- Divorce
- Adoption
- Guardianship
- Criminal DefenseFederal criminal law is alien territory for most lawyers, because of the procedural differences from state law; moreover, federal prosecutors are better funded and armed with more extensive evidence. To defend against federal charges, you need experienced lawyers from a stable, well-established law firm.
- DUI/DWIThe trucking company that employed the driver may also be liable for the injuries caused by the accident. Under South Carolina law, employers who engage in negligent hiring can be liable for the negligent acts of their employees. For example, when a trucking company knew or should have known that an employee had a DUI conviction on his driving record, the company may be liable for injuries caused by the employee.
- Wrongful DeathNearly any type of fatal accident can create a wrongful death cause of action under South Carolina law, to include the following...
- Traffic Violations, approximately 88,000 motorcyclists suffered injuries from accidents in 2015. That year, nearly 5,000 motorcyclists suffered fatal injuries caused by motor vehicle traffic accidents. Speeding played a role in 33 percent of all fatal motorcycle crashes that year. Alcohol impairment of the motorcyclists, the other driver, or both, is also a significant cause of motorcycle accidents.
- FraudMany business litigation cases involve some type of business fraud through deception or misrepresentation. Sometimes fraud involves something that has been claimed that isn’t true or an important fact that is incorrect or misleading. Litigation over business fraud can occur in various situations, including employee fraud, business fraud, fraud in purchasing or sale of goods or services, and in numerous other situations. Fraud cases involve aspects from other areas of law, and it’s crucial that you work with an attorney who has a wide range of legal knowledge and experience. For example, litigation involving claims of fraud can encompass multiple other legal issues, such as...
- White Collar CrimesOur lawyers have extensive experience with federal cases involving such white collar crimes as securities fraud, embezzlement, Medicare fraud / Medicaid fraud, false statements, bank fraud, and more.
- EmbezzlementFederal Criminal Defense — If you or a member of your family experiences the trauma of being accused of a white collar crime such as securities fraud, embezzlement, Medicare fraud/ Medicaid fraud or bank fraud, we are here to provide you with excellent criminal defense.
- MurderWhen P.A. Willcox moved to Florence County from Marion, SC, the city of Florence was just being formed and he immediately became a figure in the community and was even mentioned as a possible choice for the town’s first mayor. Mr. Willcox won Florence County court’s first suit in 1889 and in 1892 he successfully defended in a famous murder case that established his reputation in the area. The firm, like the city of Florence, has its history rooted in the railroad industry and has been a part of Florence since its inception. Joined by his cousin, Fred L. Willcox in 1895 the Willcox Law Firm was formed. When the area became a great railroad center, the firm emerged as the leading representative for the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad and the Atlantic Timber Company. P.A Willcox eventually became General Solicitor for Atlantic Coast Line Railroad.
- ForgeryOr, a person may allege that the will is invalid because it wasn’t correctly signed and witnessed. In some cases, a third-party exerts undue influence over the testator. For example, a long-time caretaker of an elderly testator may threaten him or her with mistreatment if the testator doesn’t change his will to include the caretaker. When the testator lacks the mental capacity to bargain with the caretaker, the probate court may decide that the will is invalid. Likewise, probate courts will strike down a will when the will was obtained by forgery or other fraudulent means.
- Corporate LawOur sharp corporate law attorneys do not only assist you in establishing the structure of your company. We negotiate and draft...
- Mergers and AcquisitionsMergers and acquisitions are a vital part of running a large, successful corporation. An acquisition involves one company taking over another company and becoming the new legal owner. Mergers happen when two corporations, typically of a similar size, merge to form a single new entity. The merger and acquisition process is incredibly complex and can take years to complete.
- Business FormationAt Willcox, Buyck & Williams, PA, we provide integrated and comprehensive legal services to help you choose the best business formation for your company. Whether you’re starting a business and need to select a business entity structure, or you’d like to protect yourself and your business through business formation, we are here to help. Contact us soon through our website or phone if you would like to schedule an initial consultation to learn more.
- Business DisputesNavigating a contract dispute or breach of contract lawsuit can be challenging. Under South Carolina law, a breach of contract occurs when one party fails to perform his or her part of an agreement. Contract disputes are prevalent in the business world. In some cases, settling a contract dispute is relatively straightforward. In other instances, resolving a contract dispute involves incredibly complex business litigation.
- Business TransactionsBusiness litigation cases involve disputes arising out of commercial and business transactions. These types of lawsuits involve a violation of business contracts of a non-criminal nature. Many business litigations are centered around breach of contract, fraud, and intellectual property disputes. Many different scenarios can give rise to business litigation, and business litigation spans across all industries. Willcox, Buyck & Williams, PA has successfully represented clients in business litigation disputes in a wide range of industries, from technology to construction and development companies.
