What to Know About F. Craig Wilkerson, Jr.'s Personal Injury Practice in South Carolina
Who F. Craig Wilkerson, Jr. Is and What His Office Handles
F. Craig Wilkerson, Jr. is a personal injury attorney based in South Carolina who represents clients in cases involving injuries caused by someone else's negligence or wrongdoing. His office handles the kinds of cases that land in personal injury law: car accidents, workplace injuries, slip-and-fall incidents, and other situations where a person has been harmed and another party bears responsibility.
Wilkerson's practice focuses on helping injured people understand their options and pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. Like other personal injury attorneys in South Carolina, he works on a contingency basis in many cases, meaning his fee comes from any settlement or judgment rather than an upfront payment from you.
Key Takeaways
- F. Craig Wilkerson, Jr. represents clients in personal injury cases across South Carolina, including motor vehicle accidents, workplace injuries, and premises liability claims.
- His office typically works on contingency, so you pay attorney fees only if you receive a settlement or court award.
- Before hiring any personal injury attorney, you should understand what their experience is, how they communicate with clients, and what their fee structure actually is.
- South Carolina has a statute of limitations that limits how long you have to file a personal injury lawsuit, so timing matters.
- Your first conversation with an attorney should cover what happened, what injuries you sustained, and whether they think your case has merit.
How Personal Injury Cases Work in South Carolina
When you hire a personal injury attorney, the process typically begins with an initial consultation where you describe what happened, who was involved, and what injuries or losses you suffered. The attorney reviews whether the other party's actions or negligence created a legal duty they breached, and whether that breach caused your harm. This is the foundation of a personal injury claim.
After taking your case, the attorney's office will gather evidence: medical records, accident reports, witness statements, photographs, and sometimes expert opinions. They may send a demand letter to the at-fault party's insurance company, outlining your injuries and the compensation you are seeking. Many cases settle at this stage. If settlement talks stall, the case may proceed to litigation, where a judge or jury decides the outcome.
Throughout this process, you should expect regular communication from the office about where your case stands, what documents are needed, and what decisions you need to make. Personal injury cases can take months or years depending on the severity of injuries and the complexity of liability.
What to Ask Before You Hire
Before you sign a representation agreement with any personal injury attorney, including Wilkerson's office, ask specific questions about their experience. How many cases like yours have they handled? What were the outcomes? Do they have trial experience, or do they primarily settle? These answers tell you whether the attorney is equipped to handle your particular situation.
Ask about the fee structure in writing. Most personal injury attorneys charge a contingency fee—typically 25 to 40 percent of what you recover—but the exact percentage and what costs are deducted should be spelled out in your agreement. Ask whether you pay for medical records, expert witnesses, court filing fees, and other expenses upfront or whether those come out of your settlement. Some offices advance these costs; others require you to pay them as they arise.
Also ask how the office will keep you informed. Will you have a single point of contact, or will you work with multiple people? How often can you expect updates? What is the best way to reach someone if you have questions? These practical details matter when you are dealing with an injury and stress.
South Carolina's Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury
South Carolina law sets a three-year deadline to file most personal injury lawsuits, measured from the date of the injury. If you wait longer than three years, you generally lose the right to sue, even if you have a strong case. This deadline is strict—courts do not extend it for most reasons.
The clock starts on the date of the accident or injury, not the date you discovered the injury. In rare cases involving hidden injuries or fraud, South Carolina recognizes a "discovery rule" that may extend the deadline, but this is narrow and requires specific circumstances. Because the stakes are high, it is wise to contact an attorney sooner rather than later, even if you are still receiving medical treatment.
What Damages You Might Recover
In a successful personal injury case, you may recover compensation for several categories of loss. Economic damages cover measurable costs: medical bills (past and future), lost wages, rehabilitation costs, and property damage. These are straightforward to calculate because they have receipts and documentation.
Non-economic damages cover harm that does not have a price tag but is real: pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and permanent scarring or disfigurement. These are harder to quantify, and different juries or judges may value them differently. In South Carolina, there is no cap on non-economic damages in most personal injury cases, though some categories (like medical malpractice) have limits set by state law.
In rare cases involving intentional wrongdoing or gross negligence, a court may award punitive damages meant to punish the defendant and deter similar conduct. These are uncommon and require proof of particularly reckless or malicious behavior.
When to Contact an Attorney
You do not have to wait until you are fully recovered to contact a personal injury attorney. In fact, reaching out early is often better. An early consultation allows the attorney to preserve evidence, identify witnesses while memories are fresh, and advise you on how to protect your claim. Insurance companies may contact you quickly after an accident, and an attorney can help you navigate those conversations.
If you have already settled with an insurance company or signed documents, you may still have options, though they are more limited. Do not assume your case is closed without legal review. If you are unsure whether you have a claim, most personal injury attorneys offer free initial consultations where they can give you a straightforward answer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to hire F. Craig Wilkerson, Jr.?
Most personal injury attorneys, including those in Wilkerson's office, work on contingency, meaning you pay nothing upfront and the attorney's fee comes from your settlement or judgment. The specific percentage and what expenses you are responsible for should be detailed in your representation agreement before you sign.
How long does a personal injury case usually take?
Timeline varies widely depending on injury severity, liability complexity, and whether the case settles or goes to trial. Some cases resolve in months; others take a year or more. Your attorney should give you a realistic estimate based on the facts of your case.
What if the other person does not have insurance?
You may still have a claim against them personally, though collecting can be difficult. South Carolina also has an Uninsured Motorist fund for vehicle accidents. Your attorney can explain what options exist in your situation.
Can I still pursue a case if I was partly at fault?
South Carolina follows a "comparative negligence" rule, meaning you can recover even if you were partially responsible, as long as you were not more than 50 percent at fault. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. An attorney can assess how this applies to your case.
What should I do immediately after an injury?
Seek medical attention first. Then document what happened: take photos, get witness contact information, and keep records of all medical treatment and expenses. Avoid posting about the incident on social media. Contact a personal injury attorney before speaking with insurance adjusters or signing anything.