Every year, homeowners around the country suffer billions of dollars in property damage caused by termites. South Carolina residents are no different. Here in The Palmetto State, termites are especially active due to our ideal climate. Everyone loves our springs and summers, and so do termites. They're known to wreak havoc on the structural integrity of homes in the Lowcountry and throughout the state. It may be surprising to hear, then, that many of the homes we're referencing had termite bonds - which is essentially a contract between a homeowner and their termite prevention company. This bond holds the company accountable if termites or damage are found after treatment. Unfortunately, many termite control services and insurance companies try to escape responsibility, using complicated contracts, terms, and language as a shield from honoring the bond.
Other times, before buying a home, a homeowner relies on a "trustworthy" home inspector to identify costly issues and areas of improvement. In situations like these, the home inspector's knowledge and guidance are paramount to safety. In many cases, however, home inspectors fail to detect significant issues like signs of a termite infestation.
In both scenarios above, the homeowner may be entitled to compensation. With an experienced termite lawyer in Bluffton, SC, the average person has a chance of winning in a court of law. That's where Cobb Hammett, LLC, comes into play.
With a comprehensive understanding and knowledge of termite control and home inspection contracts, Cobb Hammett law firm specializes in cases involving termites. We're proud to represent home and property owners who are harmed by pest control and home inspection negligence. We believe that when you sign a contract with one of these entities, the terms of the contract should be upheld. When they're not, somebody must be held responsible.
Instead of trying to take on these companies without a lawyer and wasting hundreds of hours to untangle a web of legalese, let Cobb Hammett, LLC handle the hard work on your behalf.
When you choose Cobb Hammett for a termite damage attorney in Bluffton, SC, you can rest easy knowing you're in confident, capable hands. Clients trust our law firm for termite damage cases because we have:
Unlike some termite damage law firms, our lawyers study the practices and policies of large termite control and home inspection companies. We use creative strategies to avoid unfair arbitration clauses and have devoted real resources to solving our client's claims.
Simply put, you can trust our termite damage attorneys with your case because we genuinely care about you as our client.
Whether you're a homeowner, commercial property owner, or a homeowner's association, know that you're not alone. If termites are causing damage to your property, don't let giant pest control chains or home inspection franchises take advantage of you. The cost of repairs should fall where it should - on the shoulders of the home inspection company, pest control company, or their insurers.
In a perfect world, customers would be able to rely on results provided by pest control companies. Unfortunately, many termite companies intentionally mislead their hardworking clients.
Termite control companies of all sizes have convincing strategies for skirting responsibility when their work is shoddy. They know how to utilize legal jargon, intimidation and confusing contracts to their advantage, deterring ordinary people from filing lawsuits.
At Cobb Hammett, LLC, we're very aware of these tactics and excuses. Our attorneys overcome these defenses with effective tools, exposing the termite control company's failure to deliver on promised services. Unlike some law firms, our termite damage lawyers have an solid track record.
We're not afraid to get our hands dirty when it comes to holding termite companies accountable for damages you suffered. We'll do everything in our power to do what's right and get you the compensation you deserve.
Though every case is different, we're often able to recover substantial damages for our clients, such as:
If you feel like your termite company breached its bond or committed fraud, contact Cobb Hammett Law Firm today. Your termite damage attorney in Bluffton, SC, is ready to hear your story. We know how to maneuver around unfair pest control contract terms and have the experience needed to see through common excuses and tactics.
It's not always easy to spot the signs of termite damage, especially if you're an average person without much knowledge of the termite species. Plus, termites often wreak havoc in unseen areas like drywall, siding, and the framing of your house, so seeing damage isn't always easy. Despite those challenges, there are some common signs and areas for you to consider.
Some common signs of termite damage include:
Some of the most common areas where termites do damage include:
If you find termite damage in your home, it's best not to try and fix it yourself. Why? First, repairing damage from termites is a complicated, painstaking endeavor that requires a skilled, tedious approach. Spotting termite damage and knowing how to fix it requires a deep knowledge of how termites behave and live to get rid of them. Second, and perhaps most importantly, taking a DIY approach to termite damage may ruin your termite lawsuit.
That's true even if you have the skills and experience to do so. You might inadvertently destroy important evidence that is key to your case, which may ruin your chances of compensation for damages and poor work. Instead of trying to repair damage on your own, get a second opinion from a trusted inspector. Once your concerns are verified, it's time to call Cobb Hammett Law Firm. Our experienced termite damage attorneys will dig into your case and discover if you're one of the thousands of people with grounds for filing a termite lawsuit.
