Business Details
34 Years
experience
Trusted Personal Injury Lawyers in Columbia, SC
Since 1992, Best & Flatt has provided dedicated legal representation in Columbia, South Carolina, specializing in personal injury law. With over three decades of combined experience, our attorneys, Laura E. Best and W. Lamar Flatt, are licensed in both South Carolina and Georgia, offering expertise in auto accidents, wrongful death, workers' compensation, and military personal injury cases. Our philosophy centers on personalized client attention, ensuring every case receives diligent advocacy and thorough investigation. We prioritize transparent communication, promptly addressing client concerns while navigating complex legal processes. Our track record includes securing significant settlements, such as $3.2 million in a wrongful death case and $1 million in a car accident claim, demonstrating our commitment to achieving maximum compensation for clients.By focusing exclusively on plaintiff representation, we level the playing field against insurance companies, advocating for clients' rights to fair recovery for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Services
Personal Injury Law
Wrongful Death
Car Accident
Workers' Compensation
Military Personal Injury
Truck Accident
Motorcycle Accident
Dram Shop Case
Pedestrian Injury
Bicycle Accident
Details
- Year established: 1992
Highlights and features
- We have over 30 years of combined experience in personal injury law.
- Our attorneys provide personalized case management and direct communication.
- Licensed to practice in South Carolina and Georgia for broader client support.
- Proven track record with multi-million dollar settlements in complex cases.
- Offer free consultations to evaluate your case with no upfront costs.
What people say
Professional, diligent, knowledgeable
Fight for you
Highly recommend
Prompt communication
Excellent results
Services
Personal Injury Law
We represent clients injured due to negligence in car accidents, slip-and-falls, and workplace incidents. Our attorneys investigate accidents, gather evidence, and negotiate with insurers to secure compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. With decades of experience, we ensure clients receive fair settlements or pursue trials when necessary.
Wrongful Death
Our firm advocates for families who lost loved ones to preventable accidents or corporate negligence. We handle claims against liable parties, including corporations and property owners, to recover financial support for funeral costs, lost income, and emotional trauma. Our $3.2 million settlement in a premises liability case exemplifies our commitment to justice.
Workers' Compensation
We assist injured workers in securing medical care and income benefits for job-related injuries. From carpal tunnel syndrome to catastrophic brain injuries, we negotiate settlements with employers and insurers. Our $740,000 recovery for a worker with permanent brain damage highlights our ability to maximize compensation.
Car Accident
Our team handles collisions involving drunk drivers, commercial vehicles, and underinsured motorists. We document injuries, challenge lowball offers, and pursue full compensation for medical expenses and long-term care. Clients benefit from our $1 million recovery for a couple severely injured by a drunk driver.
Military Personal Injury
We represent service members injured on or off base due to third-party negligence. Our attorneys navigate military and civilian legal systems to secure compensation for medical treatment, disability, and lost career opportunities, ensuring veterans receive the support they deserve.
People
Laura E. Best
Attorney
Laura E. Best, a University of South Carolina law graduate since 1987, specializes in personal injury litigation. With experience in insurance defense and plaintiff representation, she focuses on car accidents, medical malpractice, and wrongful death cases, offering clients dedicated advocacy.
W. Lamar Flatt
Attorney
W. Lamar Flatt, a Harvard graduate and South Carolina Bar member, has over 30 years of personal injury experience. He represents clients in auto accidents, workers' compensation, and catastrophic injury cases, known for his responsiveness and commitment to client-centered service.
Questions
What types of cases does Best & Flatt handle?
We specialize in personal injury, wrongful death, car accidents, workers' compensation, and military injury cases. Our attorneys also handle truck, motorcycle, and bicycle accidents, as well as dram shop and pedestrian injury claims.
Is there a free consultation?
Yes, we offer free initial consultations to evaluate your case. During this meeting, we'll discuss the accident details, gather information, and explain your legal options with no upfront costs.
How long does a personal injury case take?
Case duration varies based on complexity. We aim to resolve claims efficiently through negotiations but prepare for trials if needed. Our team keeps clients informed at every stage to ensure transparency.
What if the insurance company denies my claim?
We challenge denied claims by gathering evidence, consulting experts, and building strong cases. Our attorneys negotiate aggressively with insurers or pursue litigation to secure the compensation you deserve.
How are attorney fees structured?
We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid if you win your case. Fees are a percentage of your settlement, ensuring our success aligns with yours.
Can I file a claim for a workplace injury?
Yes, we help injured workers file workers' compensation claims for medical treatment and lost wages. If a third party caused the injury, we may pursue additional compensation beyond workers' comp benefits.
