What to Know About Working With Smith Jordan, P.A. for a Personal Injury Claim

Who Smith Jordan, P.A. Is and What They Handle

Smith Jordan, P.A. is a law firm based in South Carolina that represents people injured in accidents and incidents where someone else's negligence caused harm. The firm focuses on personal injury cases—the kind where you've been hurt and believe another person or business is responsible for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain.

The firm works on cases involving car accidents, workplace injuries, slip-and-fall incidents, and other situations where negligence led to injury. They operate on a contingency fee basis, which means they collect payment only if they recover money for you through settlement or trial verdict.

Key Takeaways

• Smith Jordan, P.A. handles personal injury cases where negligence caused your harm, and charges fees only if they recover money for you.
• The firm represents clients in South Carolina and works with insurance companies, at-fault parties, and the court system to pursue claims.
• Initial consultations let you describe what happened and learn whether the firm believes you have a viable case.
• The process typically involves investigation, negotiation with insurers, and potentially trial if a settlement cannot be reached.
• You should gather medical records, accident reports, and documentation of expenses before your first meeting.

How the Personal Injury Process Works With a Law Firm

When you contact Smith Jordan, P.A., the first step is usually a consultation where you explain the incident, your injuries, and the circumstances. The attorney will listen for whether someone else's carelessness or wrongdoing directly caused your harm—that connection is essential to a personal injury claim.

If the firm decides to take your case, they begin investigating: gathering police reports, medical records, witness statements, and photographs of the scene. They also review insurance policies and determine who is responsible and who has the money to pay. Throughout this process, you remain in contact with your attorney about progress and next steps.

Most cases settle before trial. The firm negotiates with the at-fault party's insurance company, presenting evidence of your injuries and damages. If the insurer will not offer fair compensation, the case moves toward trial, where a judge or jury decides the outcome.

What to Bring to Your First Meeting

Prepare for your consultation by gathering documents related to the incident and your injuries. Bring the accident report (from police, if one was filed), photographs you took at the scene, and contact information for any witnesses. Medical records showing your diagnosis and treatment are crucial—these prove the extent of your injury and connect it to the incident.

Also collect receipts and bills for medical care, pharmacy costs, and any equipment you needed because of the injury. If you lost wages, bring pay stubs or a letter from your employer showing the dates you missed work. Insurance information for the at-fault party (if you have it) and your own insurance policy are helpful too. The more complete your documentation, the faster the attorney can assess your claim.

Understanding Contingency Fees

A contingency fee arrangement means Smith Jordan, P.A. does not charge you upfront. Instead, the firm takes a percentage of any money recovered—typically one-third of the settlement or verdict, though this varies and should be discussed during your consultation. If no money is recovered, you owe no attorney fee.

You may still be responsible for certain costs, such as court filing fees, expert witness fees, or medical record retrieval charges. Ask the firm during your consultation which costs you might owe and when. Understanding this arrangement prevents surprises later.

Timeline and What to Expect

Personal injury cases move at different speeds depending on complexity and whether settlement is possible. A straightforward car accident with clear liability might settle within months. A case involving multiple parties, serious injuries, or disputed fault can take a year or longer.

During this time, you will likely receive medical treatment, and your attorney will stay in contact about settlement offers and case developments. If your case goes to trial, you may need to testify about the incident and your injuries. Your attorney will prepare you for this and explain what to expect in the courtroom.

When to Contact Smith Jordan, P.A.

The sooner you contact a personal injury attorney after an incident, the better. Evidence disappears, witnesses' memories fade, and some claims have time limits called statutes of limitations. In South Carolina, you generally have three years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit, but waiting that long weakens your case.

If you have already received a settlement offer from an insurance company, an attorney can review it and advise whether it fairly covers your damages. If you are unsure whether you have a claim, a consultation costs nothing and gives you clarity about your options.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I have a personal injury case?

You have a potential case if someone else's negligence or wrongdoing directly caused your injury and you have damages—medical bills, lost wages, or pain. A consultation with Smith Jordan, P.A. lets an attorney evaluate whether your situation meets these requirements and whether recovery is realistic.

What if the accident was partly my fault?

South Carolina follows a comparative negligence rule. You can still recover even if you were partially at fault, but your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. An attorney will explain how this applies to your specific incident.

How long does a personal injury case usually take?

Simple cases may settle in a few months; complex ones can take one to three years or longer. The timeline depends on the severity of injuries, number of parties involved, and whether the other side is willing to negotiate. Your attorney will give you a realistic estimate based on your case.

What happens if we cannot reach a settlement?

If settlement negotiations fail, your case proceeds to trial. A judge or jury hears evidence and decides whether the defendant is liable and what damages you should receive. Your attorney will represent you throughout trial and explain the process beforehand.

Do I have to pay anything if my case does not recover money?

Under a contingency fee arrangement, you owe no attorney fee if the case does not result in recovery. However, ask during your consultation whether you might owe court costs or other expenses regardless of outcome, as this varies by firm and case type.