What to Know About McCravy Newlon Sturkie & Clardy Law Firm
McCravy Newlon Sturkie & Clardy handles personal injury cases across South Carolina
McCravy Newlon Sturkie & Clardy is a personal injury law firm based in South Carolina that represents clients in cases involving vehicle accidents, workplace injuries, medical malpractice, and other incidents where someone else's negligence caused harm. The firm works on a contingency basis, meaning you pay no upfront fees—the firm collects a percentage of any settlement or judgment only if your case succeeds.
The firm operates from multiple locations across South Carolina, making it accessible to clients throughout the state. Their practice focuses on gathering evidence, negotiating with insurance companies, and preparing cases for trial when settlements cannot be reached.
Key Takeaways
- McCravy Newlon Sturkie & Clardy works on contingency, so you do not pay attorney fees unless the firm recovers money for you.
- The firm handles motor vehicle accidents, workplace injuries, medical malpractice, and other negligence-based personal injury claims.
- You can contact the firm directly to discuss your case and learn what information you should gather before your first meeting.
- Personal injury cases typically involve negotiation with insurance companies, and some proceed to trial if a fair settlement cannot be reached.
- The time to contact a personal injury attorney is soon after an injury occurs, while evidence is fresh and witnesses are easier to locate.
How contingency fees work with this firm
Under a contingency arrangement, McCravy Newlon Sturkie & Clardy advances the costs of your case—investigation, expert witnesses, court filings, and other expenses—and you repay those costs only if the firm wins money for you. The firm's fee is typically a percentage of the final settlement or judgment, usually between 25 and 40 percent depending on whether the case settles or goes to trial.
This structure means you can pursue a personal injury claim without worrying about paying an attorney out of pocket while you are recovering from an injury. If the case does not result in a recovery, you owe nothing. You should ask the firm directly about their specific fee percentage and how costs are handled in your situation.
What to bring to your first meeting
Before you meet with McCravy Newlon Sturkie & Clardy, gather documents related to your injury. For vehicle accidents, collect the police report, insurance information from all parties involved, photos of vehicle damage and the accident scene, and medical records showing your injuries. For workplace injuries, bring your employment contract, incident reports filed with your employer, and any workers' compensation paperwork.
Also prepare a timeline of events: when the injury occurred, what you were doing, who witnessed it, and what happened immediately after. Write down the names and contact information of anyone who saw the incident. Bring medical bills, receipts for expenses related to your injury, and documentation of any wages you lost while recovering. The more organized your information is, the faster the firm can assess your case.
The personal injury claim process
After you hire McCravy Newlon Sturkie & Clardy, the firm begins by investigating the incident. This includes obtaining the police report, interviewing witnesses, reviewing medical records, and sometimes consulting experts to establish how the injury occurred and who was at fault. The firm also gathers documentation of your damages—medical expenses, lost income, and other costs resulting from the injury.
Once investigation is complete, the firm typically sends a demand letter to the at-fault party's insurance company, outlining the facts of the case and the amount of compensation you are seeking. The insurance company then has time to respond. Many cases settle during this negotiation phase. If the insurance company refuses a reasonable offer, the firm can file a lawsuit and prepare your case for trial. This process can take months or years depending on the complexity of the case and the court's schedule.
Types of cases the firm handles
McCravy Newlon Sturkie & Clardy represents clients in motor vehicle accidents involving cars, trucks, motorcycles, and commercial vehicles. The firm also handles workplace injuries, including construction accidents, equipment-related injuries, and situations where an employer failed to maintain a safe workplace or follow safety regulations.
The firm takes medical malpractice cases where a healthcare provider's negligence—such as a misdiagnosis, surgical error, or failure to treat—caused injury or worsening of a condition. They also handle premises liability claims, where someone is injured on another person's property due to unsafe conditions, inadequate security, or negligent maintenance. Other cases include product liability (injury caused by a defective or dangerous product) and wrongful death claims on behalf of family members.
Contacting McCravy Newlon Sturkie & Clardy
You can reach the firm by phone or through their website to request an initial meeting. Many personal injury attorneys offer free consultations, so you can discuss your case without cost before deciding whether to hire representation. During this conversation, you can ask about the firm's experience with cases similar to yours, their success rate, and how they communicate with clients throughout the process.
The sooner you contact an attorney after an injury, the better. Evidence can disappear, witnesses' memories fade, and some claims have time limits called statutes of limitations. In South Carolina, the statute of limitations for most personal injury cases is three years from the date of injury, but it is wise to begin the process much sooner to preserve evidence and build a strong case.
What happens if you cannot reach a settlement
If negotiations with the insurance company stall or the company refuses to offer fair compensation, McCravy Newlon Sturkie & Clardy can file a lawsuit and take your case to trial. This means the firm will present evidence to a judge or jury, who will decide whether the defendant was at fault and what damages you should receive. Trial adds time and expense to your case, but sometimes it is necessary to recover what you deserve.
Before trial, both sides exchange documents and take depositions—recorded statements from witnesses and parties involved. The firm will prepare you for what to expect in the courtroom and help you understand the process. Most cases still settle even after a lawsuit is filed, often during mediation or as trial approaches, but your attorney should be ready to go all the way to a verdict if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay anything upfront to hire McCravy Newlon Sturkie & Clardy?
No. The firm works on contingency, meaning you pay no attorney fees or case costs unless the firm recovers money for you. If your case does not result in a settlement or judgment, you owe nothing.
How long does a personal injury case usually take?
Simple cases that settle quickly may be resolved in a few months. More complex cases or those that go to trial can take one to three years or longer. The timeline depends on the severity of your injury, the clarity of fault, and how quickly the insurance company responds to settlement offers.
What if the person who injured me does not have insurance?
You may still have options. Your own insurance policy may include uninsured motorist coverage if the case involves a vehicle. In other situations, you can pursue a claim directly against the at-fault person's personal assets. The firm can explain what options exist in your specific case.
Can I still file a claim if I was partially at fault for the accident?
South Carolina follows comparative negligence rules, 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 will be reduced by your percentage of fault. The firm can discuss how this applies to your situation.
What should I do immediately after an injury?
Seek medical attention first. Then document everything: take photos of the scene and any visible injuries, get contact information from witnesses, and file a police report if applicable. Do not admit fault or discuss the incident with the other party's insurance company without legal advice. Contact McCravy Newlon Sturkie & Clardy as soon as you can.