Myrtle Beach Catastrophic Injuries Lawyer

Common Causes of Catastrophic Injuries in the Grand Strand Area

Myrtle Beach is full of activity, but that also brings risk. Our attorneys have handled catastrophic injury cases stemming from a wide range of accidents.

Highway Accidents

Collisions on U.S. Highway 17 or Highway 501 often occur at high speeds and lead to devastating consequences. Motorcycle crashes, large truck collisions, and DUI-related incidents are especially likely to result in catastrophic trauma due to the sheer force of impact involved.

Boating Accidents

With year-round boating activity on the Intracoastal Waterway and Atlantic Ocean, the risk of serious marine accidents is high. These can result in head trauma, spinal injuries, or drowning—particularly when safety protocols are ignored by other boaters or commercial operators.

Falls on Commercial Property

Whether at beachside resorts, vacation rentals, construction zones, or amusement parks, hazardous conditions can lead to life-changing falls. Broken railings, wet surfaces, and a lack of safety signage or equipment frequently contribute to serious injuries.

Medical Malpractice

Errors in surgical procedures, missed diagnoses, or improper medication administration can have lifelong consequences. In cases of malpractice, the harm could have been avoided with reasonable care—making the damage even more devastating.

Violent Assaults and Negligent Security

Some catastrophic injuries result from criminal acts such as assaults or shootings. In these cases, businesses or property owners may be liable if poor security contributed to the risk. Victims are often left with permanent injuries, both physical and psychological.

Wherever your injury occurred, our team will investigate the circumstances and hold the right parties accountable.

Proving Liability in a Myrtle Beach Catastrophic Injury Claim

South Carolina law allows injury victims to seek compensation when someone else’s negligence causes harm. But in catastrophic injury cases, the legal standard is higher—and so is the resistance from insurance companies.

Establishing the Legal Foundation

To win your case, we must prove four elements: duty, breach, causation, and damages. That means showing that the at-fault party had a responsibility to act safely, failed in that duty, caused your injury, and left you with measurable losses. The more serious the injury, the more aggressively insurers push back—making this step critical.

Building a Strong Case

Our attorneys work with top-tier accident reconstructionists, physicians, and financial experts to collect clear and convincing evidence. This might include surveillance footage, expert medical opinions, and economic projections that account for lifelong costs.

At Lanier Law Group, we leave nothing to chance when it comes to establishing fault and proving the extent of your damages.

The Full Cost of a Catastrophic Injury

In a catastrophic injury case, compensation must reflect the full scope of your needs—not just today, but for the rest of your life. Unlike minor injuries that can be resolved with a few doctor visits or short-term therapy, catastrophic injuries demand a comprehensive and often lifelong recovery plan. Understanding all the ways these injuries affect your life—physically, emotionally, and financially—is essential for building a claim that truly reflects your loss and future needs.

Ongoing Medical Needs

Victims often require a combination of emergency care, surgical procedures, inpatient rehab, physical therapy, and follow-up visits that continue indefinitely. In-home nursing care, medications, and assistive technologies like wheelchairs or prosthetics are part of many treatment plans.

Lost Income and Future Earning Capacity

It’s common for victims to be unable to return to their previous jobs—or any job at all. That loss of income must be calculated not just for the short term but for the rest of the injured person’s working years. Diminished earning capacity is a key component of financial recovery.

Home and Lifestyle Adjustments

Adapting a home for accessibility may require structural renovations, specialized equipment, and new vehicles. These adjustments can be costly and are often overlooked in early settlement offers.

Emotional and Psychological Toll

Chronic pain, disfigurement, and emotional distress take a heavy toll. Beyond the physical challenges, many victims suffer from anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and feelings of isolation. The inability to return to a normal routine, participate in favorite activities, or engage with loved ones in the same way can create a deep emotional burden.

Loss of Enjoyment of Life

After a catastrophic injury, it’s not uncommon for victims to lose the ability to enjoy aspects of life they once took for granted. Hobbies, travel, sports, and even simple pleasures like walking on the beach may no longer be possible. This loss of enjoyment can affect self-esteem and mental health, especially when it compounds with physical limitations.

