What to Know About Cofield Law Firm's Personal Injury Practice
Cofield Law Firm handles personal injury cases across South Carolina
Cofield Law Firm is a South Carolina-based practice that represents people injured in accidents, workplace incidents, and other situations where negligence caused harm. The firm works on personal injury claims including motor vehicle accidents, slip-and-fall injuries, workplace accidents, and product liability cases. They operate on a contingency basis, meaning you pay no upfront fees—the firm collects a percentage of any settlement or court award instead.
The firm is located in South Carolina and serves clients throughout the state. If you have been injured and believe someone else's carelessness caused your harm, understanding how a personal injury law firm operates and what to expect can help you decide whether to pursue a claim.
Key Takeaways
- Cofield Law Firm works on contingency, so you do not pay attorney fees unless the firm recovers money for you.
- The firm handles motor vehicle accidents, slip-and-fall injuries, workplace accidents, and product liability claims across South Carolina.
- Personal injury cases typically involve proving the other party was negligent and that their negligence caused your injury and damages.
- Most personal injury claims settle before trial, though the firm can take cases to court if settlement negotiations fail.
- Time limits apply to filing personal injury lawsuits in South Carolina, so contacting a firm early protects your right to pursue a claim.
How contingency fees work in personal injury cases
When a personal injury law firm takes your case on contingency, the arrangement protects you from paying legal costs upfront. Instead, the firm advances the costs of investigating your claim, gathering medical records, obtaining expert reports, and preparing for trial. If the firm recovers money through settlement or a jury verdict, it deducts its fee and expenses from that recovery before paying you the remainder.
If the case does not result in a recovery, you owe the firm nothing for its time, though you may still be responsible for certain court costs depending on your agreement. This structure means the firm has financial incentive to pursue only cases with reasonable prospects of recovery, and it aligns the firm's interests with yours—both want the strongest possible outcome.
Types of personal injury claims the firm handles
Motor vehicle accidents make up a significant portion of personal injury work. These include car, truck, and motorcycle collisions where another driver's negligence—speeding, distracted driving, failure to yield—caused your injury. The firm investigates the accident, obtains police reports and witness statements, and works with medical providers to document your injuries and treatment.
Slip-and-fall injuries occur when a property owner or manager fails to maintain safe conditions. This might be a wet floor in a store, a broken stair, poor lighting, or debris left in a walkway. To pursue these claims, the firm must show the property owner knew or should have known about the hazard and failed to fix it or warn visitors.
Workplace accidents sometimes fall outside workers' compensation and allow a personal injury claim. If a third party—a contractor, equipment manufacturer, or another company—caused your workplace injury through negligence, you may have a claim separate from workers' compensation benefits. The firm evaluates whether your injury qualifies.
Product liability claims arise when a defective or dangerously designed product causes injury. This includes manufacturing defects, design flaws, or failure to provide adequate warnings. The firm works with product experts to demonstrate the defect and its connection to your harm.
What happens from initial consultation to settlement or trial
Your first step is a consultation with the firm, where you describe how your injury occurred, what medical treatment you received, and what damages you have suffered—medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering. The firm asks questions to understand the facts and assess whether a viable claim exists. Many firms offer free initial consultations.
If the firm agrees to represent you, it begins investigating. This includes obtaining your medical records, police reports, photographs of the accident scene, and witness statements. The firm may hire accident reconstructionists, medical experts, or other specialists to strengthen your case. You continue medical treatment and keep records of all expenses and lost income.
Once investigation is complete, the firm typically sends a demand letter to the at-fault party's insurance company, outlining the facts, your injuries, and the damages you are seeking. The insurance company responds with an offer, often lower than your demand. Negotiation follows, with both sides moving toward a middle ground. Most personal injury cases settle at this stage.
If settlement negotiations stall, the firm prepares for trial. This includes filing a lawsuit, conducting discovery (exchanging documents and taking depositions), and preparing witnesses and evidence. Trial means presenting your case to a judge or jury, who decides whether the defendant was negligent and what damages you deserve. The entire process from injury to resolution can take months to several years depending on case complexity and court schedules.
Time limits for filing a personal injury claim in South Carolina
South Carolina law sets a statute of limitations—a deadline for filing a lawsuit. For most personal injury claims, you have three years from the date of injury to file in court. This deadline is strict; if you miss it, you lose the right to pursue your claim regardless of its merit.
The statute of limitations applies to lawsuits, not to settlement negotiations. You can often negotiate with an insurance company after the deadline passes, but you cannot file a court case. This is why contacting a personal injury firm promptly matters: the firm can file suit before the deadline if settlement talks fail, protecting your legal rights.
Some situations may extend or shorten the deadline. For example, if the injured person is a minor, the clock may not start until they turn 18. If the defendant leaves South Carolina, the time they are absent may not count toward the deadline. These exceptions are complex, which is another reason to consult a firm early.
What damages you may recover in a personal injury case
Economic damages are concrete, measurable losses: medical bills (emergency care, surgery, physical therapy, ongoing treatment), lost wages from time away from work, and costs of future medical care if your injury is permanent. The firm gathers receipts, medical invoices, and pay stubs to document these amounts.
Non-economic damages compensate for pain, suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. These have no receipt or invoice; instead, the firm argues their value based on the severity of your injury, how long recovery takes, and how the injury affects your daily activities. A permanent disfigurement or chronic pain claim typically supports higher non-economic damages than a minor injury.
In rare cases involving gross negligence or intentional misconduct, a court may award punitive damages—extra money meant to punish the defendant and deter similar conduct. These are uncommon in routine personal injury cases and depend on the specific facts and South Carolina law.
Questions to ask before hiring a personal injury firm
When you meet with Cofield Law Firm or any personal injury attorney, ask about their experience with cases similar to yours. How many cases have they handled? What percentage settled versus went to trial? What is their track record of recovery?
Clarify the fee arrangement in writing. What percentage does the firm take? Are there costs you might owe even if the case does not recover money? What expenses does the firm advance, and what happens if the case is unsuccessful? Understanding these details prevents surprises later.
Ask about communication. How often will the firm update you on your case? Who will be your main contact—the attorney or a paralegal? What is the expected timeline from now until resolution? A firm that answers these questions clearly is more likely to keep you informed throughout the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to hire a personal injury attorney?
Personal injury firms typically work on contingency, meaning you pay no upfront fees. The firm takes a percentage of any settlement or court award—often 25 to 40 percent depending on whether the case settles or goes to trial. You should receive a written fee agreement explaining the exact percentage before the firm begins work.
How long does a personal injury case usually take?
Simple cases that settle quickly may resolve in months. More complex cases involving serious injury, multiple parties, or disputed liability can take one to three years or longer. The timeline depends on how quickly you recover, how cooperative the insurance company is, and whether the case goes to trial.
What if the at-fault party does not have insurance?
You may still pursue a claim against them personally, though collecting money can be difficult. Your own insurance policy may cover the injury under uninsured motorist coverage if it was a vehicle accident. The firm can explain what options exist based on your specific situation and insurance policies.
Do I have to go to court for my personal injury case?
Most personal injury cases settle without trial. However, if the insurance company refuses a fair offer, the firm can file a lawsuit and take the case to court. You and the firm decide together whether to accept a settlement or proceed to trial.
What should I do immediately after an injury?
Seek medical attention first. Then document the scene with photos if possible, get contact information from witnesses, and report the incident to police or property management. Keep all medical records, receipts, and records of lost wages. Contact a personal injury firm as soon as you can so they can begin investigating while evidence is fresh.