What to Know About Hobbs Threet Attorneys at Law

Who Hobbs Threet is and what they handle

Hobbs Threet Attorneys at Law is a personal injury law firm based in South Carolina that represents people injured in accidents, workplace incidents, and other situations where someone else's negligence caused harm. The firm works on cases involving car accidents, truck collisions, slip-and-fall injuries, workplace accidents, and wrongful death claims. They operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront and the firm takes a percentage of any settlement or court award.

The firm's approach centers on investigating what happened, identifying who was at fault, and building a case to recover damages for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses. They handle both settlement negotiations with insurance companies and litigation in court when settlements stall.

Key Takeaways

• Hobbs Threet works on contingency, so you do not pay attorney fees unless the firm recovers money for you.
• The firm handles car accidents, truck crashes, workplace injuries, slip-and-fall cases, and wrongful death claims across South Carolina.
• Initial consultations are free, giving you a chance to discuss your injury and hear what the firm thinks about your case before deciding to hire them.
• The firm investigates accidents, gathers evidence, and negotiates with insurance companies or takes cases to trial if needed.
• Time matters in injury cases—South Carolina has a statute of limitations that sets a deadline for filing a lawsuit.

How the contingency fee arrangement works

When you hire Hobbs Threet on contingency, the firm advances the costs of investigating and building your case—hiring experts, obtaining medical records, filing court documents—and you reimburse those costs only if the case results in a recovery. The attorney's fee is typically a percentage of the settlement or judgment, often around one-third, though this can vary depending on whether the case settles early or goes to trial.

This structure means the firm has financial incentive to recover as much as possible, since their payment depends on your recovery. It also means you can pursue a case even if you cannot afford to pay an attorney upfront. Before signing a representation agreement, ask the firm to explain their specific fee percentage and what costs you might owe if the case does not result in recovery.

What happens in the first consultation

The initial meeting with Hobbs Threet is free and confidential. Bring documentation of your injury and accident—medical records, photos of the scene, insurance information, police reports if one exists, and any correspondence with the other party's insurance company. The attorney will ask detailed questions about how the accident happened, what injuries you sustained, what medical treatment you received, and how the injury has affected your work and daily life.

During this consultation, the firm evaluates whether you have a viable claim. They consider whether someone else's negligence caused your injury, whether damages are significant enough to justify the cost of litigation, and whether the at-fault party has insurance or assets to pay a judgment. The attorney will explain what they think about your case, what the next steps would be, and what timeline you might expect. You are under no obligation to hire the firm after this meeting.

The investigation and evidence-gathering process

Once you hire Hobbs Threet, the firm begins investigating the accident. This includes obtaining the police report (if one was filed), interviewing witnesses, collecting photographs and video from the scene, reviewing medical records and bills, and consulting with experts such as accident reconstructionists or medical specialists if the case is complex. For workplace injuries, the firm may obtain OSHA records or safety violation reports. For vehicle accidents, they may subpoena traffic camera footage or cell phone records if distracted driving is suspected.

The firm also gathers documentation of your losses: medical bills, wage statements showing income lost during recovery, receipts for out-of-pocket expenses, and records of ongoing treatment. This evidence forms the foundation of your claim and is used both in settlement negotiations and, if necessary, in court. The investigation phase typically takes weeks to months depending on the complexity of the case.

Settlement negotiation and when cases go to trial

After investigation, Hobbs Threet sends a demand letter to the at-fault party's insurance company, outlining the facts of the case, your injuries, and the damages you are seeking. The insurance company then makes an offer, and negotiation begins. Many cases settle at this stage without going to court. If the insurance company's offer does not adequately compensate you for your injuries and losses, the firm can file a lawsuit and take the case to trial.

Going to trial means presenting evidence to a judge or jury, who then decides whether the defendant is liable and, if so, how much to award. This process takes longer and costs more than settlement, but sometimes it is necessary to recover fair compensation. Hobbs Threet will advise you on whether settlement offers are reasonable or whether pursuing trial is in your interest based on the strength of your evidence and the severity of your injuries.

Time limits for filing a personal injury case in South Carolina

South Carolina law sets a statute of limitations that limits how long you have to file a lawsuit. For most personal injury cases, including car accidents and slip-and-fall injuries, you have three years from the date of the injury to file in court. For wrongful death cases, the deadline is also three years from the date of death. If you do not file within this window, you lose the right to pursue the case in court, though you may still be able to negotiate a settlement before the deadline passes.

This is why contacting an attorney soon after an injury matters. Even if you are still recovering and unsure whether you want to pursue a claim, a free consultation with Hobbs Threet can clarify your options and ensure you do not miss the filing deadline. The firm can also file a lawsuit before settlement negotiations are complete if the deadline is approaching.

What to bring to your first meeting

Gather and bring the following documents to your initial consultation: the police report or incident report (if one exists), photographs or video of the accident scene or your injuries, medical records and bills from all treatment related to the injury, proof of lost wages (pay stubs, employer statements), insurance information for all parties involved, and any written communication with the other party or their insurance company. If you have a journal documenting your pain, recovery, and how the injury affected your daily life, bring that too.

If you do not have all of these documents, do not delay scheduling a consultation. The firm can help you obtain missing records once you are working together. What matters most is meeting with an attorney soon after the injury so they can advise you on next steps and protect your legal rights.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a personal injury case typically take?

Simple cases that settle quickly may resolve in a few months. More complex cases involving serious injuries, multiple parties, or disputed liability often take one to two years or longer. Cases that go to trial typically take longer than those that settle. Hobbs Threet can give you a more specific timeline after reviewing your case details.

What if I cannot afford medical treatment while my case is pending?

Some personal injury attorneys, including those at firms like Hobbs Threet, can help you find medical providers who will treat you on a lien basis—meaning they wait to be paid from your settlement or judgment rather than billing you upfront. Discuss this with your attorney during the consultation.

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

You may still have a claim against them personally, though collecting a judgment can be difficult if they lack assets. In some cases, your own uninsured motorist coverage (if you have it) may cover your damages. Hobbs Threet can review your insurance policy and explain your options.

Can I still pursue a case if I was partially at fault for the accident?

South Carolina follows a "comparative negligence" rule, meaning you can recover damages even if you were partially at fault, as long as you were not more than 50 percent responsible. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. An attorney can evaluate how this rule might apply to your situation.

What happens if I disagree with my attorney about settling?

You have the final say on whether to accept a settlement offer. Your attorney advises you based on the strength of your case and the reasonableness of the offer, but the decision is yours. If you and your attorney cannot agree on strategy, you can end the representation and hire another firm.