Accidents in today's world seem to happen all the time, and often, they happen out of nowhere. Even the most prepared individuals can be caught off guard when by someone else's negligence. You could be out for dinner with your partner at The Peddler Steak House in Fingerville and then, on the way home, you could be sideswiped by a speeding driver on their smartphone.
Victims in such scenarios are often left with the ability to earn money and provide for their families when they're injured in car crashes and other personal injury cases. Without the guidance of a personal injury attorney in Fingerville, SC, they give statements to insurance companies by mistake, which compromises settlement agreements. It's only after they struggle that they realize they deserve much, much more than they received.
Have you been injured in an accident that wasn't your fault? Have you asked yourself any of the following questions, like:
Statistics show us that personal injury cases in South Carolina are quite prevalent, making up 36% of civil court filings. It makes sense, then, that injured victims have questions like those listed above. At Cobb Hammett, our collective hearts ache for these people, who must now suffer needlessly.
When you dig deeper, you realize that these victims aren't just struggling to keep going because of being injured. They're trying to put the piece back together mentally as well, all while trying to make ends meet to cover doctor's visits, hospital expenses, and more. The good news is that South Carolina's personal injury laws dictate that those deemed responsible for your pain and suffering have to pay for the aforementioned expenses. With Cobb Hammett leading the way, you've got a true shot at receiving substantial compensation - money that you absolutely deserve.
If you have sustained injuries in an accident in South Carolina, you are entitled to file either an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit against the party at fault. Should the insurance provider not present a reasonable settlement, it makes sense to consult with a personal injury lawyer in Fingerville, SC.
At Cobb Hammett, we aim to assist accident victims in South Carolina in securing the highest amount of compensation possible for things like medical bills, recovery, pain and suffering, and more. To do so, we take an approach that assumes your case is unique. That's why we adopt a customized approach for every case that we handle. We want to educate you and put you at ease, and that begins with a complimentary consultation and discussion with an experienced personal injury lawyer. In this first meeting, we will evaluate your accident, assess liability, and suggest the most suitable legal path for you.
Our personal injury lawyers specialize in a range of case types, including but not limited to:
Put simply, we put our clients' needs first before anything, work tirelessly to protect their rights, and fight insurance companies that are intent on minimizing compensation.
You can rest easy knowing your case will be handled by highly experienced and effective attorneys specializing in South Carolina personal injury law. We have years of collective experience and will put our expertise to work for you when it matters most. We collect NO FEES until you are compensated.
Cobb Hammett Works for YOU Like Historic Brattonsville near Fingerville, we stand tall for you when you're at your lowest. We're dedicated to handling your personal injury claim - not one that has similar circumstances. After all, every case and situation is different and requires a nuanced, custom approach.
We'll speak with you one-on-one and keep our phone lines open when you have questions or concerns. We have the proper tools and training to oversee your case with confidence and expertise.
Now that you understand why Cobb Hammett is one of South Carolina's premier personal injury firms, let's dive into more info on workers' compensation and car accident cases - two of the most common types of claims we help oversee.
With a reported incident rate of 1.9 personal injury cases per 100 full-time workers in 2023, it's clear that unfortunate accidents happen on the job in the Palmetto State. In fact, in 2022, 132 fatal injuries occurred in the workplace. These injuries happen at many different companies. In fact, personal injury lawyers in Fingerville, SC, have fought many big-name brands for personal injury issues, including:
Although there isn't a unified federal statute regarding workers' compensation, each state in the U.S. operates its own workers' compensation system. It doesn't take a graduate from North Greenville University near Fingerville to know that this program offers financial assistance to employees who suffer from job-related injuries or illnesses. Generally, an injured worker can obtain workers' compensation benefits without having to demonstrate their employer's negligence. In return, the employee relinquishes the right to pursue a personal injury lawsuit against the employer.
Within the state workers' compensation framework, an injured employee will be compensated for all necessary medical care following a workplace incident. If the injury or illness results in more than seven days of missed employment, the employee will receive 66.66% of their average weekly salary, subject to a maximum limit.
Workers may also be eligible for compensation for permanent disabilities or disfigurement. The highest compensation available for death or total disability is 500 weeks of benefits. Lifetime benefits are accessible in cases of quadriplegia, paraplegia, and traumatic brain injuries.
In South Carolina, the majority of workers can receive workers' compensation benefits if they sustain an injury or illness while on the job. Employees are not required to establish fault; they simply need to demonstrate that the injury or illness occurred at work or during activities related to their job. Unfortunately, there are certain exceptions outlined in the SC State Workers' Compensation Act, indicating that some employers are ineligible for workers' compensation coverage.
