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 Hilton Head Island, SC, the average person has a chance of winning in a court of law. That's where Cobb Hammett, LLC, comes into play.
The Cobb Hammett Law Firm Difference
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 Hilton Head Island, SC, you can rest easy knowing you're in confident, capable hands. Clients trust our law firm for termite damage cases because we have:
- A Demonstrated Playbook of Strategies
- A Proven Track Record of Successful Termite Cases
- Substantial Termite Evidence Lockers with Experts and Depositions
- Experience Handling Cases Across the Southeast United States
- Manuals for Many Major Termite Control Companies
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.
Holding Termite Control Companies Accountable
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:
- Attorney Fees
- Diminished Value for Hidden Damages
- Repairs for Hidden Damages
- Temporary Living Costs
If you feel like your termite company breached its bond or committed fraud, contact Cobb Hammett Law Firm today. Your termite damage attorney in Hilton Head Island, 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.
Let's Talk
What Are the Signs of Termite Damage?
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:
- Termite Swarms in Your Home
- Discarded Termite Wings in Crawlspaces, Attics, or Other Areas
- Small Holes or Pin Pricks in Walls
- Mud Tunnels Running Along the Outer Walls of Your House
- Dirt Falling Out of Cracks, Power Outlets, or Holes in Walls
- Warped Doors and Windows
Some of the most common areas where termites do damage include:
- In and Around Chimneys
- Around the Bases of Outside Walls
- In the Floors or Walls of Your Attic
- In Your Crawlspace
- Laundry, Bath, and Utility Rooms
- The Floors and Sinks of Your Kitchen or Bathroom
- Hollowed Out Wooden Areas Around Your Home
What Should I Do if I Find Termite Damage?
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.
Who Is at Fault for Termite Damage?
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 Hilton Head Island, SC is so important - so they can investigate the details and damages associated with your infestation and determine who is accountable.
10 Common Excuses for Avoiding Termite Damage Liability
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.
- 01.The contract you signed releases our company of any liability.
- 02.We can't help unless you sign a brand-new contract.
- 03.There's moisture around the damaged areas of your home. We aren't responsible.
- 04.We're under no obligation to discover hidden termite damage.
- 05.We won't review your bond unless your property is re-treated.
- 06.We don't have to pay because you have a re-treat-only contract.
- 07.You need to pay for re-treatment because our chemicals or pesticides have worn off.
- 08.You dug up our chemical barrier. Your infestation is not our fault.
- 09.Our insurance company won't pay you. If you have a complaint, take it up with them.
- 10.We'll cover the cost of fixing damage, but we won't open walls to see if more damage is present.
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 Hilton Head Island, SC is so important - so they can investigate the details and damages associated with your infestation and determine who is accountable.
Holding Home Inspection Companies 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 Hilton Head Island, 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.
Can I Sue a Home Inspector for Negligence?
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.
Can I Sue a Home Inspector for Breach of Contract?
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 Hilton Head Island, 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.
Cobb Hammett Is Here When You Need Us Most
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.
Don't hesitate to ask
Law is complicated matter. It can cause you a big problem if you ignore it. Let us help you!
Latest News in Hilton Head Island, SC
Shut the Dores: South Carolina scores sixth win in convincing victory over Vanderbilt
Jordan Kayehttps://www.islandpacket.com/sports/college/article295309994.html
Nashville, Tenn.It is days like Saturday where Shane Beamer has to wish his team played an NFL schedule. Could they play until January? Maybe a 17-game schedule?Just a little more time. Please. Because for three straight games now, South Carolina has looked like one of the best teams in America.It has a bruising rushing attack that seems bound to pop a firework twice a game. It has a defense that looks like a bonfire inside a beehive — so much chaos in such little space. The Gamecocks are suffocating, relentless de...
Nashville, Tenn.
It is days like Saturday where Shane Beamer has to wish his team played an NFL schedule. Could they play until January? Maybe a 17-game schedule?
Just a little more time. Please. Because for three straight games now, South Carolina has looked like one of the best teams in America.