We get this question often at Cobb Hammett Law Firm, though the answer is sometimes unclear. What we do know is that if you're looking for the max amount of compensation, we'll need to discover who was at fault. In some cases, it's easy to determine fault. For example, if you're a new homeowner, and a termite inspector or seller didn't inform you of an infestation, you may have grounds to sue.
However, things get more complex if you rent a home or bought a residence many years ago and have been using a pest control company for termite infestation. You could have grounds for a case against the pest control company, your landlord, or a different third party, depending on the circumstances of your case. That's why working with a termite attorney in Bluffton, SC is so important - so they can investigate the details and damages associated with your infestation and determine who is accountable.
If you have trusted your home with a pest control company and encounter a termite issue, you might not get the help you expect, even if your claim is legitimate. With years of experience fighting big pest control companies and their insurers, we've heard just about every excuse in the book. If you're dealing with a termite problem, be wary if you hear any of the following excuses.
However, things get more complex if you rent a home or bought a residence many years ago and have been using a pest control company for termite infestation. You could have grounds for a case against the pest control company, your landlord, or a different third party, depending on the circumstances of your case. That's why working with a termite attorney in Bluffton, SC is so important - so they can investigate the details and damages associated with your infestation and determine who is accountable.
If you're thinking about buying a new home, hiring a home inspector to spot maintenance and repair issues is a wise idea. But what happens when you spend your hard-earned money on an inaccurate inspection report? What if the report fails to notify you of termite damage or the potential for a termite infestation? In many cases, erroneous inspection reports lead to nasty surprises once you're moved in. When it comes to missed or unreported termite infestations or damage, negligence often falls on the home inspector's shoulders.
If you find yourself in a similar situation, it's crucial that you contact a termite attorney in Bluffton, SC. At Cobb Hammett Law Firm, our termite lawyers have years of experience bringing claims and filing lawsuits on behalf of clients suffering at the hands of negligent or dishonest home inspectors. From compensation for emotional distress to repairs for termite damage, our firm can help right the wrong you had no say in receiving.
If your home inspector did not uphold their duties and obligations to you as the home buyer, you could most certainly sue a home inspector.
Unless your termite infestation was new when your home was inspected, it would be hard for a home inspector to miss it. If you just bought a house and you have discovered damage or signs of a termite infestation, contact Cobb Hammett today. Our team of termite damage attorneys may be able to prove that your inspector failed at spotting and reporting termite issues in your new home.
However, proving negligence is easier said than done without a lawyer by your side. Termite inspectors aren't always expected to find every bit of termite damage, and they're often not the final say in whether your home is damage-free. That's why, with Cobb Hammett Law Firm as your advocate, we'll ask the hard-hitting questions needed to discover if your inspector missed termite damage for legitimate reasons or if they were careless and negligent. We'll help facilitate a second inspection if needed and will work tirelessly to earn you the compensation you deserve.
You should know that even if your home inspector is legally negligent for missing termite damage or infestations, their liability will often be limited due to the language in their contract.
If your lawsuit doesn't have the proper foundation to prove negligence, your termite damage lawyer in Bluffton, SC may be able to win compensation via breach of contract. In many circumstances, this is the best route to take if it's easier to prove that an inspector violated a contract. For example, suppose the home inspection contract you signed called for a whole-home inspection, and the inspector failed to survey your crawlspace or attic. In that case, you may have a viable claim in court.
At Cobb Hammett Law Firm, we understand that every termite damage case situation is different. As such, we approach every case with a nuanced, multi-faceted strategy crafted with your best interests in mind.
When a termite prevention company or home inspector is negligent and causes damage to your home, it's time to act fast. You need a trustworthy termite attorney in cityname, state by your side to take the proper steps toward getting compensation.
When you depend on Cobb Hammett, LLC, you'll receive personalized attention and proactive representation. That's because we make an intentional decision to limit our law firm's overall caseload. This allows us to better focus on our individual clients, many of whom remain with us for generations. We do not pass off cases to paralegals or junior associates but rather prioritize the attorney-client relationship.
We value compassion and integrity, and our practice reflects those values. If you're ready to take a stand, call our office today. Our termite damage lawyers will help create a better future for you, your family, or your business.
