Frequently Asked Questions

It’s standard practice for attorneys to charge a contingency fee when representing you in a personal injury case. With this type of agreement, the attorney and client agree that the attorney will take a certain percentage of the settlement or verdict as their fee for representation. If the case is unsuccessful or the client does not receive any money, the client does not owe the attorney anything. Additionally, the attorney covers upfront costs related to the case, and those costs are later deducted from any recovery obtained on behalf of the client.

Our firm, Dial, Grimm & Rupert, has physical locations conveniently located in Columbia, Sumter, and Orangeburg, South Carolina.

We understand that urgent questions and requests can arise at any time. Our team is always available to assist you promptly. You can reach out to us via phone, email, or through our website, and we will respond as quickly as possible to address your concerns.

Generally, you’ll need to bring:

• A government-issued ID
• Proof of homeowner’s insurance
• A copy of the purchase agreement
• The closing disclosure statement
• Any necessary funds (often in the form of a certified check or wire transfer)

Mortgage documents, if applicable

Please submit to Team@dgr.law

Closing costs are fees and expenses associated with finalizing the real estate transaction. These may include:

• Loan origination fees
• Appraisal fees
• Title insurance
• Property taxes
• Homeowners insurance
• Recording fees
• Transfer taxes

Yes, you should receive a copy of the closing disclosure at least three business days before closing. This gives you time to review the terms and ask any questions or address concerns with your lender or attorney.

Preliminary Settlement statement will be provided prior to closing as well.

If you notice any discrepancies or issues with the documents, it’s important to address them with your real estate agent, attorney, or lender as soon as possible. Problems can often be resolved before the closing date.

The closing process typically takes about 1 to 2 hours, but this can vary. The time required will depend on the complexity of the transaction and the efficiency of the parties involved.

If you cannot attend the closing in person, you may be able to complete the process remotely or via mail, depending on local regulations and the specifics of the transaction. Discuss alternative arrangements with your real estate agent or attorney.

You should contact utility companies, service providers, and local authorities to transfer or set up services in your name before closing. This ensures a smooth transition and avoids service interruptions.

Title insurance protects against any issues with the title of the property that might arise after the purchase, such as unknown liens or disputes over ownership. It’s generally recommended, and often required by lenders.

Earnest Money is a sum of money paid by a buyer to show their commitment to buying a property. It’s a way to prove to the seller that the buyer is serious about their offer. This money is typically held in an escrow account until the transaction is completed.

Earnest money can be submitted:

We have 3 easy options for paying Earnest Money:

1. EARNNEST-From the computer, the client can visit our website, https://dgr.law  there is a link in the upper right to pay Earnest money, RE: Property Address/Last Name
2. WIRE – Instructions will be sent by your Pre-closer or Closing Paralegal.  Please call for the password and to confirm those instructions.  Anyone answering the phone can provide both. 
3. The client can hand deliver or mail a check made payable to:  Dial Grimm & Rupert to our address at 121 Executive Center Drive Suite 218 Columbia, SC 29210.

*(If it’s a CASH deal, a money order is acceptable. Otherwise, a cashier’s check or personal check will suffice). Please be sure to provide a tracking number if you are mailing in your check.*

There is no requirement that you retain an attorney in South Carolina, but most probate courts across South Carolina will require you to come in person on multiple occasions and cannot offer legal advice.  It is generally a requirement that you retain an attorney to draft a deed to handle the conveyance of real estate before an estate can be closed.

Our practice consists of probating estates, real estate litigation as it pertains to deceased parties, and simple estate planning, including wills, trusts, and powers of attorney.  We handle quiet titles as to heirs’ property, petitions to determine heirs, petitions for the sale of real estate, actions to partition real property among heirs, and other litigation matters involving a deceased parties’ real estate.

No, we offer free consultations to discuss your case and explore your legal options. This allows us to understand your situation and provide initial guidance without any financial obligation on your part.

