SC Worker Dies After Serious Fall at Aircraft Plant

A man from North Charleston was pronounced dead today after surviving an astonishing 11 days after a terrible fall while working on the job at a plant.

According to the police reports, the man was a worker at the Boeing plant in North Charleston and was only 38 years old at the time of the accident.

The plant is specifically for aircrafts, which is what the employee was working on when he fell. Authorities have not released all of the details; however the man was reported to have fallen from a platform onto the concrete surface down below. He has been working on the rear of a 787 Dream-liner, assembling the different components.

The accident occurred on March 18, where the man was immediately rushed to the hospital after injury.

A statement has been issued from the plant saying that an investigation is still underway and the the plant offers support to the victim’s family.  After being injured at work, many of our clients are initially afraid of losing their jobs and are not sure if they even want to pursue a claim.

After being injured at work, many of our clients are initially afraid of losing their jobs and are not sure if they even want to pursue a claim. In these difficult times, these are good people in tough financial situations that need help.

Attorney Robert J. Reeves has practiced workers’ compensation law for over 22 years and knows how to protect your rights as well as your job. As a former workers’ compensation insurance defense lawyer, he knows what a carrier needs to quickly evaluate your claim and get your benefits started. If denied, he will fight at a Hearing to get what you deserve.

As a former ICU Registered Nurse (RN), he understands complex injury cases and can get the necessary medical opinions from your treating physicians. Over the years, Mr. Reeves has encountered virtually every type of serious workers’ compensation injury case. Given his unique background and extensive experience, he stands ready to fight for you and your family.

Being hurt while on the job is never and easy topic to discuss. Depending on the severity of the accident, sometimes the most difficult is not the recovery, but rather the financial burden you suffer in addition to the pain and time off from work. Trying to decide when a good time to discuss the costs with your boss, your wife, or other important people in your life can bring about immense anxiety and pressure.

That’s why the best thing to do when you have been seriously hurt on the job is to contact an experienced workers’ compensation attorneys who is equipped to handle your case. Contact the law offices of Reeves, Aiken,and Hightower, LLP to discuss your accident and the possible remedies for your pain and suffering. Reach us at 803-548-4444 or toll-free at 877-374-5999 today for a free consultation.

SC Modified Comparative vs. Pure Comparative Negligence

In the state of South Carolina, a person’s ability or right to recover after being involved in a serious accident maybe controlled and conjunctively limited by the state’s laws governing negligence claims. Specifically, South Carolina is one of the many state’s that follow the rule of ”modified comparative negligence.” The next logical question is what is “modified comparative negligence” and how does that differ from pure comparative negligence?

The answer can be broken down by percentages. Thus, under South Carolina’s “modified comparative negligence” rule, if a person is more then 50% at fault( even if it is 51%), as determined by the appropriate fact finder, then the plaintiff will be precluded from recovering anything. Under this modified system, the plaintiff will be permitted to a ” partial recovery.” Under partial recovery, the law states that any percentage of fault on the plaintiff’s part will be reduced and then deducted from the final compensation/settlement amount.

Conversely, under the pure comparative negligence rule, the degree of fault exercised by the plaintiff will not bar recovery, even if the plaintiff is found to be 90% at fault. In other words, the plaintiff can recover some percentage from the defendant regardless of the extent to which they were responsible for the accident. However, the amount of recovery maybe reduced by fault, just as in the modified comparative negligence theory explained above for partial recovery..

So, let’s put these two theories to the test and use a hypothetical to further explain. Let’s say that there was a serious car accident involving only one plaintiff, and one defendant. The facts of the accident are essentially moot, as the focus of this discussion is based upon the method of recovery. Thus, the two parties, after much deliberation, go to court and it is found that the plaintiff is 40% at fault, and the defendant is found to be 60% at fault. The settlement amount has been determined to be $100,000.

Under the modified comparative negligence theory, the plaintiff would only be entitled to recover $60,000, as they were 40% at fault and the settlement was for an even $100,000. This is not to say that the defendant will be awarded the remaining $40,000, but rather that the amount the defendant( or his insurance company) is to pay will be reduced to that $60,000 amount.

Now, let’s change the facts a bit and say that the plaintiff was found to be 60% at fault and the defendant was only 40% at fault. Under South Carolina’s rule, the plaintiff would be barred from recovering anything, because they degree of fault has crossed over that 50% threshold in the aforementioned paragraphs.

However, under the pure comparative negligence theory, the plaintiff would still be entitled to some recovery; however only for the $40,000, as they were found to be 60% at fault.

Thus, in the event that you or a loved one find yourself involved in any sort of serious accident or personal injury, the first step would be to contact an experienced personal injury attorney who knows the different negligent theories, and can help argue any degree of fault on your behalf to help you gain the most compensation that is possible given the circumstances. Contact the law offices of Reeves, Aiken, and Hightower, LLP to talk to one our our experienced personal injury attorneys today. You may contact us at the following: York County, SC: (803) 548-4444, or toll free at (877) 374-5999

Car Crashes Into Mobile Home on Inner I-485

A devastating car crash occurred Wednesday on the Inner Loop of Interstate 485 around Providence Road.

According to a report, an automobile apparently slammed into the back of a motor home traveling on the interstate.  When the automobile hit the motor home, the front of the vehicle buckled, trapping the occupants inside the vehicle.

Five people were injured in the incident.  According to authorities, three of the injuries are described as potentially lifethreatening while the other two were described as non-life threatening.  Authorities had to close the inner loop of I-485 to make room for a medical helicopter that was called to evacuate the victims to the

Any type of serious injury can bring harm to the victim and his/her loved ones.  One may have an action to recover damages for injuries sustained during an accident.  Contact the law offices of Reeves, Aiken, and Hightower to consult with one of our personal injury attorneys.  Our personal injury attorneys understand the emotional and financial hardships facing persons injured in an accident and want to help you or someone you might know.  We are licensed in both North and South Carolina, where you can contact us at 704-499-9000 or 877-374-5999 toll-free. hospital.