When clients ask about the number of personal injury cases filed each year in Greenville, it’s important to understand that precise, publicly available statistics specific to Greenville County can be difficult to obtain. However, our Greenville personal injury lawyers can provide some valuable context about personal injury litigation in the area.
Estimating Greenville’s personal injury caseload
Greenville County is the most populous county in South Carolina, with approximately 525,000 residents. As one of the state’s major metropolitan areas and fastest-growing regions, it naturally sees a significant portion of South Carolina’s personal injury cases.
The South Carolina Judicial Branch publishes annual statistical summaries, but these reports typically categorize cases broadly rather than specifically identifying personal injury filings by county. Based on available data and legal community knowledge:
- Greenville County Court of Common Pleas (where most personal injury lawsuits are filed) handles thousands of civil cases annually
- Personal injury cases constitute a substantial percentage of the civil docket
- Auto accidents represent the largest category of personal injury claims in Greenville County
Under South Carolina Code § 14-5-310, jurisdiction for personal injury cases typically falls to the Circuit Court, with Greenville County being part of the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit.
Types of personal injury cases in Greenville
The personal injury cases filed in Greenville County courts generally include:
- Motor vehicle accidents – By far the most common, reflecting Greenville’s growing population and increasing traffic congestion
- Workplace injuries – Cases that extend beyond workers’ compensation
- Medical malpractice – Subject to specific requirements under SC Code § 15-79-110
- Product liability – Claims involving defective products
- Wrongful death – Filed pursuant to SC Code § 15-51-10
- Slip and fall/premises liability – Claims against property owners are based on South Carolina Code of Law 15-38-15, which requires showing the owners owed a duty of care, breached that duty, and caused the plaintiff’s injuries as a result.
What the numbers mean for your case
While the exact number of annual filings is not readily available, what’s more important is understanding how personal injury cases are handled in Greenville County. At Smith Jordan Law, we’re intimately familiar with:
- The local court system and its procedures
- Typical timelines for personal injury litigation in Greenville County
- Local judges’ tendencies and preferences
- The insurance companies that commonly operate in the region
- Fair settlement values for various types of injuries specific to Greenville juries
Navigating Greenville County’s legal system
Regardless of how many cases are filed each year, successfully navigating the Greenville County legal system requires experienced legal representation. Greenville’s courts operate under specific local rules in addition to state procedures. The statute of limitations for most personal injury cases in South Carolina is three years (SC Code § 15-3-530), making timely filing essential.
At Smith Jordan Law, our extensive experience with personal injury litigation in Greenville County allows us to effectively advocate for clients regardless of how crowded the court docket may be. We understand the local legal landscape and how to position your case for the best possible outcome.
If you’ve been injured in Greenville County, contact Smith Jordan Law for a consultation to discuss the specific circumstances of your case and how we can help you navigate the legal process successfully.