Law is complicated matter. It can cause you a big problem if you ignore it. Let us help you!
One might argue that it's the quality of the beach that makes a place the best beach town of them all, but Hilton Head Island proves something even mor...
One might argue that it's the quality of the beach that makes a place the best beach town of them all, but Hilton Head Island proves something even more true: It's the richness of the town that wins the day, and in this case, the hearts of its 40,000 locals.
Let's not dismiss Hilton Head's superb beach bona fides, however. Tucked snugly against the water-riven coast of South Carolina, the foot-shaped island exposes 12 miles of broad, tawny sands to the Atlantic Ocean's rolling swells.
Outside of its beach appeal, the sparkling eco-community (with a serious nod to golf)—that real estate developer Charles Fraser carved out amid the island's dense pine stands in 1956—has matured with time.
Today, it stands as a collection of gated neighborhoods surrounded by live oaks, magnolias, and palmettos; neon-free boulevards bordered by bike paths; and boasting clusters of markets, bars, boutiques, and more than 250 restaurants.
Keep reading for the 15 best things to do in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.
This regional art center does it all. Located in the heart of Hilton Head, the center produces its own theater series, in addition to welcoming musicians, performers, vocalists, and comics from across the country.
You can stop in to see a play, and fans of the visual arts can also check out the center's Walter Greer Gallery, which is operated in partnership with the Art League of Hilton Head and features the work of more than 150 local artists.
artshhi.com; 14 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928; 843-686-3945
Hilton Head is home to one of the great American cultures, Gullah, which evolved from the beliefs and practices of Africans enslaved on (and later liberated from) Hilton Head's indigo and Sea Island cotton plantations.
In fact, the island is home to Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park, site of the first self-governing village of liberated enslaved people—then called "freedmen"—in the nation. Set beneath arching oaks on Port Royal Sound, Mitchelville is now a center for touring and education and is emblematic of a welcome surge in Gullah-focused tours, festivals, and cuisine, as well as an increased awareness for the 2.67 million visitors who cross the bridge onto Hilton Head Island every year.
exploremitchelville.org; 40 Harriet Tubman Way, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926; 843-255-7301
For a town of only 40,000 to boast its own symphony is no small feat. With about four decades of performances under its belt, the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra concerts are a must for music lovers.
Series performances are held on Sundays and Mondays throughout the year at First Presbyterian Church, but you can catch more casual performances by going to a free Symphony Under the Stars show at Colony Park when the weather is fair.
hhso.org; 7 Lagoon Road, Suite 100, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928; 843-842-2055
Hilton Head is home to one of the coolest jazz clubs on the East Coast. For an elegant evening out and a one-of-a-kind experience, make reservations for The Jazz Corner. This jazz club has been swaying to the rhythm since 1999 and still hosts two shows a night, seven days a week—all without missing a beat.
thejazzcorner.com; 1000 William Hilton Parkway C-1, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928; 843-842-8620
All 12 miles of Hilton Head Island are public beaches that feel both expansive and inclusive (several access points include mats for wheelchairs). And with an average air and water temperature of around 70 degrees, that's about as pitch perfect as beach life gets.
In town and along the beach, there are enough outdoor activities on offer to keep you staying and playing all day long and into the night. They'll certainly tempt you to put off turning in until way past sunset.
Stroll the sidewalks to catch glimpses of blue skies and bluer waters, but the better way to see it all is by biking along the sands to see the sights. There are several outfitters where you can snag a set of wheels in town, but few have the longevity and service of Hilton Head Bicycle Company, which has been in business for more than 30 years.
hiltonheadbicycle.com; 112 Arrow Road, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928; 843-686-6888
The fishing enthusiasts in your party can cast a line from the beach or book a chartered boat to take the fun to the deep blue. Popular shoreside spots include Jarvis Creek Park, the Charles C. Haigh Jr. Fishing Pier, and lagoons at Palmetto Dunes or The Sea Pines Resort.
When you're ready to delve into deeper waters, book a fishing charter to from companies like Drifter Excursions or Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina, which will ferry you to the best spots to catch everything from king mackerel to giant tarpon.
hiltonheadboattours.com; 86 Helmsman Way, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928; 843-363-2900
sheltercovehiltonhead.com; 1 Shelter Cove Ln, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928; 843-548-0532
With more than 26 championship courses sprinkled throughout the island, Hilton Head is a golfer's paradise. You can play a course designed by some of the greats, including Robert Trent Jones, Jack Nicklaus, and Pete Dye. What's truly special about golfing on Hilton Head Island are the gorgeous landscapes to be admired everywhere you turn. Just a ride on a golf cart is a real treat for the senses.
