General Client FAQs

Joye Law Firm opened its doors in 1968. Our lawyers have nearly 250 years of combined legal experience.

Yes. Different lawyers will see a potential case differently. Some lawyers may not be familiar with the type of case you have. If a lawyer rejects your case, it is a good idea to seek a second opinion. Contact one of our South Carolina injury lawyers about your case today.

You have the right to change lawyers, however, your initial attorney will usually be entitled to payment for services rendered up to the time of dismissal. The lawyer will be paid from the fee earned at the conclusion of the case. Your new lawyer will usually work out an arrangement whereby the fee is split between the two lawyers. Under South Carolina Judicial Branch Rule 4.2, it is unethical for an attorney to consult with a person who has already retained another attorney. If you seek to fire your attorney and contact our firm, we will ask that you provide a Letter of Release from your prior attorney before we can advise you on your case.

Maybe. Under South Carolina’s comparative negligence rules, you still have a case as long as you were not more than 51 percent responsible for the accident. Any settlement or award you receive, however, may be reduced in proportion to your own fault. For instance, if your damages are $100,000 and you are found to be 25 percent at fault, the award would be reduced by $25,000 (25 percent of $100,000) to $75,000.

Yes. Our law firm is staffed in such a way that a Joye Law Firm employee can be reached 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If appropriate, this employee can contact a firm attorney seven days a week at any time. We are ready, willing, and able to discuss a claim with you 24/7.

A case concludes when a settlement is reached or a verdict is reached by a jury. Note that you can decide to accept a settlement before filing a lawsuit, after filing a lawsuit, and even after a case has been tried but before a jury reaches a verdict. Once a jury reaches a verdict, however, the decision is final – unless you or the other party decides to appeal.

In the event your injury prevents you from traveling to our office, one of our South Carolina injury lawyers from Joye Law Firm will meet with you at your house, the hospital, or any meeting place you designate.

You may have to go to court, although it is by no means a foregone conclusion. Joye Law Firm’s lawyers will first attempt to negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf. Should our negotiations produce a settlement offer that you approve of, the case will be resolved and you will not have to go to court. If a satisfactory settlement is not possible, we may proceed with filing a lawsuit (again, with your approval). Once a lawsuit is formally filed, it may be necessary to go to court. However, it is important to remember that most cases settle without the need to file a lawsuit, and if a lawsuit is filed, there is no guarantee that a trial will actually happen. In fact, many cases settle days or weeks before a trial date, or even on the courthouse steps.

Yes. At the initial consultation, one of our South Carolina accident attorneys from Joye Law Firm will meet with you. Throughout the remainder of our representation of you, a lawyer and a legal assistant will be involved in the handling of your claim.

If you or a family member experiences an injury, you could benefit from speaking to our South Carolina personal injury lawyers at Joye Law Firm. Often the insurance company for the person who caused the injury will try to settle with you before you have an opportunity to retain an attorney. The reason for this is that the insurance company knows it can probably settle the case for less money if you do not have a lawyer. We will investigate your case and obtain the necessary witness statements, documents, photographs, and other materials to protect your rights.