Restrictions may include:
Employers covered by the SC State Workers' Compensation Act are required to have the minimum necessary amounts of workers' compensation insurance. If you're working to recover after a workplace injury, reach out to Cobb Hammett today. Our personal injury lawyers will diligently strive to provide you with the assistance you need to restore your life.
Many injured workers believe that they can cut costs by not hiring a personal injury attorney to manage their workers' compensation claims. However, the reality is that many individuals end up losing money or they fail to receive the full compensation they deserve when they forego legal representation. If you've recently suffered an injury at work and are uncertain about whether to seek legal help for your case, consider these important points.
Skilled workers' compensation lawyers create risk, which insurance companies dislike because it can lead to financial loss. An experienced lawyer develops strategies to maximize your benefits and gathers admissible evidence for hearings. Understanding your entitled benefits and how to prove your case can be complex, even for attorneys. This is why having professional help from a qualified lawyer is essential in workers' compensation cases.
Injured people must file a workers' comp claim to safeguard their rights and help ensure that they get compensated fairly. Despite that, many people submit claims before hiring a lawyer to determine if their claim is valid.
Reasons for this usually include:
It's important to understand that the decisions you make don't automatically exclude you from filing a workers' compensation claim. This is why partnering with an experienced workers' compensation lawyer is crucial. Skilled attorneys, like those at Cobb Hammett, will carefully evaluate your situation and help you determine if you have a valid claim for workers' compensation benefits.
Injured people must file a workers' comp claim to safeguard their rights and help ensure that they get compensated fairly. Despite that, many people submit claims before hiring a lawyer to determine if their claim is valid.
Most drivers agree that getting in a fender bender is a huge headache, even when it's not your fault. The police get called, the other driver gets angry, and insurance companies jump in to facilitate repairs. A small dent is one thing, but a serious car wreck is an entirely different story.
The impact of such an event can be traumatic and far-reaching, especially when serious injuries are involved. Auto accident survivors often experience PTSD, emotional distress, and many physical challenges that alter their quality of life. In the face of these horrible events, aggressive representation from a personal injury attorney in Fingerville, SC, can increase the chances of obtaining much-needed compensation.
Here's a challenging reality to accept: Insurance companies typically strive to minimize their payouts. Fortunately, you can safeguard yourself from their strategies by obtaining appropriate legal assistance for your personal injury case.
When you notify an insurer about an accident, they will assign an adjuster to your situation. However, adjusters handle numerous cases and may not fully grasp the specifics of yours. If an insurance claims adjuster reaches out to you, proceed with caution. They are not prioritizing your best interests. It's common for adjusters to advocate for settlements that fall short of your claim's true value.
If you communicate with an adjuster, stick to the essential facts and do not give a recorded statement or consent to any settlement. Instead, hold off until after you've consulted with a personal injury lawyer. At Cobb Hammett, our group of car accident attorneys will evaluate the real value of your claim and safeguard you from being exploited by insurance companies.
When you work with a personal injury lawyer in Fingerville, SC, from Cobb Hammett, there's no need to be an expert on South Carolina auto accident laws. That's what we're here for: to be a reliable source of knowledge, expertise, and action. We have the resources and experience to handle any auto accident case in the Lowcountry.
Our long-time auto accident lawyers are happy to oversee legal proceedings on your behalf and strive to provide peace of mind as we negotiate an acceptable resolution. With that said, knowledge is power. Keep these facts in mind so you can better protect your rights.
South Carolina's "Fault" System of Insurance Like other states, South Carolina functions under a "fault" insurance model. This system requires the driver deemed at fault for the accident to compensate the injured party for their damages.
You should be aware that there's a deadline, referred to as the statute of limitations, for submitting an auto accident claim in South Carolina. Generally, you must pursue your claim against the at-fault driver or another involved party within three years of the accident. However, there are specific situations where you need to take action within two years. If you do not lodge your personal injury claim within the designated timeframe, you might lose your opportunity to file a claim permanently.
If you find yourself in a car accident that results in a personal injury claim due to someone else's negligence, the court needs to establish that you (the plaintiff) are not more than 50% responsible for the incident. Should you be deemed more than 50% at fault, you will lose the ability to pursue compensation. In contrast, if it's determined that you are 50% or less at fault, you will be entitled to receive some compensation. However, your award will be reduced based on the percentage of fault assigned to you.
When drivers are on the road, they must be careful and attentive to their surroundings. This includes being vigilant about other drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, and all road users. However, if a driver decides to text, eat, or talk on the phone while driving, they're most likely acting negligently.