For the most adventurous vacationers in the bunch, there are endless opportunities for outdoor adventure on the water. Take your pick from kayaking, paddle boarding, surfing, sailing, jet skiing, and parasailing. Lowcountry Watersports offers dolphin and kayak tours as well as boat rentals. At H20 Sports, rent jet skis or book a parasailing trip for amazing island views. The world—or should we say the island—is your oyster.
lowcountrywatersports.com, 86 Helmsman Way, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
h2osports.com, 149 Lighthouse Road, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
First-time visitors are sure to fall in love with Hudson's Seafood House on the Docks, founded by Andrew Carmines. The waterfront spot overlooking the Port Royal Sound serves fresh catch daily, and they've been doing things the same way for more than 50 years. You can't go wrong if you order the day's special—it was likely plucked from the ocean that very morning.
hudsonsonthedocks.com; 1 Hudson Road, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926; 843-681-2772
Enjoy tasty French bistro staples like escargots (served with garlic herb butter sauce and crispy leeks), perfectly cooked cassoulet, and two kinds of moules-frites at Chez Georges. The wine list is impeccable, as well.
Catch the aperitif hour from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., when adult beverages are two dollars off and there’s a small plates menu offered. The restaurant also uses this time to host ticketed wine tastings complete with paired cheese plates.
chezgeorgeshhi.com; 37 New Orleans Road, Suite J, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928; 843-785-3200
Find the best croissants this side of the Atlantic at transplanted Philippe Feret's Hilton Head Social Bakery. In addition to classic French pastries like Kouign-Amann, mango peach turnovers, and almond brioche, the cozy cafe also offers about 20 varieties of tarts, plus more specialty desserts.
You'll also find a savory menu featuring dishes like quiche and jambon-beurre, a traditional French ham and cheese sandwich on a baguette. With a new second location on the island, it's easier than ever to get your fix.
hiltonheadsocialbakery.com; 17 Harborside Lane, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928; 843-715-3349
This lively cafe near Coligny Beach will put you on island time in a matter of minutes. All you need is one of their signature daiquiris, a basket of fried shrimp, and a shady spot under a tiki umbrella listening to live music.
frostyfrog.com; 1 North Forest Beach Drive, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928; 843-686-3764
The red-and-white striped landmark has become the calling card for this very special island since it was erected more than five decades ago. Located on the Yacht Basin in Harbour Town, $7 will earn you admission to climb to the top of the lighthouse and to see the attached museum, where you can find out more about the lighthouse and Hilton Head's history.
harbourtownlighthouse.com; 149 Lighthouse Road, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928; 866-305-9814
After you've climbed to the top of the lighthouse, spend some time strolling through the town below to peruse the 20 locally owned shops, boutiques, and specialty stores located in Harbour Town. From Hilton Head souvenirs to handmade gifts and sweet treats, there's something for everyone in this charming corner of the island.
Beloved family restaurant, Pour Richard’s, will be closing its doors on Jan. 31.Located off of Bluffton Parkway, Pour Richard’s has been serving deliciously comforting Southern cuisine and wine since 2010.Seemingly quaint and small, this restaurant has made a big impact on both locals and visitors to the Lowcountry for 15 years.Known for their dishes like Southern French onion soup (which is the only item that never left the m...
Beloved family restaurant, Pour Richard’s, will be closing its doors on Jan. 31.
Located off of Bluffton Parkway, Pour Richard’s has been serving deliciously comforting Southern cuisine and wine since 2010.
Seemingly quaint and small, this restaurant has made a big impact on both locals and visitors to the Lowcountry for 15 years.
Known for their dishes like Southern French onion soup (which is the only item that never left the menu), chocolate bourbon pies and chicken dishes, Pour Richard’s has been a go-to spot for Bluffton families and friends to gather, unwind and enjoy a meal together for years.
Pour Richard’s is closing because another restaurant buyer bought the establishment, said Allyson Rogers, one of the owners of Pour Richard’s..
This new spot will bring a whole new array of dishes and drinks. There are also plans to entirely renovate the space and to open at the beginning of March, though details of the new concept are still under wraps. More information about the incoming location will be released soon.
