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 Charleston, 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 Charleston, 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 Charleston, 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 Charleston, 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 Charleston, 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 Charleston, 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 Charleston, 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!
CHARLESTONSouth Carolina played a baseball game against the College of Charleston on Thursday. And really, it shouldn’t be a big deal. But time transforms small things into big things.It’s why a few months ago, Charleston coach Chad Holbrook sat in his office and looked like a man who had just been told a great-great uncle he never met left him a hefty inheritance. In shock, he told everyone that new South Carolina co...
CHARLESTON
South Carolina played a baseball game against the College of Charleston on Thursday. And really, it shouldn’t be a big deal. But time transforms small things into big things.
It’s why a few months ago, Charleston coach Chad Holbrook sat in his office and looked like a man who had just been told a great-great uncle he never met left him a hefty inheritance. In shock, he told everyone that new South Carolina coach Paul Mainieri had not just agreed to play his squad, but USC would come to Charleston for an exhibition.
“I think there was a hesitation because I think Chad fell off his chair and he had to pick himself up. He said, ‘Are you serious?’ ” Mainieri said. “I just noticed on the schedule that the College of Charleston hadn’t been on for a couple years and I didn’t really understand why.”
The answer made even less sense after Thursday. After 3,412 folks bought tickets for a fall scrimmage at Joseph P. Riley Jr. Park, home of the Charleston RiverDogs. After CoC beat its Division I counterparts to the northwest, 12-11.
It was the first time South Carolina baseball played the College of Charleston since 2018 — a 9-0 CofC win in Holbrook’s first year as Cougars coach. The last time the Gamecocks played the Cougars in the Lowcountry was in 2013, Holbrook’s first season as the head coach at South Carolina. (USC won that game 3-1.)
Before taking over the Gamecocks program, Holbrook served on coach Ray Tanner’s staff for four seasons — including the 2010 and 2011 national championship campaigns. In that time, Holbrook said, Tanner shared a philosophy.
“Hey, you’re the head coach at South Carolina,” Holbrook said Tanner told him. “You should play all the teams in the state of South Carolina.”
“He thought it was his responsibility as the flagship university in the state,” Holbrook said. “I hope we’re back on that. I think Paul agrees with Coach Tanner in that regard: ‘We’ll play South Carolina any time we can.’ ”
Mainieri seemed to enjoy the experience, just not the final outcome. He is one for using his platform as an SEC head coach to lift up smaller programs. A few weeks ago, Air Force — where Mainieri coached from 1989-94 — came to Founders Park for a unique fall exhibition.
Though South Carolina had released its full non-conference schedule, it was announced Thursday that the Gamecocks and Cougars will meet again on Tuesday, March 18 at Segra Park in Columbia.
And just like Thursday, it won’t be a guaranteed victory for the Gamecocks. Last season, College of Charleston went 41-14 but was left out of the NCAA Tournament.
“I wanted to play as good a team as we could find,” Mainieri said. “And I thought College of Charleston was a great team. I know how much Chad appreciated that we came over here.”
Holbrook joked that he came into the scrimmage with this plan for all the pitchers he wanted to use and a real solid idea about how to use the exhibition to help his squad.
Then he got into the sixth inning. The Cougars hit two home runs, scored seven runs and led 10-5. Holbrook’s plan flew to the Charleston wind.
“Oh, the hell with that. You’re trying to win,” Holbrook said with a grin.
South Carolina provided drama in the ninth inning, with a two-run Evan Stone home run that put the Gamecocks down one with one out to spare. They couldn’t pull out the miracle.
Will Tippett grounded out. CoC second baseman Ethan Plyler snatched the ball and spiked it into the dirt, letting out a primal scream. A few Cougars sprinted out of the dugout like this was a win in May.
Don’t tell them Thursday was just an exhibition, perhaps answering a question that should have never been asked.
“Yes,” Holbrook said, “we should play every year.”
This story was originally published November 7, 2024, 10:41 PM.
| Nov 07 2024 at 11:30 AM | Ports & TerminalsSC Ports, the International Longshoreman’s Association, Coalition 18 and the Maritime Association of South Carolina are partnering again this year to fulfill the holiday wish lists of South Carolina foster children.Charleston’s maritime community is encouraging its partners, businesses and area residents to donate to the Maritime Toy Drive with the goal of filling a 40-foot...
| Nov 07 2024 at 11:30 AM | Ports & Terminals
SC Ports, the International Longshoreman’s Association, Coalition 18 and the Maritime Association of South Carolina are partnering again this year to fulfill the holiday wish lists of South Carolina foster children.
Charleston’s maritime community is encouraging its partners, businesses and area residents to donate to the Maritime Toy Drive with the goal of filling a 40-foot ONE shipping container with toys by Dec. 13. Donations will be distributed to foster children in South Carolina by the S.C. Department of Social Services.
This is the maritime community’s third annual toy drive in Charleston. These efforts have collected thousands of toys for foster children in South Carolina.
“SC Ports is dedicated year-round to connecting with local communities and giving back to our citizens,” SC Ports President and CEO Barbara Melvin said. “South Carolina’s maritime community is teaming up again to make the holidays brighter for foster children in our state. We encourage people and businesses to join us in supporting such a wonderful cause.”
“The International Longshoremen’s Association Local 1422, Local 1422-A and Local 1771 believe in service and giving back to our community,” said Yvette Flowers, Secretary Treasurer of ILA Local 1422. “We hope others in the Lowcountry will join our maritime community and support South Carolina children this holiday season.”
“The trucking community delivers goods to homes and businesses every day, and we are proud to participate in the Maritime Toy Drive to give back to children who are so deserving of happy holidays,” said Juan Gordon, president of trucking organization Coalition 18. “We want to inspire the community to go even bigger this year. Every little bit counts.”
