Common Questions

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I handle statewide claims with a focus in South Carolina's Lowcountry.

Insurance claims vary.  Common claims for people and businesses can include personal injury, wrongful death, elder abuse, HOA disputes, defective construction, defamation/slander/libel, professional liability, invasion of privacy, property damage, breach of fiduciary duty, and many more.  

Depending on the type of claim, issues involved, and complexity of the matter, attorney's fees are either collected at the end of the case as a percentage of recovery or billed hourly.   We can discuss details of fees and costs when signing a fee agreement.

Depending on the case, I sometimes associate with trusted attorneys to develop a team to prosecute your claim and maximize recovery.  This can provide a great benefit to the client at no additional cost.

It depends on the nature of the claim.  Some claims like a homeowners' claim may be initiated without filing a lawsuit, and others like a construction defect claim require a lawsuit.  In any case, be sure to consult with an attorney before discussing the claim with any insurance representative.

Insurance companies sometimes deny claims for the wrong reasons such as improper policy interpretation or inadequate investigations.  Contact me for a review of your claims denial.

Oftentimes, yes.  Value of claims can vary greatly depending on types of damages, where the case is pending, and terms of relevant insurance policies.

It depends.  Some cases of clear liability and damages might be settled within a few weeks or months.  Other cases involving contested liability and damages can take years to resolve with discovery, depositions, and a mediation conference in advance of trial.

Generally, insurance claims involve the law of torts which usually involves some form of negligence or breach of industry standards resulting in damages or loss of use.  South Carolina case law is replete with appellate opinions addressing the many nuances of insurance claims which is why it is critical to consult with an attorney.

Insurance policies contain limits of coverage and various exclusions.  Policies are complicated documents requiring close review of terms and conditions to maximize recovery.

Depending on the claim, you may be able to make a claim against your own insurance company, the policy of the at-fault party, or both.