The restaurant announced its closing on Jan. 20 through a post on Facebook, with frequent guests and community locals flooding the comments with heartfelt messages to say goodbye.
But above the food, the service is what made Pour Richard’s feel like home for so many. Over 200 guests reminisced in the comments that from birthdays, anniversaries, family dinners and even first dates, Pour Richard’s greeted every customer with a smile, served food that warmed you up from the inside out and made every customer feel like family.
Owners Richard Canestrari and Rogers have spent every day for the past 15 years waking up early and opening up the restaurant. Now their worlds are about to flip upside down.
“It all feels a little surreal and it’s all starting to sink in this week,” said Allyson Rogers, pastry chef.
But as all good things must come to an end, so many visitors of Pour Richard’s are anxious to know what’s next. Right now, Rogers and Canestrari aren’t entirely sure, but they are leaving the door open to reflect and recharge.
“For now, I think we are going to take a break and figure things out. Richard has always been involved with the food businesses, so I think sometime soon we may look into opening a new spot … maybe something with more drinks on the menu,” Rogers said.
As a final hurrah, you can still visit Pour Richard’s until the end of the month and even join them at 6 p.m. on Jan. 30 for a toast where they plan to celebrate until there’s nothing left to pour.
“I’m ready to get back to the things I often missed out on or forgot to do, like sleeping in, getting out on the boat or fixing my lawn, but it’s exciting to see what we’ll do next … something totally different,” Rogers said.
Pour Richard’s is located at 4376 Bluffton Parkway in Bluffton. They are open 5:30-9:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday.
This story was originally published January 25, 2025 at 1:00 AM.
The Island Packet
Anna Claire Miller is the Service Journalism Reporter for The Island Packet. Originally from Georgia, she has experience in magazine writing, non-profit communications and city government. Anna Claire has a bachelor’s degree in journalism, legal studies and English from High Point University.
The rumors are true. The Lowcountry has been covered in a blanket of snow for the first time since 2018.Much of the snowfall happened overnight, with ice and sleet starting around 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 21.It appears on latest snowfall totals from the National Weather Service that Bluffton received the most snow at 4 inches, followed by Hilton Head Island at 3.5 inches.The area remains under a cold weather advisory until Thursday but the winter storm warning was lifted Wednesday, Jan. 22, at noon. However, cold temperat...
The rumors are true. The Lowcountry has been covered in a blanket of snow for the first time since 2018.
Much of the snowfall happened overnight, with ice and sleet starting around 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 21.
It appears on latest snowfall totals from the National Weather Service that Bluffton received the most snow at 4 inches, followed by Hilton Head Island at 3.5 inches.
The area remains under a cold weather advisory until Thursday but the winter storm warning was lifted Wednesday, Jan. 22, at noon. However, cold temperatures will continue through the next few days, making roadways potentially dangerous.
Follow our weather coverage here.
These temperatures, which will hover around freezing, will create driving risks and more dangerous roads on Wednesday and Thursday evenings. Beaufort and Jasper county officials are advising residents to avoid driving unless absolutely necessary.
This story will be updated throughout the week as final data is recorded by the National Weather Service.
Here is how much snow accumulated in these areas in 2025 and how it stacks up to previous snowfall, according to the NWS:
Okatie: 3.5 inches
Hardeeville: 3 inches
Ridgeland: 2.5 inches
Bluffton: 4 inches
Beaufort: 3 inches
Port Royal: 2.5 inches
Hilton Head Island: 3.5 inches
Charleston: 2 inches
Savannah: 3 inches
Tybee Island: 2.6 inches
With the current reported snowfall from the NWS, Bluffton saw the heaviest snowfall in Beaufort County, with 4 inches total.
In 2018, Charleston saw the most amount of snowfall with 5.3 inches covering the area.
Here are recorded levels of snowfall from the NWS during the 2018 storm:
Okatie: 4 inches
Hardeeville: 3 inches
Ridgeland: 6 inches
Bluffton: 4 inches
Beaufort: 3.5 inches
Port Royal: 3 inches
Hilton Head Island: 4.5 inches
Savannah: 2.8
Tybee Island: 1 inch
The Callawassie Island area saw the most amount of snowfall for Beaufort County, with 4.8 inches of snow covering the area.
This story was originally published January 22, 2025 at 9:58 AM.