"Collaboration and community service are at the heart of the maritime industry," said Taylor Jackson, President and CEO of the Maritime Association of South Carolina. "We're honored to support this meaningful initiative and invite others to join us in making a lasting impact on the lives of South Carolina children during this season of generosity."
How to donate:
Please bring unwrapped toys to SC Ports headquarters (200 Ports Authority Drive, Mount Pleasant, SC), or purchase toys online through the wish lists below. When checking out, please make sure to select the gift registry shipping address.
• Amazon Gift Wish List
• Target Gift Wish List
• Walmart Gift Wish List
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November 7, 2024 - ECHL (ECHL)NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. - The South Carolina Stingrays are proud to announce a new partnership with Mercedes-Benz Vans Charleston for the 2024-25 hockey season. Together, they are launching the "Sprinting Forward, Winning for STEM" initiative to support STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education in the Lowcountry.For every Stingrays victory this season, Mercedes-Benz Vans...
November 7, 2024 - ECHL (ECHL)
NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. - The South Carolina Stingrays are proud to announce a new partnership with Mercedes-Benz Vans Charleston for the 2024-25 hockey season. Together, they are launching the "Sprinting Forward, Winning for STEM" initiative to support STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education in the Lowcountry.
For every Stingrays victory this season, Mercedes-Benz Vans Charleston will pledge $100 towards a scholarship fund that will be awarded to a local teacher or school. This scholarship will help provide essential equipment and materials for STEM education in the classroom, furthering the community's commitment to empowering the next generation of innovators.
The initiative will be celebrated as part of the Stingrays' annual STEM Night, which engages students and families in hands-on learning activities. This year's STEM Night will take place on March 21, 2025. By tying each Stingrays win to a positive impact on education, the "Sprinting Forward, Winning for STEM" program will bring added excitement to every game while making a lasting difference in local classrooms.
"The partnership was a natural integration for our STEM Night," said Kerri White, Stingrays Vice President of Corporate Partnerships. "The initiative provides an opportunity to further connect our fans with Mercedes-Benz Vans Charleston and showcase their impact in the community."
This partnership aligns with Mercedes-Benz Vans Charleston's broader corporate responsibility platform, Sprinting Forward, Giving Back, which focuses on supporting the communities in which they operate.
"At Mercedes-Benz Vans Charleston, we are proud to strengthen our commitment to the communities we serve through this exciting partnership with the South Carolina Stingrays. The 'Sprinting Forward, Winning for STEM' initiative is more than just a sponsorship; it's a tangible investment in the future of our children and the industries that will shape tomorrow. By supporting STEM education in the Lowcountry, we are fostering the next generation of innovators, problem-solvers, and leaders. Together with the Stingrays, we are not only cheering for victories on the ice but also empowering educators and students with the tools they need to succeed in a rapidly evolving world," said Axel Bense, President & CEO of Mercedes-Benz Vans Charleston.
Check out the South Carolina Stingrays Statistics
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Listen to this articleAfter months of ‘Vote Yes’ and ‘Vote No’ throughout Charleston County, residents overwhelmingly voted against passing a third transportation sales tax with about 60% voting no.As the 2004 half-cent sales tax reaches the end of its timeframe,...
Listen to this article
After months of ‘Vote Yes’ and ‘Vote No’ throughout Charleston County, residents overwhelmingly voted against passing a third transportation sales tax with about 60% voting no.
As the 2004 half-cent sales tax reaches the end of its timeframe, this tax was proposed to replace it, leaving people paying no more than they were previously. The sales tax would have generated funds for over a dozen infrastructure projects including the long-debated Interstate 526 extension — deemed a priority by the Charleston County Council and Charleston Mayor William Cogswell.
The extension, also known as the Mark Clark extension, has been in planning for nearly 40 years and was planned to receive the most funding from the tax. Other projects the tax was intended to fund included:
Related: Got questions on the half-cent sales tax in Charleston County? Here’s a primer
Related: Groups clash over half-cent sales tax vote in Charleston County
Hesitation for the approval of the sales tax focused primarily on environmental concerns for marine life and various bodies of water, as well as impacts on small businesses along its path. Faith River James, executive director of the Coastal Conservation League, said there are other ways to solve the traffic issues in the area.
“We are so proud of Charleston County voters standing up for the environment in our community,” James said. “One of our opportunities now is to move forward with traffic solutions that will enhance the way of life for folks who are living on Johns and James islands.”
James said that the CCL intends to focus their efforts on more small-scale solutions to better traffic flow as well as safety measures. Additionally, they plan to contribute to completing the 2016 referendum project list such as the Main Road Corridor in Johns Island.
In July, the CCL filed a lawsuit with the Southern Environmental Law Center against the county regarding the language of the options on the ballots about the tax. The lawsuit was dismissed after the election and James said the legal team will look back into it soon.
“It was definitely a team effort, it was a successful grassroots campaign, and I think the people of Charleston spoke very loudly,” James said. “We hope council will hear their concerns and give us an opportunity to come back to the table to work on traffic and safety solutions.”
Charleston County Councilwoman Jenny Honeycutt said that since the tax wasn’t approved, the projects it was intended to fund will not go through at this time. She said Charleston does have a contract with the state to complete the Mark Clark extension so how to do it will be further discussed.
Honeycutt said the state views Charleston as self-sustaining, so it doesn’t typically send as much funding for projects such as these.
“This does not mean that the problems we were trying to solve don’t exist anymore,” Honeycutt said. “We will continue to look for solutions to solving those problems, mainly the impact that rapid growth has had on our region and keeping pace with infrastructure to address those needs.”
This story has been updated.