McGuire Law

Columbia Civil Assault and Battery Attorney

When someone intentionally harms you through assault or battery in Columbia, South Carolina, the criminal justice system may pursue charges, but that doesn't compensate you for medical bills, lost wages, pain, and suffering you've endured. Civil assault and battery cases allow victims to seek financial recovery directly from their attackers.

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Available 24/7 - Immediate Response for Assault Victims

Attorney Matt McGuire

Unlike criminal cases that focus on punishment, civil litigation centers on making you whole again through monetary compensation for your losses. Hold your attacker accountable for the devastating physical, emotional, and financial consequences of their violent actions.

Matthew McGuire has represented assault and battery victims throughout South Carolina for over 30 years, fighting tenaciously to secure maximum compensation while navigating the complex intersection between civil and criminal proceedings. Time is critical for preserving evidence and meeting legal deadlines—don't wait to protect your rights.

The Legal Expertise of McGuire Law

Recovering maximum compensation for assault victims requires attorneys who understand intentional tort law, insurance coverage complexities, and how to build cases that prove both liability and the full extent of your damages.

Personal Injury Success

Proven track record recovering substantial settlements and verdicts for injury victims. Our experience with medical evidence, damage calculations, and insurance negotiations translates directly to civil assault cases.

Trial Experience

While many cases settle, we're always prepared for trial. Our extensive courtroom experience gives us leverage in negotiations and confidence when jury trials become necessary to secure full compensation.

Insurance Negotiation Mastery

Decades of experience battling insurance companies and their tactics. We identify all available coverage sources including homeowner's policies, commercial liability, and auto insurance that may apply to assault cases.

Premises Liability Advocacy

When assaults occur at bars, clubs, or businesses, premises liability claims may provide additional recovery. We investigate whether inadequate security contributed to your injuries.

Discovery and Investigation

Thorough investigation and discovery practices uncover evidence that wins cases. We gather surveillance footage, interview witnesses, and investigate defendants' assets and insurance coverage.

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Civil Assault and Battery Cases We Handle

Intentional violence takes many forms. We pursue civil compensation for victims of all types of assault in Columbia and throughout South Carolina.

Bar and Nightclub Assaults

Bar fights and nightclub altercations in Columbia's Vista and Five Points entertainment districts. We pursue claims against both attackers and establishments with inadequate security.

Workplace Violence

Workplace violence incidents requiring compensation beyond workers' compensation benefits. We identify all liable parties and insurance sources for maximum recovery.

Domestic Violence Civil Claims

Domestic violence situations where victims seek civil damages in addition to criminal protection orders. Civil cases provide financial accountability criminal courts don't offer.

Road Rage Attacks

Road rage attacks and parking lot confrontations throughout Richland County. Auto insurance may provide coverage even for intentional acts in some circumstances.

Security Guard Excessive Force

Security guard and bouncer excessive force cases at Columbia businesses and venues. Employers are often liable for their security personnel's actions.

Nursing Home Assault

Nursing home abuse and assault cases against elderly residents by staff members. Facilities carry substantial liability insurance for these claims.

Police Excessive Force

Assault by police officers requiring civil rights litigation under federal law. These cases involve different procedures and potentially larger damage awards.

Criminal Charges Don't Equal Compensation

Even if your attacker is convicted criminally, you need a civil lawsuit to recover financial compensation for your injuries and losses.

McGuire Law's Core Values

Assault victims deserve attorneys who pursue every dollar of compensation while treating them with the dignity and respect their difficult circumstances require.

Client-Centered Service

Your case is not just another file to us. We take time to understand what happened to you, explain your options clearly, and keep you informed throughout the civil litigation process.

Transparent Pricing

We provide clear fee structures with no hidden costs. Civil assault cases are handled on contingency—you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for your injuries.

Proven Results

Our success comes from thorough preparation, strategic thinking, and relentless advocacy. We have a track record of substantial settlements and verdicts in assault and battery cases.

Attention to Detail

Civil assault cases require meticulous documentation of injuries, expenses, and damages. We ensure no detail is overlooked that could affect your compensation.

Proactive Problem Solving

We anticipate challenges and address them before they become obstacles. This proactive approach keeps your case moving toward maximum recovery efficiently.

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Damages Available in Civil Assault Cases

South Carolina civil law allows assault victims to recover comprehensive compensation for all losses caused by intentional violence.

Medical Expenses

Emergency room visits, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment costs. We document all medical expenses and project future care needs with expert testimony.

Lost Wages

Lost wages and diminished earning capacity from time missed at work due to injuries. We prove income losses with employment records and vocational expert analysis.

Pain and Suffering

Compensation for physical discomfort and emotional trauma endured. These non-economic damages often represent the largest portion of assault case recoveries.

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages designed to punish defendants for particularly egregious or malicious conduct. Available when the attacker's behavior was especially outrageous.

Scarring and Disfigurement

Compensation when visible injuries permanently alter your appearance. These damages reflect the lifelong impact of permanent scarring.

Mental Anguish and PTSD

Damages for psychological trauma requiring expert testimony and evaluation. Assault often causes lasting emotional harm that deserves compensation.

The McGuire Law Difference

Assault victims need attorneys who combine aggressive pursuit of compensation with the sensitivity to understand what you've been through and the resources to take on defendants and their insurers.

