When a catastrophic injury happens, life changes in an instant. Some injuries heal with time. Others cause permanent disability, chronic pain, or loss of independence. These are what we call catastrophic injuries—the types of cases our firm focuses on every single day.
If you or a loved one has suffered a life-changing injury in Columbia, Myrtle Beach, or anywhere in South Carolina, we’re here to help you understand your rights, hold the responsible party accountable, and secure the resources you need for the future. Call us today at 803-790-2800 (Columbia) or 843-427-2800 (Myrtle Beach) for a free consultation.
Steps to Take After a Catastrophic Injury in South Carolina
- Get immediate medical attention – emergency care is available at Prisma Health Richland (Columbia), Lexington Medical Center (Lexington, SC) or Grand Strand Medical Center (Myrtle Beach).
- Document everything – medical records, accident reports from Columbia Police, Richland County Sheriff’s Office, South Carolina Highway Patrol, or Myrtle Beach PD, photos, and witness information.
- Avoid speaking to insurance companies before consulting an attorney.
- Contact a catastrophic injury lawyer – these cases are complex and require experienced representation familiar with South Carolina law.
Do You Need a Lawyer for a Catastrophic Injury Case in SC and What Does It Cost?
Catastrophic injury cases involve some of the highest stakes in personal injury law: permanent medical needs, lost earning capacity, and life-altering change for your entire family. Insurance companies know this too, and they'll work hard to minimize what they pay. Having an experienced lawyer levels that playing field.
We handle every catastrophic injury case on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we recover money for you. A free consultation costs you nothing and gives you a clear picture of where you stand.
Can You Sue for a Catastrophic Injury in South Carolina?
Yes. If your catastrophic injury happened because someone else was careless or acted in a dangerous way, you may be able to bring a legal claim against them.
Think of it this way:
- Someone had a responsibility to be safe. For example, drivers must follow traffic laws, doctors must provide proper medical care, and businesses must keep their property safe.
- They didn’t live up to that responsibility. Maybe a driver was texting, a doctor made a mistake, or a store ignored a hazard.
- Their actions caused your injury. The careless or reckless behavior directly led to your accident.
- You suffered harm. This can include medical bills, lost income, lasting pain, or changes to your daily life.
If all four of these things are true, you may have the right to hold the responsible party accountable and pursue financial recovery.
Possible liable parties include:
- Negligent drivers and trucking companies (common along SC’s interstates and ports)
- Property owners with unsafe conditions in businesses around Columbia or Myrtle Beach
- Manufacturers of defective products sold in South Carolina
- Medical providers who failed to follow standards of care
- Subcontractors or third-party vendors (workplace cases)
Damages You May Recover in a Catastrophic Injury Case
Because catastrophic injuries affect every part of life, available damages can be significant:
Economic Damages
- Current and future medical expenses (from Columbia-based specialists to long-term rehab in Charleston)
- Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity
- Rehabilitation and in-home care costs
- Mobility aids, prosthetics, or home modifications
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of companionship or consortium
Punitive Damages
- Awarded in cases of gross negligence or reckless conduct (e.g., a drunk driving crash on I-77).
One example from our own case results: after a three-year-old boy suffered a catastrophic burn injury at a Myrtle Beach resort pool, we secured a $26 million settlement on his behalf.* Read the full case result.
*The results are specific to the facts and legal circumstances of each of the clients' cases and should not be used to form an expectation that the same results could be obtained for other clients in similar matters without reference to the specific factual and legal circumstances of each client's case.
What Is Considered a Catastrophic Injury?
In South Carolina, a catastrophic injury generally means an injury that:
- Causes long-term or permanent disability
- Prevents a person from returning to work or daily activities
- Requires substantial medical care or lifelong support
Even though “catastrophic injury” isn’t always a legal category in statutes, it’s widely recognized in both personal injury law and workers’ compensation claims.
Examples of catastrophic injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries leading to paralysis
- Loss of a limb or amputation
- Severe burns or disfigurement
- Loss of vision or hearing
- Internal organ damage
- Injuries requiring permanent medical care
In Columbia, survivors of catastrophic injuries often receive treatment at Prisma Health Richland Hospital or MUSC Health Columbia Medical Center, while Myrtle Beach residents may turn to Grand Strand Medical Center. These facilities provide trauma and rehabilitation care, but long-term recovery often requires private therapy or residential rehab.
Catastrophic Injuries After Car Accidents
Car wrecks are one of the most common causes of catastrophic injuries in South Carolina. A single collision on I-26, I-20, or Highway 17 can leave survivors facing lifelong challenges.
Examples include:
- Spinal cord injuries – paraplegia or quadriplegia requiring mobility aids, home modifications, or in-home care.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) – memory loss, cognitive impairment, or personality changes.
- Internal organ damage – ruptured organs or internal bleeding that may require multiple surgeries.
- Amputation, burns, or severe fractures – limiting independence and quality of life.
Learn more: Traumatic Brain Injuries in South Carolina | Truck Accident Cases | Catastrophic Car Accident Injuries
How Our South Carolina Catastrophic Injury Lawyers Can Help
At the Law Office of Kenneth Berger, we focus exclusively on life-changing injury and wrongful death cases in South Carolina. We understand the weight of what you’re going through, and we’re here to carry the legal burden while you focus on healing.
Our team will:
- Investigate your case and identify all sources of compensation
- Work with medical and financial experts in South Carolina to document long-term needs
- Negotiate with insurance companies that often undervalue catastrophic claims
- Prepare your case for trial in Richland County, Horry County, or federal court if necessary
We know these cases are about more than money—they’re about protecting your dignity, your future, and your family’s stability.
Call us today at 803-790-2800 (Columbia) or 843-427-2800 (Myrtle Beach). You can also start a live chat or fill out a contact form on our website.
FAQ: Catastrophic Injury Claims in South Carolina
Any injury causing long-term disability, impairment, or requiring lifelong care.
It depends on the severity of your injuries, medical costs, lost earnings, and long-term impact on your life. Columbia and Myrtle Beach juries often weigh both financial and emotional harm when awarding damages.
For a sense of what's possible, see How Much Is My Car Accident Worth for a general breakdown, or the case result above for an example of the kind of outcome catastrophic injury cases can produce.
Generally, you have 3 years from the date of injury under South Carolina law (exceptions may apply).