Aerial view of the Charleston County Court of Common Pleas

South Carolina Civil Litigation & Trial Attorneys

Civil Litigation Lawyers Who Are Actually Willing to Go to Trial

When an insurance company or opposing party won't offer a fair resolution, you need a civil litigator prepared to file suit and try the case, not just send a demand letter. That's Hoffman Law Firm, your local litigators.

75+ Combined Years Litigation Experience
Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum
South Carolina Bar Certified

Recent Case Results | SC Circuit Court

Verdict Struck by a box truck that ran a red light $4.0M
Recovered Rear-ended by a commercial vehicle $3.0M
Jury Award T-boned by a distracted driver $2.5M
Recovered Trucking accident, poorly lit trailer $1.95M
Recovered Trip and fall over exposed rebar $1.5M
$0 Upfront Attorney Fees
Free, No-Obligation Consultation
Local Attorneys

Offices in North Charleston & Georgetown — Clientele Across South Carolina

Accomplished Personal Injury Trial Lawyers

The attorneys at Hoffman Law Firm are members of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, reflecting a proven record of securing significant results for injury victims.

"If you've been injured, you need an attorney who knows the law and knows the Lowcountry. I'm David Hoffman, a local who understands that serious cases demand serious results. I'm just as proud as you are to call Charleston home, and you can trust that I'll fight for you, your family, and your future by pursuing the compensation you deserve."

—David L. Hoffman, Founder & Injury Law Attorney & Litigator

What Is a Civil Litigation Lawyer, and When Do You Need One?

A civil litigation lawyer — or "civil litigator" — represents individuals and businesses in non-criminal legal disputes, guiding a case from initial filing through discovery, negotiation, and trial if a fair settlement isn't offered.

That last part matters. Plenty of firms will send a demand letter and hope for a check. A civil litigator is equipped and willing to file the lawsuit, take depositions, and argue the case in front of a judge or jury when that's what it takes.

When you need one:

An insurer denied or lowballed your claim

You need someone prepared to escalate past the adjuster's first offer.

Liability or fault is disputed

The other side won't admit wrongdoing, and you need the facts proven in court.

A person or business caused serious harm

Negligence, a defective condition, or a wrongful act led to real loss.

You've already been served with a lawsuit

You need representation to answer, defend, and litigate the claim against you.

Civil Litigation Practice Areas

Disputes We Litigate for Lowcountry Clients

Every case below is civil litigation — handled by the same team, prepared the same way: for trial.

Auto & Trucking — Car, Truck & Motorcycle Accidents

Negligence and liability disputes arising from crashes on SC roads and highways.

Explore Car Accident
Premises Liability — Slip, Trip & Fall Claims

Holding property owners accountable for unsafe conditions that caused injury.

Explore Slip and Fall
Workplace — Workers' Compensation Disputes

Litigating denied or underpaid claims against employers and insurers.

Explore Workers’ Comp
Wrongful Death — Wrongful Death Claims

Pursuing accountability and compensation on behalf of surviving family.

Explore Wrongful Death
Healthcare — Medical Malpractice

Proving deviation from the standard of care in complex medical claims.

Explore Medical Malpractice

How a Civil Case Actually Moves: From Free Consultation to Verdict

Free Consultation

We review the facts, your losses, and whether you have a claim worth pursuing.

Investigation

We gather evidence, records, and expert opinions to build the case.

Filing Suit

If a fair settlement isn't on the table, we file in South Carolina court.

Discovery & Negotiation

We depose witnesses, exchange evidence, and push for a fair resolution.

Trial, If Needed

If the other side still won't pay fairly, we argue your case to a jury.

Interior courtroom view of the Charleston County Court of Common Pleas
Charleston County Court of Common Pleas

Local Attorneys Who Try Cases, Not Just Settle Them

You'll work directly with the attorney you meet on day one — not a rotating call center.

75+ Combined Years of Legal Knowledge

Proven experience handling serious personal injury cases

South Carolina Bar Certified

Licensed and authorized to represent clients statewide

Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent® Rating

Highest peer-review rating for ethics and legal ability

Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum

Recognition for achieving multi-million-dollar results

Avvo 5-Star Rated

Trusted and highly reviewed by real clients

Super Lawyers (2024) & Super Lawyers “Rising Stars” (2012)

Peer-recognized excellence in personal injury law

Meet Your Local Civil Litigators

The Hoffman Law Firm attorney team
David L. Hoffman — Founder & Trial Attorney

The Citadel, 1991 · University of Florida Law, 1997.

Meet David
Matthew R. Cook — Trial Attorney

University of South Carolina. Over a decade practicing in the Midlands.

Meet Matt
Amanda R. Stearns — Trial Lawyer

University of South Carolina School of Law, graduated early.

Meet Amanda

FAQs

Hiring a Civil Litigation Lawyer

A civil litigation lawyer helps people resolve legal disputes outside of criminal court. This includes investigating your case, filing a lawsuit, negotiating with the other side, and representing you in court if a fair settlement cannot be reached.

Personal injury law is part of civil litigation. Civil litigation lawyers also handle wrongful death, negligence, business disputes, contract issues, and other complex legal cases.

Hoffman Law Firm offers South Carolina Bar-certified attorneys skilled in both personal injury law & civil litigation, serving clients across South Carolina for over two decades.

Hoffman Law Firm handles injury and negligence cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay no upfront attorney fees, and there is no fee unless we recover compensation for you.

The sooner, the better. Hiring an attorney early helps protect important evidence, meet legal deadlines, and prevent insurance companies from using your statements against you.