If the deceased party has a will, the executor of the estate is required to file the original in the county where the deceased party lived within thirty (30) days from the date of death.  Otherwise, any estate can be filed at any point, but it becomes more complicated if the party has been deceased for more than ten (10) years.

A normal estate will take between eight (8) months and one (1) year from the date of death, depending on when the opening documents are received by the court.

If the party has been deceased for over one (1) year, the process will take anywhere from thirty (30) days to six (6) months depending on the complexity of the estate.

We will handle the entire process, including notifying any family members and handling all filings with the probate court.  We will prepare all paperwork for the courts, and you will only be required to come sign forms prepared by our office on a limited basis.

We handle estates in any part of South Carolina, as the rules and procedures are uniform across all probate courts, and most filings and legal matters will not be handled in person.

If you slip and fall at a store or restaurant, get the name of the manager on duty and ensure an incident report is filed. Take pictures of the scene and any visible injuries, and get the names and contact information of any witnesses. Seek medical attention immediately if you are hurt. Documenting the conditions and your injuries will be critical for your case.

Immediately after a wreck, take pictures of the property damage, the wreck scene, and any visible injuries. If possible, get the names and contact information of any witnesses. Filing a police report is essential, and seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if your injuries seem minor. This documentation will be crucial for your claim.

We handle a wide range of personal injury cases, including car accidents, slip and falls, medical malpractice, wrongful death, product liability, workplace accidents, and premises liability. Our diverse experience enables us to provide expert legal representation for various types of injury claims.

Insurance companies are experts at minimizing payouts. Without a knowledgeable attorney, you risk receiving a settlement far below what you deserve. An experienced personal injury attorney will understand the tactics they use and help you significantly increase your chances of receiving fair compensation.

It’s advisable to avoid speaking directly with the insurance company after an injury. Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts, and anything you say could be used against you. Instead, let your attorney handle all communications to protect your interests and ensure you receive fair compensation.

No, we offer free consultations to discuss your case and explore your legal options. This allows us to understand your situation and provide initial guidance without any financial obligation on your part.

As a parent, you can file a lawsuit on behalf of your minor child. To protect your child’s privacy, only their initials will be used publicly. Any settlement obtained for a minor must be used for their benefit. In South Carolina, if the settlement exceeds $15,000.00, the court requires the funds to be placed in a structured settlement, such as an annuity, or to appoint a conservator to manage the funds until the child reaches adulthood.

The value of your claim depends on several factors, including the extent of your injuries, your medical bills, the length of your recovery, and any lost wages. Other considerations include the location of the accident and the history of verdicts in that jurisdiction. Each personal injury claim is unique, and we will thoroughly assess all aspects of your case to determine its fair value.

The statute of limitations (SOL) for personal injury claims varies by state. In South Carolina, you generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit.  However, there are certain cases where the statute of limitations may be less than three years.  It’s crucial to act within this timeframe, as missing the deadline could result in losing your right to seek compensation.  It is important to seek an attorney immediately following your injury to make sure you do not miss this deadline.

The duration of your case depends largely on the extent and duration of your medical treatment. We cannot begin negotiations until you have fully recovered or reached maximum medical improvement. Once we start negotiating with the insurance company, the process can take several months. If we need to file a lawsuit, it generally takes 18 months to 2 years to get to trial, though this timeframe can vary depending on the complexity of the case and the court’s schedule.

Not necessarily. Many personal injury cases are settled out of court through negotiations. Initially, we will gather all the necessary evidence and begin pre-suit negotiations with the insurance company. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we will file a lawsuit. This process includes several phases: discovery, where both parties exchange information; mediation, where an independent attorney attempts to resolve the case; and finally, trial preparation and trial if necessary. It’s important to be prepared for all possibilities, but many cases do settle before reaching the courtroom.

At Dial, Grimm & Rupert, we are committed to serving as your partners and allies. Our mission is to provide accessible, high-quality legal services throughout the state of South Carolina. We strive for excellence in everything we do and uphold the highest standards of integrity and client care.