Negligence includes acting carelessly and often ends with other motorists getting injured or worse. Some other examples of negligence in South Carolina include:
If you've been in a car accident and need clarity on local laws or how negligence applies to your case, don't hesitate to set up a free claim assessment with Cobb Hammett today.
Understanding your rights and filing a claim promptly allows our lawyers to advocate effectively on your behalf. Our team of accident lawyers is committed to safeguarding your interests, regardless of the challenges posed by insurance companies and the complexities of South Carolina's legal system.
Whether you were just hurt badly in an auto accident or you're struggling after getting injured at work, know that our team of personal injury lawyers is ready to help. As insurance claims experts, we employ effective strategies to negotiate with insurance companies, so you get the maximum amount of compensation available.
Unlike some personal injury firms, we never charge you unless we win and always prioritize compassionate service and hard work. That's the Cobb Hammett difference. Contact our offices in South Carolina today so that we can fight for your rights tomorrow.
Every time a new home pops up, Spartanburg Water likely gains another customer.Although septic systems are still allowed, most of the 2,200-plus homes being built in the fastest-growing areas of western and northeastern Spartanburg County will be tapping into the water system's Sanitary Sewer District.Spartanburg Water controls most of the sewer districts, several of which were absorbed decades ago from abandoned textile mill systems.Spartanburg Water also controls much of the water flow, covering 864 squa...
Every time a new home pops up, Spartanburg Water likely gains another customer.
Although septic systems are still allowed, most of the 2,200-plus homes being built in the fastest-growing areas of western and northeastern Spartanburg County will be tapping into the water system's Sanitary Sewer District.
Spartanburg Water controls most of the sewer districts, several of which were absorbed decades ago from abandoned textile mill systems.
Spartanburg Water also controls much of the water flow, covering 864 square miles and providing 26 million gallons of water each day to more than 200,000 customers.
While other smaller water systems serve chunks of the county, Spartanburg Water receives most of the new water customers as well, including in the city of Spartanburg.
According to recently released numbers, both the water system and sewer system saw record growth in 2020, and officials see the potential for another record this year.
Sewer and water are the less-pretty but important parts of the big economic development picture that over the past 10 years has brought 195 projects, 14,888 jobs and $6.9 billion in capital investment, as well as an estimated 46,000 new residents to Spartanburg County, according to OneSpartanburg, Inc.
In the first two months this year, OneSpartanburg officials said five projects totaling $573.4 million in investment and 1,359 new jobs already outpace the total investment and jobs for all of 2019 and 2020 in Spartanburg County ($773 million and 1,197 jobs total).
"Wastewater treatment facilities were expanded, roads widened, major water lines put in place all before any companies committed to come to the area," said Spartanburg County Councilman David Britt, the county's economic development chairman.
"You build it, they will come. And they have by the billions of dollars of investments and the thousands of new high-paying jobs. It takes vision and action to make it all happen."
A big part of the growth served by Spartanburg Water has been in downtown Spartanburg.
"We see a tremendous amount of apartments coming in and getting permitted," said Gene Jackson, capital projects officer for Spartanburg Water.
Eleven projects featuring 979 apartments, homes and townhomes are under construction or development in the city. The largest is Liberty Street Apartments with 200 units, Bon Haven with 150 units, Kennedy Street Apartments with 132 units and Northside Station Apartments, 90 units.
"We have crept up from 20 years ago," said longtime Spartanburg Water CEO Sue Schneider. What we've seen in the downtown area, in particular the northside, it continues to grow."
Last year officials said the sewer system built 19 miles of new sewer line and provided service for 2,571 lots from 40 new projects, bringing in $1.2 million a year in expected revenue.
Also last year, the water system built 10 miles of new lines for 38 new projects and 1,402 homes, adding $700,000 in revenue annually.
Spartanburg Water also gains revenue from sewer and water taps, which are a one-time charge to each new customer.
There were 2,301 sewer taps last year, eclipsing the 2019 total of 923 taps and the previous yearly high of 1,153 taps in 2018. The new taps brought in $3.3 million in revenue during fiscal year 2020 and through January 2021.
There were also 1,181 water taps in 2020, topping the 2019 total of 930 taps and a previous yearly high of 1,049 in 2008.
The sewer tap fee for each new home is $850. By comparison, ReWa (Renewable Water Resources) charges connection fees ranging from $1,250 for each one-bedroom unit in a multi-family housing complex to $2,500 for a residential home, according to ReWa's website.