It has a bruising rushing attack that seems bound to pop a firework twice a game. It has a defense that looks like a bonfire inside a beehive — so much chaos in such little space. The Gamecocks are suffocating, relentless destructors. No. 24 Vanderbilt figured that out Saturday.
South Carolina (6-3, 4-3 SEC) came out of Nashville with a 28-7 win and became bowl-eligible for the first time in two seasons.
“It’s extra special tonight just coming off the (5-7) season we had last year,” Beamer said. “Very few people thought we would — I saw a lot of those preseason projections and they certainly didn’t have us winning six games this season.”
This Commodores (6-4, 3-3 SEC) are like the little engine that could. Led by their 6-foot, 207-pound quarterback Diego Pavia, they have already beaten No. 1 Alabama, Kentucky, Virginia Tech and were within a field goal of knocking off No. 5 Texas. This team makes magic. Leave the door open and you leave open the possibility of Pavia doing something insane to put his team back in the game.
Well, South Carolina kept that thing super-glued.
It shut out Vanderbilt in the first half, highlighted by a forced fumble and recovery by edge rusher Kyle Kennard in the red zone. In the second half, Pavia was phenomenal and found the end zone out of the gate. He had a spark. Then South Carolina turned over the Commodores on downs the next two drives.
It was over. And the stats don’t tell the whole truth.
Yes, the Gamecocks sacked Pavia just twice, but sadly there is no stat for how many times a quarterback has to retreat back 30 yards, spin out of a tackle then just heave the ball toward the moon. That seemed to occur about every other play Saturday.
“We hold the defense to a different-type of standard,“ linebacker Debo Williams said. “Like, they ain’t scoring. We’re mad they got seven (points).”
It was, yet again, another night where it felt like South Carolina’s defense could beat anyone in the country. Another night where the LSU and Alabama losses loom large because, if the Gamecocks won just one of those, they’d be in the playoff conversation.
Unfortunately, the time machine doesn’t exist. If it did, though, Rocket Sanders might be in the front of the line.
The Gamecocks running back, who transferred from Arkansas this offseason, dealt with injuries for the first part of the season and was just mundane. Heading into November, he had racked up just 426 yards on the ground. Some put the blame on his offensive line — and that’s fair — but Sanders lacked explosion.
Then came the bye week. Sanders said he spent hours on the Stairmaster, which doesn’t seem like the secret formula to the foundation of youth, but Sanders may have begun some studies. Since that bye week, he has totaled 270 rushing yards, 144 receiving yards and five total touchdowns.
“The key thing is trusting it,” Sanders said. “On the field, just trusting it. And being very coachable helped me out a lot.”
Against Vanderbilt, he made the Commodores defenders look like they were on the Stairmaster, averaging over 8 yards per carry. He was zigging and zagging his way all over the field, hitting the hole with an urgency and fierceness that was lacking early on.
South Carolina now has three more regular-season games and a bowl game remaining. If they win out, the Gamecocks will reach 10 wins for just the fifth time in school history. After these past two weeks, it doesn’t seem impossible.
This story was originally published November 9, 2024, 7:25 PM.
Shane Beamer talks Vanderbilt win, injuries, Top 25 ... and takes stand for Sir Big Spur
Trevyn Grayhttps://www.islandpacket.com/sports/college/article295297249.html
After a 28-7 win over Vanderbilt, South Carolina head coach Shane Beamer said he was proud of his team’s performance and spoke to the media following the game at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville.“Really, really proud of our football team coming into this stadium. This ain’t an easy place to play for a lot of reasons,” Beamer said. “To come in here against anot...
After a 28-7 win over Vanderbilt, South Carolina head coach Shane Beamer said he was proud of his team’s performance and spoke to the media following the game at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville.
“Really, really proud of our football team coming into this stadium. This ain’t an easy place to play for a lot of reasons,” Beamer said. “To come in here against another ranked team and have another three-touchdown win over an SEC team, to become bowl-eligible as well, to become the first South Carolina team since 2011 to win three SEC road games is a huge accomplishment. Just really, really happy for our guys.