Lawsuits & Legal Process

According to South Carolina Code § 15-3-530(5), you generally have three years from the date of your injury to file a personal injury lawsuit.

If your claim involves a state or local government agency, the South Carolina Tort Claims Act (S.C. Code § 15-78-110) reduces that deadline to two years. Missing these deadlines usually means you lose your right to seek compensation.

An insurance claim is handled directly with an insurance company in hopes of reaching a settlement.

A civil lawsuit begins when your attorney files legal paperwork with the court. Many injury cases start as insurance claims and only become lawsuits if the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation.

When you hire Hoffman Law Firm, we handle everything on your behalf, from the investigation and communicating with the insurance company and responsible parties to filing a claim or lawsuit and everything in between. You can focus on your recovery while we manage the ins and outs of your case and keep you updated every step of the way, so you can have peace of mind knowing we are pursuing justice and accountability for everything you've endured.

Every case is different. Most South Carolina civil cases take several months to two years or longer, depending on the facts, the severity of the injuries, and whether the case settles or goes to trial.

Most lawsuits follow these basic steps:

  • Filing the lawsuit
  • Both sides exchange evidence
  • Depositions and witness interviews
  • Mediation to try to settle
  • Trial if no agreement is reached

According to the South Carolina Rules of Civil Procedure (SCRCP), every case follows a structured legal process before reaching trial.

Most cases settle before trial. However, Hoffman Law Firm prepares every case as if it will be presented to a jury. Being trial-ready often leads to stronger settlement offers.

Hoffman Law Firm is recognized by the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum and acknowledged by peers with positive ratings. Our team has the experience to negotiate accident claims effectively and represent clients in court when necessary. We pursue maximum compensation and the justice our clients deserve.

Compensation & Fault

Depending on your case, you may recover compensation for:

  • Medical bills
  • Future medical care
  • Lost wages
  • Reduced earning ability
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Property damage

According to S.C. Code § 15-32-520, punitive damages may also be available if someone acted with willful, reckless, or extremely dangerous behavior.

Yes. According to the South Carolina Supreme Court decision in Nelson v. Concrete Supply Co. (1991), South Carolina follows a modified comparative negligence rule.

You can recover compensation if you were 50 percent or less responsible for what happened. Your fault percentage reduces your recovery.

Your Medical Records

Not necessarily. According to SCRCP Rule 26(b), the defense can only request medical records related to the injuries involved in your case. Your attorney can object to requests for unrelated medical information.

Having a previous injury does not automatically prevent you from recovering compensation.

According to the South Carolina Pattern Jury Instructions, a negligent party can still be responsible for making an existing injury or medical condition worse.

Depositions & Insurance Companies

According to SCRCP Rule 30, a deposition is a meeting where the other attorney asks you questions under oath before trial. Your lawyer prepares you beforehand and stays with you throughout the process.

No. You are generally not required to give a recorded statement to the other driver's insurance company. Insurance adjusters may use your statements to reduce or deny your claim. Let your attorney handle those conversations.

When you hire Hoffman Law Firm, we handle all communication with insurance companies and other responsible parties while you focus on your recovery.

Medical Bills & Settlements

Your attorney may be able to arrange a Letter of Protection (LOP). This allows certain medical providers to wait for payment until your case is resolved.

Your final recovery depends on attorney fees, case expenses, and any medical liens that must be paid.

According to S.C. Code § 44-49-10, some healthcare providers and insurance companies may have legal claims against part of your settlement. Your attorney works to reduce those amounts whenever possible.

According to IRS Publication 4345 and 26 U.S. Code § 104(a)(2), compensation for physical injuries is generally not taxable. However, punitive damages and certain other types of compensation may be taxable.

During Your Case

Your attorney handles the legal work. Your job is to:

  • Follow your doctor's treatment plan
  • Keep medical appointments
  • Save bills and records
  • Provide requested documents
  • Be honest about your injuries

When you hire Hoffman Law Firm, we handle everything on your behalf so you can focus on your physical and mental recovery. We believe in transparency, so you will be informed every step of the way about how your case is progressing. This gives you peace of mind throughout the process.

Missing appointments or stopping treatment can hurt your case. Insurance companies often argue that treatment gaps mean your injuries were not serious or were unrelated to the incident. Following your doctor's recommendations helps strengthen your claim.

Local Questions

Hoffman Law Firm serves clients throughout South Carolina from offices in North Charleston and Georgetown, including Summerville, Mount Pleasant, West Ashley, Folly Beach, Beaufort, Hilton Head, Columbia, and surrounding communities.

We work on a contingency basis, which means you only pay us if we win your case. Contact Hoffman Law Firm today to discuss your legal options and begin with a free consultation.

News & Articles: Discover More on Injury Law

How to Hire a South Carolina Injury Lawyer

3 Simple Steps to Start Your Claim:

Free Case Review

Call (843) 769-7077 or complete a quick contact form. Discuss your case with a Hoffman Law Firm attorney at no cost.

Investigation Begins

We investigate the facts, gather evidence, consult experts, and develop a strong civil litigation strategy.

Pursue Compensation

We negotiate aggressively and are prepared to take your case to trial if needed.

You focus on recovery — no upfront attorney fees.

Accomplished Personal Injury Trial Lawyers

The attorneys at Hoffman Law Firm are members of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, reflecting a proven record of securing significant results for injury victims.

Disclaimers

Legal Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Viewing this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Attorney’s fees are only charged if compensation is recovered. Attorney advertising. Hoffman Law Firm is licensed in South Carolina.