaluate settlement offers and make informed decisions throughout the process.
Economic damages cover measurable financial losses, including:
- Medical expenses, both current and anticipated future costs
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Rehabilitation and ongoing therapy costs
- Property damage and out-of-pocket expenses
Non-economic damages compensate for losses that are harder to quantify, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. South Carolina does not impose a cap on non-economic damages in standard personal injury cases.
In cases involving willful, wanton, or reckless conduct, the court may also award punitive damages designed to deter similar behavior. South Carolina law generally caps punitive damages at the greater of three times the plaintiff’s compensatory damages or $500,000, with that amount adjusted annually for inflation. In certain statutory exceptions, including intentional harm, felony-related conduct, intoxication, or other qualifying circumstances, the cap may be increased or eliminated.
Our attorneys work with medical professionals and financial experts to document the full scope of your losses and pursue every dollar you are entitled to recover.
Steps to Take After an Injury in Myrtle Beach or Florence
The actions you take immediately after an injury can significantly affect the outcome of your case. Protecting your health and your legal rights should be your top priorities from the start.
- Seek medical attention right away, even if your injuries seem minor at first
- Report the incident to the appropriate authorities or property owner
- Document the scene with photographs and gather contact information from witnesses
- Keep detailed records of all medical treatment, expenses, and time missed from work
- Avoid giving recorded statements to insurance adjusters before speaking with an attorney
Contacting an attorney early allows us to preserve evidence, handle communications with insurers on your behalf, and begin building your claim while details are fresh. Early legal guidance also helps you avoid common mistakes that could weaken your case.
Discuss Your Case With Our South Carolina Personal Injury Attorneys
If you or a family member suffered an injury due to someone else’s negligence, Willcox, Buyck & Williams, PA is ready to help. Our Florence and Myrtle Beach offices serve clients throughout eastern South Carolina. Contact us today to discuss your options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a personal injury attorney for my claim?
While you are not legally required to hire an attorney, personal injury cases involve complex legal standards, aggressive insurance tactics, and strict procedural deadlines that can significantly affect your outcome. An experienced attorney handles negotiations, gathers supporting evidence, and protects your rights throughout the process so you can focus on your recovery.
How much does it cost to hire a personal injury lawyer?
Most personal injury attorneys, including our firm, handle cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay no upfront legal fees, and attorney fees are collected only if we secure a recovery on your behalf. This arrangement ensures that quality legal representation is accessible regardless of your current financial situation.
What if the at-fault party does not have enough insurance?
South Carolina requires drivers to carry minimum liability coverage, but that amount may not be sufficient for serious injuries. In these situations, your own uninsured or underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage can provide additional compensation. Our attorneys review all available insurance policies to identify every potential source of recovery for your claim.