Spartanburg Water's minimum water tap, meter and capacity fee is $1,515. By comparison, the total minimum water connection fee of Greenville Water is $2,780 for new residential homes and $2,220 for new apartments, according to Greenville Water's website.
Despite the growth and larger workload, Schneider said she doesn't expect Spartanburg Water to have to add to its workforce of 300.
She said much of the maintenance and line replacement work is planned well in advance so that the existing workforce can transition from one project to the next.
Projects are also scheduled on a "pay as you go" basis, meaning the next project begins when payment from the previous project is received, she said. As a result, she said no rate increases are anticipated.
Outside of the city, most of the recent residential growth has been in western, southwestern and northeastern Spartanburg County.
In County Council District 6, which includes the western areas around Reidville, Duncan, Lyman and Wellford, there are five residential developments totaling 853 units that have been submitted since November, including the 313-home Ravencrest, 277-lot Collier Ridge and 204-lot Iris Meadows subdivisions.
In District 4, which encompasses southwestern Spartanburg County from Reidville to Woodruff and Cross Anchor to Roebuck, there are 652 homes under construction. The largest subdivisions are the 317-lot Sycamore Cove and 167-lot Linden Park.
Jackson said sewer lines were laid several years ago along most of S.C. Highway 290 to serve the industrial growth there and at Tyger River Industrial Park. More recently lines have been extended along Reidville Road to S.C. Highway 417 and Lightwood Knot Road to serve residential growth.
In District 2, which includes greater Boiling Springs and Chesnee and lakes in northeastern Spartanburg County, since November there have been plans for 766 new residential units submitted since November.
Among them are the 244-unit Chestnut Springs townhome development, 128-lot Hazelwood subdivision, 96 lots of the planned 780-lot Pine Valley subdivision and 25 lots of the 124-lot Bexley Park development.
In all, Boiling Springs has 15 subdivisions that make up a total of 1,660 lots either under construction or with construction starting soon.
Britt said the rate of growth since BMW Manufacturing opened in Spartanburg County in 1994 couldn't have occurred without the partnership of infrastructure providers, including Duke Energy, Laurens Electric, Piedmont Natural Gas, Lockhart Power, AT&T, Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport and the S.C. Ports Authority with the Inland Port at Greer.
"Companies expect sites to have the basic infrastructure needs ready to go – water, sewer, natural gas, electricity and roads," Britt said. "If they don't, you have nothing more than a field or pasture."
Staff writer Genna Contino contributed to this report
Contact Bob Montgomery at [email protected]
The creation of this content included the use of AI based on templates created, reviewed and edited by journalists in the newsroom. Read more on our AI policy here.A weather alert was issued by the NWS Greenville-Spartanburg SC on Saturday at 10:44 p.m. for strong thunderstorms until 11:15 p.m. for Spartanburg County.Residents can look for wind gusts of up to 50 mph."At 10:44 p.m., Doppler r...
The creation of this content included the use of AI based on templates created, reviewed and edited by journalists in the newsroom. Read more on our AI policy here.
A weather alert was issued by the NWS Greenville-Spartanburg SC on Saturday at 10:44 p.m. for strong thunderstorms until 11:15 p.m. for Spartanburg County.
Residents can look for wind gusts of up to 50 mph.
"At 10:44 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm 12 miles southeast of Columbus, or near Lake Bowen, moving northeast at 40 mph," according to the NWS. "Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects."
Locations impacted by the alert include Campobello, Lake Bowen, Chesnee, Green Creek, Fingerville, Inman and Boiling Springs SC.
The NWS states, "If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building."
This alert is in effect until 11:15 p.m.
Lightning hits the United States approximately 25 million times annually. The majority of these strikes happen during the summer, causing around 20 fatalities each year, according to the NWS. The likelihood of lightning increases as a thunderstorm gets closer and reaches its highest point when the storm is directly overhead. This risk decreases as the storm moves away.
Here are recommendations for maintaining safety during a thunderstorm:
If finding indoor shelter is not an option:
What is hydroplaning?
Hydroplaning is when a vehicle starts uncontrollably sliding on wet roads.
This happens when water in front of the tire builds up faster than the vehicle's weight can push water out of the way. The water pressure then causes the vehicle to rise and slide on a thin layer of water between the tires and the road, making the driver lose control. Hydroplaning is most commonly attributed to three factors:
In the event of your vehicle hydroplaning, here's what to know:
Source: The National Weather Service
This story was originally published May 3, 2025 at 10:50 PM.