- Limited Liability CompaniesLimited liability companies are a useful tool for business owners who want to avoid being personally liable for their company’s debts. The owner uses a pass-through tax structure. With an LLC, but the profits are passed to the owners. The owners claim the LLC’s profits on their personal tax returns. If you would like the protection of a corporation without the difficulty of managing a corporation, an LLC could be right for you.
- Trade Secrets
- Intellectual PropertyToday, protecting your intellectual property is more important than ever. A significant amount of business litigation cases involve intellectual property disputes. These types of disputes include trademarks, copyrights, patents, rights of publicity, and trade secrets. Intellectual property attorneys will perform a due diligence review of your assets and intellectual property. If you suspect or know that someone is infringing on your intellectual property, we can begin protecting your rights in federal and state courts. If you’ve been falsely accused of violating another company’s intellectual property, we will effectively defend you and your business in litigation.
- Workers Compensation
- Wrongful TerminationWorkplace environments must meet current standards for matters of employment law such as minimum wage, safety, non-discrimination and sanitation standards and to avoid claims of wrongful termination. By the same token, employees must meet the regulations set out in their employee handbooks and can be, in South Carolina as throughout all 50 states, terminated at will, with or without cause.
- Employment Discrimination
- Employment ContractIf you need help drafting an employment agreement, we can help. For over 125 years, Willcox, Buyck & Williams, PA, has been a leading South Carolina law firm. Our legal team is committed to drafting employment agreements that serve your best interests and protect everything you’ve worked hard to develop. Contact our Myrtle Beach law firm today to schedule your initial consultation.
- Employment LitigationDuring our long history, we have resolved a great many varieties of business disputes, ranging from breach of contract to employment issues, unfair business practices, and fraud. Well aware that prolonged litigation can negatively impact your profits, we are efficient, though thorough, during the negotiation process. If courtroom litigation becomes necessary, you’ll find we are equally proficient whether the opposing party is an employee, a customer, a competitor or a vendor.
- Non-compete AgreementAs a business owner, non-compete agreements allow you to control the actions of your former employees after they leave your company. More employers than ever require their new employees to sign a non-compete agreement, also called a covenant not to compete.
- Severance AgreementSouth Carolina does not have as many wage and hour laws as other states. They do not require that employers pay employees a minimum wage. South Carolina does not have laws that regulate overtime payment or laws that regulate required meals and breaks. Additionally, South Carolina does not require employers to offer severance pay. Keep in mind that the federal FLSA does regulate these areas of wage and hour law and protects many South Carolina employees.
- Sexual HarassmentWell-written employee handbooks protect employers from liability and inform employees about company expectations. Employee handbooks should address employee disciplinary policies. These policies can protect businesses from unemployment claims and minimize liability for the following types of sexual harassment and discrimination.
- Real Estate LitigationSouth Carolina has a variety of residential and commercial real estate for sale, but, as we know, real estate disputes are far from uncommon. If you find yourself embroiled in a real estate dispute, our legal team can help you going forward, regardless of whether you are a buyer or seller, property owner or realtor, contractor or title company. We are familiar with the complex legal issues that arise in the world of real estate and dedicated to resolving them equitably.
- Premises LiabilitySlip and fall accidents can happen nearly anywhere from a sidewalk to a retail store. Under South Carolina law, property owners have a duty to keep their properties reasonably safe for their guests and customers. When property owners fail to keep their properties reasonably safe, they are financially liable for injuries caused by a slip and fall accident. Slip and fall accidents are one of the most common types of premises liability cases.
- Construction LitigationThe Willcox Law Firm has participated in some of the most demanding, ground-breaking, and complex litigation ever tried in South Carolina. The Federal courts or the State courts may serve as the venue for a complex litigation. The multi-billion-dollar tobacco litigation, multi-million dollar construction litigation, revolutionary concepts in liability claims and defenses, and lengthy white-collar criminal cases exemplify the types of trials which lead to complex litigation. The Willcox Law Firm has the resources and the skills to prosecute or defend in these demanding disputes. Hugh Willcox, Reynolds Williams, and Mark Buyck Jr. are active members of the American Board of Trial Advocates which recognize superior trial attorneys.
- Real Estate TransactionsNew and expanding companies in South Carolina benefit from a sound foundation and structure as a result of thoughtful business formation decisions. Business owners should choose a business formation that optimizes their chance for growth and profit. The correct business formation also helps business owners avoid liability and collateral damage to equity holders that could threaten their business. Additionally, business formation includes tax planning, commercial real estate transactions, contract drafting, and protecting intellectual property.
