A long time has passed since my accident. Can I still bring a claim for damages?
Lawline FAQ: There is a time limit to file a lawsuit. This is called a statute of limitations which imposes a time limit to sue in certain cases. These statutes vary depending on the type of claim involved. You may wish to contact a lawyer to advise you regarding how such statutes affect your claim. To find a lawyer, you can call the South Carolina Bar Lawyer Referral Service at 1-800-868-2284 or 803-799-7100.
Alternative Dispute Resolution
Lawline FAQ: ADR provides alternatives to lawsuits and trials. The three primary methods of ADR include negotiation, mediation and arbitration.
Attorney Fees
Lawline FAQ: Attorney fees are important to both attorney and client. To the client, the fee is the cost of the legal service purchased. To the attorney, the fee represents his or her compensation. Whether a case is civil or criminal usually affects the fee arrangement.
Can you tell me if there have been complaints against my lawyer?
Lawline FAQ: No. The South Carolina Supreme Court set up the Commission on Lawyer Conduct to hear complaints against lawyers. The complaint process is confidential until the Court disciplines the lawyer. The Board, not the South Carolina Bar, has this information.
Conflict Resolution
Lawline FAQ: Wherever there are people, sooner or later there is conflict. But conflict - in the home, at school and even in the streets - does not have to be solved by fighting. There are better ways to deal with the problem.
Fee Dispute Resolution FAQs
Frequently asked questions concerning disputes over attorneys' fees, with answers by the South Carolina Bar.
Filing a Grievance against an Attorney
Lawline FAQ: A grievance, or complaint, may be brought against an attorney if he violates his Oath of Office, the Code of Professional Responsibility, or criminal laws.
Finding the Appropriate Magistrate
Lawline FAQ: Finding the appropriate magistrate will depend upon the nature of your problem or claim. The laws of South Carolina require that a small claim, or virtually every other claim of a civil nature, be filed in the county where the defendant lives.
I fired my lawyer and now the lawyer will not give my file back. What should I do?
Lawline FAQ: When a lawyer withdraws from a case, steps must be taken to protect your interests. Your lawyer should give you reasonable notice, allow time for you to hire another lawyer, surrender papers and property to which you are entitled, and refund any advance payment of fees that have not been earned. The lawyer may keep papers relating to you to the extent permitted by other law, as well as keep a reasonable nonrefundable retainer.
Lawyers Fund for Client Protection
Information about the Lawyers Fund for Client Protection, how it is funded, whose claims it covers, and how to file a claim. PDF document (may load slowly).
Magistrates Small Claims Court
Lawline FAQ: The magistrate court in many instances functions as a Small Claims Court. In order for this court to have jurisdiction, your claim cannot exceed $7,500.00, except in disputes between landlords and tenants. Employees of the magistrate court will help you file your claim in writing and will explain to you how your case will proceed through trial. You are not required to hire an attorney unless you so desire.
My lawyer wants to settle, I don't. The lawyer will withdraw if I don't settle.
Lawline FAQ: Yes. If your lawyer wants to settle, it means that your lawyer believes this is the highest settlement offer the other side is willing to make. If the offer is less than you expected, you may wish to hire another lawyer.
My lawyer will not respond to my letters or return my phone calls. What should I do?
Lawline FAQ: It is important at the time you hire your lawyer, or soon after, to tell your lawyer how often you would like to be updated on your legal matter.
Working with Your Lawyer
Tips on choosing the right lawyer for you. The South Carolina Bar knows it can be hard to find the right kind of lawyer to help you with your legal matters. This brochure can help you with your search. PDF document (may load slowly).
Choosing a Lawyer
Lawline FAQ: The South Carolina Bar knows it can be hard to find the right kind of lawyer to help you with your legal matters. That's why we have prepared this brief, but informative fact sheet to help you with your search.
Fee Dispute Resolution FAQs
Frequently asked questions concerning disputes over attorneys' fees, with answers by the South Carolina Bar.
Filing a Grievance against an Attorney
Lawline FAQ: A grievance, or complaint, may be brought against an attorney if he violates his Oath of Office, the Code of Professional Responsibility, or criminal laws.
I fired my lawyer and now the lawyer will not give my file back. What should I do?
Lawline FAQ: When a lawyer withdraws from a case, steps must be taken to protect your interests. Your lawyer should give you reasonable notice, allow time for you to hire another lawyer, surrender papers and property to which you are entitled, and refund any advance payment of fees that have not been earned. The lawyer may keep papers relating to you to the extent permitted by other law, as well as keep a reasonable nonrefundable retainer.
Lawyers Fund for Client Protection
Information about the Lawyers Fund for Client Protection, how it is funded, whose claims it covers, and how to file a claim. PDF document (may load slowly).
My lawyer wants to settle, I don't. The lawyer will withdraw if I don't settle.
Lawline FAQ: Yes. If your lawyer wants to settle, it means that your lawyer believes this is the highest settlement offer the other side is willing to make. If the offer is less than you expected, you may wish to hire another lawyer.
My lawyer will not respond to my letters or return my phone calls. What should I do?
Lawline FAQ: It is important at the time you hire your lawyer, or soon after, to tell your lawyer how often you would like to be updated on your legal matter.
Choosing a Lawyer
Lawline FAQ: The South Carolina Bar knows it can be hard to find the right kind of lawyer to help you with your legal matters. That's why we have prepared this brief, but informative fact sheet to help you with your search.
Filing a Grievance against an Attorney
Lawline FAQ: A grievance, or complaint, may be brought against an attorney if he violates his Oath of Office, the Code of Professional Responsibility, or criminal laws.
I fired my lawyer and now the lawyer will not give my file back. What should I do?
Lawline FAQ: When a lawyer withdraws from a case, steps must be taken to protect your interests. Your lawyer should give you reasonable notice, allow time for you to hire another lawyer, surrender papers and property to which you are entitled, and refund any advance payment of fees that have not been earned. The lawyer may keep papers relating to you to the extent permitted by other law, as well as keep a reasonable nonrefundable retainer.
Lawyers Fund for Client Protection
Information about the Lawyers Fund for Client Protection, how it is funded, whose claims it covers, and how to file a claim. PDF document (may load slowly).
My lawyer will not respond to my letters or return my phone calls. What should I do?
Lawline FAQ: It is important at the time you hire your lawyer, or soon after, to tell your lawyer how often you would like to be updated on your legal matter.
Working with Your Lawyer
Tips on choosing the right lawyer for you. The South Carolina Bar knows it can be hard to find the right kind of lawyer to help you with your legal matters. This brochure can help you with your search. PDF document (may load slowly).