Impact on Relationships and Independence

Spouses, children, and caregivers also feel the emotional weight. Relationships often shift from equal partnerships to caregiver-dependent dynamics, putting strain on marriages and family bonds. The loss of personal independence can be one of the most difficult changes to adjust to, especially for those who were previously self-sufficient or served as providers for their families.

Lifetime Cost Projections

Because catastrophic injuries affect every aspect of a person’s life, it’s vital to work with medical and financial experts to understand the full economic impact. Life care planners assess your future needs—including medical treatments, equipment, therapy, and living expenses—and calculate how much financial support will be required to sustain a dignified, supported life. These projections are a key part of any successful legal strategy.

No two injuries are the same, and that’s why we tailor each case to reflect the specific needs of the individual. At Lanier Law Group, we fight to make sure every consequence—financial, emotional, and physical—is fully considered in your compensation.. Victims may feel isolated or frustrated, especially if they are dependent on others for basic needs. Compensation for these losses is an essential part of any complete recovery.

Why Insurance Companies Undervalue These Claims

When you’re dealing with a catastrophic injury, the financial consequences can be staggering. Medical bills, ongoing care, lost income, and home modifications add up quickly. Unfortunately, insurance companies are focused on protecting their profits—not ensuring you have the resources needed for a full recovery. That’s why these claims are often undervalued or unfairly denied.

Fast Settlements That Benefit the Insurer

One of the most common strategies insurers use is offering a quick settlement soon after the injury. At first, this lump sum may seem generous—especially when you’re under stress and unsure about your financial future. But these early offers rarely account for the true long-term cost of care, adaptive equipment, or loss of future income. Accepting too soon could leave you without the means to support your recovery years down the road.

Minimizing the Severity of Injuries

Insurance adjusters may attempt to downplay the seriousness of your injuries. They might suggest you’re recovering well, misrepresent the opinions of medical professionals, or argue that certain treatments are unnecessary. In catastrophic injury cases, this tactic can be particularly damaging, as it may reduce your access to the care and therapy you actually need.

Disputing Medical Necessity or Causation

Another common strategy is to question whether your injuries were truly caused by the accident or whether certain treatments are medically necessary. Insurers may claim that a pre-existing condition is to blame, or that ongoing treatments are unrelated. These disputes can delay payment, increase your stress, and reduce the value of your claim if not handled by experienced counsel.

Delay Tactics That Wear You Down

Insurers know that financial stress puts pressure on injured individuals and their families. By dragging out the process—failing to respond, requesting unnecessary documentation, or repeatedly asking for additional reviews—they hope to exhaust you into accepting less than you deserve. Delay is a tactic, not an accident.

Using Independent Medical Exams Against You

Insurance companies may require an Independent Medical Examination (IME) with a doctor of their choosing. These physicians are often handpicked for their tendency to issue favorable reports for insurers. The results may be used to deny further treatment or dispute your need for ongoing care. Preparing for and countering these exams is essential.

How We Push Back Against These Tactics

At Lanier Law Group, we know the playbook insurance companies rely on—and we’re not intimidated by it. From the outset, we approach every catastrophic injury case as if it’s headed to trial. That means preparing meticulously, securing expert opinions, and calculating damages based on your actual long-term needs—not just what an insurer is willing to pay.

We compile comprehensive medical records, consult life care planners, and build a strong narrative that reflects the real toll of your injury. We also handle all communications with the insurance company so you don’t have to deal with aggressive adjusters or confusing paperwork. If a fair settlement can’t be reached, we’re fully prepared to take your case to court.

Remember, you only get one chance to recover the compensation you need after a catastrophic injury. With Lanier Law Group by your side, that chance is backed by experience, strength, and relentless advocacy.

Injured in Myrtle Beach? Contact Us Today

Since 1997, Lanier Law Group has built a reputation for standing up to powerful defendants and delivering results for people facing the toughest moments of their lives. We take catastrophic injury cases personally because we understand what’s at stake.

We offer free consultations, and our team provides clear, compassionate communication from day one. We handle every part of the legal process so that you can focus on healing. And you don’t pay unless we win—because justice shouldn’t come with added financial stress.

When you work with Lanier Law Group, you’re not just getting legal help. You’re getting a team that will listen, guide, and fight for you every step of the way. Let us take on the legal burden so you can focus on healing and rebuilding. Call 919-342-1368 or contact us online to schedule your free case review today.