“Everyone thought there’d be a letdown coming off last week. To come in here and know it was gonna be a tough, gritty, hard game just because of the way Vandy plays football — it’s really satisfying for us as a football team.
“We’ve got a lot more to accomplish in these next three games: our final SEC home game of the year, our final SEC game of the year next week back in Williams-Brice
“But awesome night tonight. And thanks to our fans, it sounded like Williams-Brice Stadium in there at times tonight. For it to be a sold-out crowd here at Vanderbilt, but the most noise was made by the Carolina fans throughout the night — best fans in the world and grateful for them.”
Beamer told reporters that starting safety DQ Smith “tweaked something” in pregame warmups and had to be replaced in the lineup by Peyton Williams. Starting offensive tackle Josiah Thompson was injured in the game and has a lower body issue, Beamer said. “I hope Josiah’s OK. I don’t think it’s anything serious.”
“I like the way that we responded to adversity, whether it be the defense when Vanderbilt was in scoring position ... we did a really good job,” Beamer said.
Vanderbilt pushed the ball to the USC 40-yard line or closer on three different occasions without putting points on the board.
“We’ve got a special group of guys, and that’s what I’m so excited about,” Beamer said, referring making a bowl game this year. “I mean, it’s like last year not going to a bowl game. And one of the biggest reasons is, obviously, we were 5-7.
“But not having another month with that team, because that team was so much fun to coach. So I just told the locker room, it’s so awesome that we get at least another month together as a football team after the end of the regular season.”
After defeating then-No. 10 Texas A&M in Williams-Brice Stadium last week, USC wasn’t placed on either the AP Top 25 or the College Football Playoff rankings, to the surprise of Beamer.
“The people that do the rankings don’t think we’re worth the crap, and that’s fine,” Beamer said. “Keep crapping on us. That’s the way we like it as well. Don’t rank us this week. We’re good where we are.
“We just like to just lay low and work really, really hard and come out and have fun on Saturdays as well.”
“I promised Sir Big Spur I would do this: Disappointed that Sir Big Spur’s not here. I think it’s ridiculous,” Beamer said. “This is the only place, apparently, in the SEC that doesn’t allow live mascots in the stadium.
“And that’s what makes this league special... The fact that LSU can have a freaking tiger at their stadium tonight, and we can’t bring Sir Big Spur.
“So Sir Big Spur came over and gave us a send-off before we left the facility yesterday, and I told him I would say hello to Sir Big Spur in the press conference. So, we miss you guys. Come off Vandy. Do better.”
Since Vanderbilt won’t let live mascots attend their games we went to campus to send off @GamecockFB today. I gave them a message to deliver. Go #Gamecocks!Leave no doubt!!!! pic.twitter.com/7rjypLNnMG
— Sir Big Spur (@2001sirbigspur) November 9, 2024
This story was originally published November 9, 2024, 8:40 PM.
Hilton Head Island football dominates Bluffton. Area teams advance in SCISA playoffs
Lou Bezjakhttps://www.islandpacket.com/sports/high-school/article295293679.html
A roundup of Friday night’s action as final week of regular season for public schools and first round of the SCISA playoffs.The Seahawks (8-2) wrapped up their most successful regular season in a decade with a dominating performance on Friday night.Hilton Head Island has won eight games for the first time since 2015 when it had a 10-win season. The Seahawks will host a first-round playoff game in the 4A playoffs next week.Seahawk running back Troy Timko rushed for 270 yards and three touchdowns. Thaddeus Czarnecki ...
A roundup of Friday night’s action as final week of regular season for public schools and first round of the SCISA playoffs.
The Seahawks (8-2) wrapped up their most successful regular season in a decade with a dominating performance on Friday night.
Hilton Head Island has won eight games for the first time since 2015 when it had a 10-win season. The Seahawks will host a first-round playoff game in the 4A playoffs next week.
Seahawk running back Troy Timko rushed for 270 yards and three touchdowns. Thaddeus Czarnecki added 127 yards and a TD. QB Derrick Raniszewski threw a TD pass and ran for one.