- Eminent DomainWe deal with a wide range of real estate matters, including residential and commercial transactions, eminent domain, contract disputes, title insurance litigation, development, real estate syndication, zoning, litigation, and more.
- Land Use and Zoning
- Landlord-Tenant DisputesRuled that dog bite victims can hold a landlord liable for dog bite injuries in certain circumstances. The victim must be a licensee or invitee on the property when the attack occurs. The Supreme Court ruled that the federal Residential Landlord-Tenant Act requires landlords to keep the common areas of their apartment complexes in a reasonably safe condition.
- Property DamageEconomic damages compensate you for past and future medical and healthcare costs, lost wages, decreased future earning power, property damage, household services, and any other monetary costs resulting from your injury.
- Personal InjuryThough we all incur insignificant injuries in the course of our daily lives such as cuts, scrapes, and bruises, but suffering a serious personal injury is an entirely different matter. Anyone who has been through the experience will tell you how frightening and overwhelming it can be. Overcome by physical pain, emotional trauma and financial worries simultaneously may make you feel alone and helpless. If your personal injury is the fault of another’s negligence or recklessness, however, by law you are entitled to compensation from the party responsible for your harm.
- Medical MalpracticePersonal injury lawsuits make up the majority of civil litigation cases in the U.S. since a great many accidents are caused by the negligence, recklessness or malice of another party. If you have been seriously injured as a result of someone else’s negligence, or if you are a defendant in such a case, Willcox, Buyck & Williams will gladly take your side. Our litigation attorneys have a track record of successful outcomes in personal injury cases, whether our client is the plaintiff or the defendant. We routinely handle personal injury accidents stemming from vehicular accidents, premises liability, medical malpractice, and product liability.
- Auto Accidents
- Social Security DisabilityA worker is entitled to Social Security disability benefits if he is no longer able to engage in any form of gainful employment. In many circumstances, the family of a disabled worker may be entitled to disability benefits. Routine denials of entitlement discourage many workers and their families. Political intervention is often sought, but experience has shown that only work by experienced, knowledgeable attorneys produce a consistent track record of securing benefits to which a worker and his family are entitled. Mergers and acquisitions often present securities issues.
- Dog BitesOccur every year in the United States. Dog bites also cause approximately 316,200 emergency room visits and 9,500 hospital stays per year. Nearly one out of every five victims of dog bites require medical attention, and children are the most common victims and the most likely group to be severely injured by dog bites.
- Slip and Fall InjuryIf you or your loved one have been injured in a slip and fall injury, you need an experienced personal injury lawyer on your side. Slip and fall accidents can cause life-altering injuries that require ongoing medical care. You may be entitled to compensation through a premises liability lawsuit. The lawyers at Willcox, Buyck & Williams, PA, have helped many Florence- and Myrtle Beach-area clients obtain the compensation they deserve. Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation.
- Estate PlanningMany people in South Carolina and elsewhere believe that estate planning is something designed solely for the very wealthy or the very elderly. Neither is correct. In fact, estate planning is a map for the future, designed to help individuals accumulate and preserve assets and protect their loved ones.
- WillsThe South Carolina probate process follows the loss of a loved one or friend. The goal of the probate process is to distribute the deceased individual’s estate to the designated heirs or beneficiaries. When a decedent dies with a last will and testament, the probate court will oversee the distribution of assets to beneficiaries according to the terms of the will. When the decedent dies intestate, or without a will, the probate court will oversee the distribution of assets to the decedent’s heirs according to South Carolina probate laws.
- TrustsEach type of trust is laser-focused on performing a specific function. For example, a special needs trust is designed to allow a family member with special needs have indirect access to private supplemental funds while remaining eligible for government benefits. A spendthrift trust, on the other hand, protects an irresponsible loved one, or one with an addiction, from going through his or her inheritance far too quickly. Our team is happy to help you set up one or more trusts appropriate to your particular needs. We will zero in on which type(s) will be most beneficial to you and will make certain that each trust we create is well-structured and legally binding.
- Power of AttorneyOur lawyers help clients establish wills, durable powers of attorney, revocable “living” trusts, health care proxies, and living wills and also provide wealth management advice.
- Probate
- Foreclosure
- Tax LawEvery business activity has short-term or long-term tax consequences, making effective tax planning essential for every business. Engaging in tax planning can minimize your company’s tax liability and free up more of your business’ assets. Tax planning goes beyond preparing to file your yearly state and federal taxes on April 15th. Instead, effective planning involves developing an overarching strategy and daily practices that will decrease your company’s tax liability.