What to Know About Finklea Hendrick & Blake's Personal Injury Practice

Finklea Hendrick & Blake handles personal injury cases across South Carolina

Finklea Hendrick & Blake is a law firm based in South Carolina that represents clients in personal injury matters. The firm works with people who have been injured due to someone else's negligence—in car accidents, workplace incidents, slip-and-fall cases, and other situations where liability is in question. The firm's attorneys handle cases from initial consultation through settlement or trial.

The firm operates in South Carolina's legal system and takes cases on a contingency basis, meaning clients typically do not pay upfront legal fees. Instead, the firm's payment comes from any settlement or judgment awarded in the case. This structure means the firm has financial incentive to pursue cases seriously and reach favorable outcomes for clients.

Key Takeaways

• Finklea Hendrick & Blake represents personal injury clients throughout South Carolina, including car accident, workplace, and premises liability cases.
• The firm works on contingency, so clients do not pay attorney fees unless the case results in a settlement or court judgment.
• Initial consultations allow you to discuss your injury, how it happened, and what damages you may have incurred.
• The firm handles both settlement negotiations and trial representation if a case proceeds to court.
• South Carolina has time limits for filing personal injury lawsuits, so contacting an attorney soon after an injury is important.

How the firm evaluates personal injury cases

When you contact Finklea Hendrick & Blake, the attorneys review the facts of your situation to determine whether you have a viable claim. They look at whether another party's actions or negligence directly caused your injury, whether you have documented medical treatment, and what damages you have suffered—medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and ongoing care needs.

The firm investigates claims by gathering evidence, reviewing medical records, obtaining accident reports, and sometimes consulting with experts who can testify about how the injury occurred or what your long-term needs may be. This investigation phase helps determine the strength of your case and what compensation might be reasonable to pursue.

Types of cases the firm handles

Finklea Hendrick & Blake takes on motor vehicle accident cases, including collisions where another driver's negligence caused injury. The firm also represents clients in workplace injury cases, slip-and-fall incidents on someone else's property, and other premises liability situations where unsafe conditions led to harm.

Each case type involves different evidence and legal standards. A car accident case may rely on police reports and witness statements. A slip-and-fall case requires showing that the property owner knew or should have known about a dangerous condition and failed to fix it or warn visitors. The firm's experience across these categories means the attorneys understand what proof each type of case requires.

The settlement and trial process

Most personal injury cases settle before trial. Once the firm has investigated your claim and gathered evidence, they typically send a demand letter to the at-fault party's insurance company or attorney. This letter outlines your injuries, medical expenses, lost income, and other damages, along with a settlement figure. The insurance company then makes an offer, and negotiations follow.

If settlement talks do not reach an agreement both sides accept, the case may proceed to trial. At trial, the firm presents evidence to a judge or jury, calls witnesses, and argues why the defendant is liable and what damages you deserve. Finklea Hendrick & Blake handles both the negotiation and courtroom phases, so clients have representation throughout.

What to bring to an initial consultation

When you meet with an attorney at Finklea Hendrick & Blake, bring any documents related to your injury. This includes medical records and bills, photographs of the accident scene or your injuries, police reports if applicable, insurance information for the at-fault party, and any written correspondence with insurers or other parties involved.

You should also be prepared to describe how the injury happened, what medical treatment you have received, how the injury has affected your daily life and work, and whether you have missed time from your job. The more detail you can provide, the better the attorney can assess your case and explain what to expect moving forward.

Understanding South Carolina's time limits for filing

South Carolina law sets a statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits. This is a deadline by which you must file a case in court or lose the right to sue. For most personal injury claims in South Carolina, you have three years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline means you cannot recover damages, even if you have a strong case.

This time limit is one reason to contact an attorney soon after an injury occurs. Even if you are still negotiating with an insurance company, having an attorney working on your case ensures the deadline does not pass while settlement talks continue. The firm can file a lawsuit if needed to preserve your right to pursue the claim.

Questions to ask before hiring an attorney

When you speak with Finklea Hendrick & Blake, ask about the attorney's experience with cases similar to yours. Ask how they typically handle communication—how often you will hear updates and who you will speak with if the lead attorney is unavailable. Clarify the contingency fee arrangement: what percentage of any settlement or judgment the firm will take, and whether you will be responsible for costs like expert witnesses or court filing fees if the case does not succeed.

Ask also about the firm's assessment of your case's strength and what timeline they expect for resolution. An honest attorney will tell you if your case faces challenges and will not promise a specific outcome. Understanding these details before you hire representation helps you make an informed decision about whether to move forward.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay Finklea Hendrick & Blake upfront?

No. The firm works on contingency, meaning you pay nothing unless the case results in a settlement or judgment. If you do not recover money, you do not owe attorney fees. You may still be responsible for case costs like medical records requests or expert reports, depending on your agreement with the firm.

How long does a personal injury case typically take?

Timeline varies widely. Some cases settle within months; others take a year or more, especially if they go to trial. The firm's investigation, insurance company response time, court schedules, and case complexity all affect how long resolution takes. Your attorney can give you a more specific estimate based on your particular situation.

What if the at-fault party does not have insurance?

You may still have options. Your own insurance policy may include uninsured motorist coverage, which can pay for your injuries even if the other party has no insurance. The firm can review your policy and explain what coverage may be available. You can also pursue a lawsuit against the uninsured party directly, though collecting a judgment can be difficult.

Can I still file a claim if I was partially at fault for the accident?

South Carolina follows a "comparative negligence" rule. You can recover damages even if you were partially at fault, but your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 20 percent at fault and damages are $10,000, you would recover $8,000. The firm can explain how this rule might apply to your case.

What happens if I disagree with the firm's settlement recommendation?

The decision to accept or reject a settlement offer is yours, not the attorney's. Your lawyer will advise you on whether an offer is reasonable based on your injuries and damages, but you have the final say. If you reject an offer and the case goes to trial, you risk a jury awarding less than what was offered, so the firm will help you weigh that risk.