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Spartanburg County School districts have announced their district and school Teachers of the Year for the 2021-22 school year.But what does it mean to be Teacher of the Year?Teachers of the Year are teachers who strive to make their classroom and school a better place for their students and who teach their students to have a positive impact on their school as well as their community.Spartanburg County School District 6 decided to show their appreciation for their teachers and support staff in an unprecedented way. Distri...
Spartanburg County School districts have announced their district and school Teachers of the Year for the 2021-22 school year.
But what does it mean to be Teacher of the Year?
Teachers of the Year are teachers who strive to make their classroom and school a better place for their students and who teach their students to have a positive impact on their school as well as their community.
Spartanburg County School District 6 decided to show their appreciation for their teachers and support staff in an unprecedented way. District 6 has named every teacher Teacher of the Year for their school and every support staff Support Staff of the Year for their school.
“I can’t properly put into words how grateful I am to our school community, faculty and staff, students, and parents for pulling together and making this happen for the children School District 6,” Darryl Owings, District 6 Superintendent said. “Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
District 1 Teacher of the Year: Jenna Brock, O.P. Earle Elementary
Mitchell Pack, Campobello Gramling School
Ashley Ussery, Holly Springs-Motlow Elementary
Amy Smith, Inman Elementary School
Denise Riske, Inman Intermediate School
McKensie Revels, New Prospect Elementary
Stephanie Quinn, Landrum Middle School
Jessica Wofford, Mabry Middle School
Molly Blackwell, Chapman High School
David Evette, Landrum High School
Carmen Knight, Swofford Career Center
District 2 Teacher of the Year: Marissa Drake, Mayo Elementary School
Clancy Bishop, Hendrix Elementary School
Deidre Cantrell Carlisle-Foster’s Grove Elementary School
Marissa Drake Mayo Elementary School
Carrie Foster Boiling Springs Elementary School
Melissa Guerrero Shoally Creek Elementary School
Justin Hicks Chesnee Middle School
Allison Jones Oakland Elementary School
Carmen Knight Swofford Career Center
Thomas Kusterer Rainbow Lake Middle School
Dawn Lipscomb Chesnee High School
Joshua Miller Boiling Springs Middle School
Sandra Padgett Chesnee Elementary School
Benjamin Settle Cooley Springs-Fingerville Elementary School
Meredith Wall Sugar Ridge Elementary School
Heike Wrenn Boiling Springs High School
District 3 Teacher of the Year: Chase Moyer, Cannons Elementary
Jaclyn Richards, Cowpens Elementary School
Thomas Voelker, Cowpens Middle School
Janice Baker, Middle School of Pacolet
Andre Dubois, Daniel Morgan Technology Center
Morgan Hammett, Pacolet Elementary School
Tyler Crosby, Broome High School
Patsy Farmer, Virtual Program
District 4 Teacher of the Year: Jami Guker, Woodruff Middle School
Tobey Rhodes, Woodruff Primary School
Lori Merck, Woodruff Elementary School
Laura Lawton, Woodruff High School
District 5 Teacher of the Year: Heather Poore, Byrnes High School
Jennifer Morrisey, Abner Creek Academy
Ashley Martin, Duncan Elementary School of the Arts
Whitney French, Lyman Elementary School
Leah Owens, Reidville Elementary School
Rend Draz, River Ridge Elementary School
Erica Yelton, Wellford Academy of Science and Technology
Melissa Brannon, Beech Springs Intermediate School
Valerie Calsing, Berry Shoals Elementary School
Gina Moniouk, D.R. Hill Middle School
Michelle Black, Florence Chapel Middle School
Kathleen Skoby, Byrnes Freshman Academy
Heather Poore, Byrnes High School
Virtual Academy
Heather Cassidy, Elementary
Brittany Prince, Middle
Tom Barber, High
District 7 Teacher of the Year: Kelli Hardigree, Pine Street Elementary School
Renata Jean, Cleveland Academy of Leadership
Reta Ridgeway, Drayton Mills Elementary
Kate Thrift-Winch E. P. Todd School
Madison Vanderlip, District 7 Early Learning Center
Kerry Duncan, Jesse Boyd Elementary
Rachel Abercrombie, Mary H. Wright Elementary
Tynesha Champion, Carver Middle
Morgan Jenkins, McCracken Middle
Angela Eaton, Spartanburg High
Andrew Basham, McCarthy Teszler
Michele Mangum, Whitlock Flexible Learning Center
Susan Hoffman, District 7 Virtual School
Ashley Dill is a native of Spartanburg and has been on staff for the Herald-Journal for 14 years. She covers community news and can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter at @ashleydill_shj.