Deep Client Partnerships

We don't just handle your legal matters—we become your advocates throughout the recovery process. We take time to understand your injuries, your losses, and your goals so we can fight for everything you deserve.

Efficient and Cost-Conscious

We respect your situation during this difficult time. Our contingency fee structure means you pay nothing unless we recover compensation, and we focus on efficient solutions that maximize your recovery.

Local Roots, Sophisticated Service

We combine the personalized attention of a local Columbia firm with the caliber of counsel you'd expect from much larger practices, ensuring you receive top-tier representation in Richland County courts.

Collaborative Team Approach

We bring together experienced attorneys, investigators, and medical experts to build the strongest possible case. Our team approach ensures every aspect of your claim is thoroughly developed.

Results-Driven Representation

We're focused on outcomes that matter—maximum compensation for your injuries, lost wages, and pain and suffering. We don't settle for less than what your case deserves.

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Immediate Action Steps After an Assault

Taking the right steps immediately after an assault protects your health and strengthens your civil case for compensation.

Medical and Safety

  • Seek medical attention at Palmetto Health or Providence Hospital even for minor injuries
  • Contact Columbia Police or Richland County Sheriff to file criminal charges
  • Document all injuries with photographs before swelling subsides and bruises fade
  • Preserve clothing, personal items, and other physical evidence from the incident

Legal Protection

  • Obtain copies of medical records, police reports, and witness statements immediately
  • Keep detailed records of all medical expenses, lost wages, and costs
  • Avoid discussing the incident on social media or with anyone except your attorney
  • Contact McGuire Law at (888) 499-5738 while evidence is fresh

Three-Year Statute of Limitations

South Carolina requires civil assault lawsuits to be filed within three years of the incident. Don't wait—evidence disappears and witnesses become unavailable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Civil assault cases differ from criminal proceedings in important ways. Here are answers to help you understand your options for financial recovery.

What's the difference between civil and criminal assault cases?

Criminal cases are prosecuted by the state to punish offenders. Civil cases are filed by victims to recover financial compensation for injuries and losses. You can pursue both simultaneously—criminal conviction is not required for civil recovery.

Can I sue if my attacker doesn't have money?

Yes. We investigate insurance coverage including homeowner's policies, commercial liability, and auto insurance that may apply. We also identify other liable parties like businesses with inadequate security.

How long do I have to file a civil assault case?

South Carolina's statute of limitations is three years from the date of the assault. However, evidence preservation and witness availability make early action critical for maximum recovery.

What if I was also fighting back?

South Carolina follows comparative negligence rules. Even if you bore some responsibility, you can still recover compensation reduced by your percentage of fault. We'll evaluate your specific circumstances.

Can I sue a bar where I was assaulted?

Yes. Businesses have a duty to provide reasonable security. If inadequate security contributed to your assault, you may have a premises liability claim against the establishment in addition to claims against your attacker.

What damages can I recover?

Medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, scarring, and punitive damages for egregious conduct. We calculate all your losses and fight for full compensation.

How long will my case take?

Most civil assault cases resolve in 12-18 months depending on complexity and court schedules. We push for efficient resolution while ensuring we document the full value of your claim.

How much does a civil assault attorney cost?

We handle civil assault cases on contingency—you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. We advance all investigation and litigation costs. Our fee comes from your recovery, not your pocket.

Matt McGuire - Attorney

About South Carolina Attorney Matt McGuire

Matt McGuire South Carolina Criminal Defense Personal Injury Family Law Attorney

With over 30 years of experience defending South Carolina, McGuire Law provides elite legal representation with national recognition. McGuire Law has grown from a small practice into one of the most trusted law firms in South Carolina. We understand that legal issues can be overwhelming, whether you're facing criminal charges, dealing with injuries from an accident, or navigating family law matters.

McGuire Law is committed to each client's unique situation, and we don't believe in boilerplate solutions. Every case requires careful analysis, strategic planning, and aggressive representation. Our firm combines over 30 years of experience with cutting-edge legal strategies to achieve the best possible outcomes for our clients.

McGuire Law serves all 46 South Carolina counties. We know these counties, their courts, their legal communities, and most importantly, the people who live here. This local knowledge, combined with our legal expertise, gives our clients a significant advantage.

Matt McGuire received his B.A. from the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill and his J.D. from the University of South Carolina.

Matt has served as a law clerk for a State Circuit Judge, an Assistant Attorney General for the State of South Carolina, and an Assistant Solicitor in the Fifth Circuit Solicitor's Office.

Matt is a proud husband, father of two, and a long-time resident of Richland County, South Carolina.

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Get Started Today

When someone has intentionally harmed you through assault or battery, you deserve more than just criminal prosecution – you deserve financial compensation for everything you've lost.

Don't let your attacker escape financial responsibility for the harm they've caused. Civil assault cases require immediate action to preserve evidence and protect your legal rights. Call McGuire Law now to discuss your options for maximum recovery while you focus on healing.

Columbia Office

2001 Assembly Street, Suite 102-B
Columbia, SC 29201

(888) 499-5738

Contact McGuire Law Today

Don't let your attacker escape financial responsibility for the harm they've caused – civil assault and battery cases require immediate action to preserve evidence and protect your legal rights. Matthew McGuire is ready to fight for the compensation you deserve while you focus on healing.

Available 24/7/365 - Immediate Response for Assault Victims

"The measure of a man is what he does with power." – Plato