January 18, 2024

What Are the Most Common Types of Personal Injury Claims in South Carolina?

No one expects to be involved in a personal injury claims case. However, whether by accident or sheer negligence, injuries do happen. When someone is wrongfully injured due to the negligent behavior of another, it may be time to consult an experienced personal injury attorney. That way, you can begin the process of accessing compensation for your pain, suffering, and financial losses.

Understanding what types of personal injury claims are most common in the state of South Carolina can help you better determine whether you have a case on your hands and when it’s time to call a lawyer. If you have questions or need assistance with your personal injury claim, we encourage you to reach out to our law firm right away. With an experienced professional on your side from the very start, the outcome of your case is likely to be more favorable. In the meantime, here are the six most common types of personal injury claims filed every year in South Carolina.

The Most Common Cause of Personal Injuries: Automobile Accidents

By far and away, motor vehicle collisions are the most common cause of personal injury lawsuits. In the United States, more than 3 million people every year are seriously injured in automobile accidents. These collisions may include pedestrian accidents, commercial vehicle crashes, motorcycle crashes, DUI-induced accidents, or vehicular accidents involving two drivers. If you were injured in South Carolina from an automobile accident that was caused because of someone else's negligence, call our firm and receive a risk-free consultation.

Other Common Causes of Personal Injuries:

• Medical Negligence

• A Lack of Workplace Safety

• Animal Attacks

• Violent Acts

• Nursing Home Abuse

• Daycare Negligence

• Defective Products

• Bus Crashes

• Boat Crashes

• Slip and Falls


A Note on Premises Liability Laws

Some accidents fall under South Carolina's Premises Liability Laws. These types of accidents may result in personal injury claims. For instance, if a patron suffers from a slip and fall injury at a grocery store, the owner of the grocery store or the parent company may be held liable for damages resulting from the accident. This was especially true if the slip was caused by the negligence of store operators in some way.

The Six Most Common Personal Injury Claims in South Carolina

Now, let's discuss the most common types of personal injury claims filed annually in South Carolina. These injuries can range from minor to severe and may be followed by additional medical expenses, aftercare costs, and rehabilitation fees. Hiring a skilled personal injury attorney may help you access reimbursement for the cost of medical care, lost time at work, and other damages that often coincide with injuries like this.

1. Head and Neck Injuries

a person with a neck brace sitting in an office

Head and neck injuries are the most common types of claims seen in South Carolina. This is because these upper areas of the body are most susceptible to trauma, as in a car wreck. Additionally, the resulting damage caused by an injury to the head or neck can take a very long time to heal from. These kinds of injuries may also require lengthy (and often expensive) rehabilitation processes. For instance, whiplash is incredibly common after a car accident and may result in damage to a person's upper spinal cord. This kind of trauma can be life-altering.

2. Traumatic Brain Injuries

Traumatic brain injuries, also called TBI injuries, are sometimes difficult to detect. For this reason, if you are in an automobile collision, it is important to be evaluated by a medical professional as soon as possible. Often, TBI symptoms don't manifest immediately. However, these sorts of injuries may result in an array of neurological and non-neurological symptoms including musculoskeletal damage, gastrointestinal damage, pulmonary damage, and issues with autonomic function, motor function, and speech. Victims of traumatic brain injuries may also suffer from social deficits, mood changes, learning difficulties, suicidal thoughts, or other behavioral changes.

3. Amputations

Amputations are often a result of serious accidents with heavy equipment like a car crash or workplace disaster. Traumatic amputations may be caused by crushing or pinning. In instances like this, surgical removal of a limb or body part may be required to save a person’s life. Amputations can take a long time to recover from and generally have a large and permanent impact on an individual's career, future ambitions, and life enjoyment.

4. Breaks, Cuts, and Lacerations

Cuts, broken bones, and lacerations are also common after an accident. Car accidents, for example, may cause loose objects to become airborne before coming in contact with a person's skin. Sharp objects can lead to cuts, punctures, lacerations, impalement, and more. In some instances, these lacerations and puncture wounds develop into infections. Objects or impacts may also cause deep lacerations or bone breaks that also damage muscles or tendons. These kinds of injuries may take months, if not years, to fully recover from.

6. Severe Burns

Burns are another common claim. Severe second-degree burns can damage the second layer of skin known as the dermis. This may lead to scarring, infection, and more. The worst types of burns, known as fourth-degree burns, can be life-threatening.

7. Toxicity

Toxicity, illness, and toxic exposure can be caused by hazardous materials. This may include explosives, combustible substances, cancerous toxins, or other materials. Illnesses and diseases that arise from toxic exposure may take a long time to materialize and be difficult to prove. Mesothelioma, for instance, is an example of a toxic exposure claim.

Are You an Injured Victim? Contact a Five Star Rated South Carolina Personal Injury Lawyer to Help with Your Claim

If you were wrongfully injured in South Carolina, you may be entitled to monetary compensation for your damages. However, before filing a claim, it is often best to first contact an experienced South Carolina personal injury lawyer. Your attorney can prepare your claims correctly and file the necessary documentation promptly for the best possible case outcome. Moreover, your lawyer will be able to speak with insurance adjusters on your behalf, ensuring that you receive the highest possible compensation amount.

Call the Law Offices of Brian Robert Murphy Now

The five star rated South Carolina personal injury attorneys at the Law Offices of Brian Robert Murphy are ready to help you file your personal injury claims now. Serving Rock Hill, Charleston, Greenville, and the surrounding areas, our experienced team is here to answer your personal injury claim questions in-depth. We can help you get the compensation you are legally entitled to after being wrongfully injured in South Carolina. Call today for your risk-free personal injury claims case consultation!