Carson Haines caught three passes for 63 yards and a TD.
Bluffton also will be in the Class 4A playoffs.
Owen Mayers threw a TD pass and ran for one as the Barons defeated JP2 in the first round of the SCISA 3A playoffs.
Jackson Bonser kicked three field goals for Wilson Hall.
Alan Wolf had a TD run and Connor Brown threw a TD pass to Jackson Sanders for the Warriors’ scoring.
Quarterback Reid McCollum threw three touchdown passes and ran for three as HHCA defeated Florence Christian in the first round of the SCISA 3A playoffs.
Hilton Head Christian will travel to Wilson Hall in the semifinals next week.
Sam Strum caught two TD passes and Harry Cunningham had one for HHCA.
Tony O’Banner ran for three touchdowns and Kiran Boggs threw two touchdown passes as the Rebels advanced in the SCISA Class A playoffs.
THA will host Dorchester Academy next week.
Nicolas Robinson and Donovan Robinson each had TD runs for THA. Gibson also returned a fumble for a touchdown.
Ridgeland finished off a win in the game that was suspended in October and made up on Friday night.
Ridgeland will host a first-round game against Scott’s Branch next week.
Regular season
Abbeville 48, McCormick 6
Batesburg-Leesville 8, Strom Thurmond 7
Blackville-Hilda 35, Ridge Spring-Monetta 12
Boiling Springs 41, Eastside 0
Cane Bay 28, Berkeley 23
Carolina Forest 49, North Myrtle Beach 24
Chapin 35, White Knoll 34
Chesnee 47, Blacksburg 13
Christ Church 34, St. Joseph’s 14
Clinton 42, Liberty 22
Conway 49, St James 35
Daniel 42, Seneca 21
Dutch Fork 24, Irmo 14
Fairfield Central 45, Mid Carolina 13
Fountain Inn 35, Laurens 14
Gaffney 27, Spartanburg 24
Greenville 49, Easley 21
Greenwood 35, Mauldin 13
Greer 51, Travelers Rest 0
Hilton Head Island 42, Bluffton 7
JL Mann 35, Woodmont 6
Mountain View Prep 48, Union County 7
Myrtle Beach 35, Socastee 23
Newberry 33, Silver Bluff 21
North Augusta 20, Gray Collegiate 17
Palmetto 57, Carolina High and Academy 6
Pendleton 26, Blue Ridge 0
Pickens 52, Berea 0
Powdersville 44, Southside Christian 0
River Bluff 24, Lexington 10
Riverside 44, Wade Hampton 20
Saluda 57, American Leadership Academy 0
Stratford 21, Goose Creek 14
Sumter 49, Ridge View 6
TL Hanna 43, Hillcrest 21
Ware Shoals 36, Whitmire 34
West Florence 53, Spring Valley 12
Westside 61, Southside 0
Woodruff 35, Broome 14
Wren 42, Emerald 25
Thursday
Gilbert 52, Aiken 7
South Aiken 40, Airport 27
SCISA Playoffs
Class 4A
Hammond 35, Cardinal Newman 6
Augusta Christian 17, Ben Lippen 7
Porter-Gaud 44, Heathwood Hall 13
Northwood 49, Laurence Manning 20
Class 3A
Wilson Hall 25, John Paul II 14
Hilton Head Christian 42, Florence Christian 7
Pinewood Prep 49, Trinity Collegiate 13
Northside Christian 53, First Baptist 28
Class 2A
Pee Dee Academy 56, Spartanburg Christian 19
Greenwood Christian 28, St. John’s Christian 14
Calhoun Academy 42, Hilton Head Prep 27
Bethesda 36, Orangeburg Prep 0
Class A
Thomas Heyward 55, Lee Academy 12
Dorchester 45, Colleton Prep 7
Williamsburg Academy 55, Patrick Henry 6
Beaufort Academy 23, Carolina Academy 21
8-Man
Richard Winn 51, Newberry Academy 16
Wardlaw 46, Holly Hill 44
Jefferson Davis 46, WW King 22
Laurens Academy 56, Cross Schools 22
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