In a published 2-1 opinion, the South Carolina Court of Appeals recently held that where a national corporation failed to assert the punitive damages caps articulated in Section 15-32-530 as an affirmative defense, the defense was waived. As a result, the Court of Appeal upheld a 45:1 ratio punitive damages to compensatory damages award. In… Continue Reading
Application of Intervening and Superseding Act in Negligence Cases as a Basis for Summary Judgment
Most personal injury actions in South Carolina sound in negligence. In a negligence action, the plaintiff must prove proximately-caused damages. Hurd v. Williamsburg Cty., 363 S.C. 421, 611 S.E.2d 488 (2005); Rush v. Blanchard, 310 S.C. 375, 426 S.E.2d 802 (1993). Proximate cause requires proof of both causation in fact and legal cause. Oliver v.… Continue Reading
Attorney Laura Baer Joins Collins & Lacy
New associate to practice with firm’s retail & hospitality group in Columbia [COLUMBIA, S.C. March 13, 2019] – Laura Baer has joined Collins & Lacy’s Columbia office as an associate in the Retail & Hospitality Practice Group. Baer joins the firm from the State Treasurer’s office. Attorneys in the C&L retail and hospitality group defend… Continue Reading
Witness Credibility: The Jury’s Deciding Factor?
The Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals recently issued an unpublished opinion that highlights the tremendous impact the credibility of witness testimony can have on the outcome of a jury trial. In Paulette A. Myers v. Dollar General Corporation, Case No. 17-1785, Dollar General appealed the district court’s denial of its motion for judgment as a… Continue Reading
Collins & Lacy, P.C. Attorney Elected to IALDA Board of Directors
[COLUMBIA, S.C. February 1, 2017] – Collins & Lacy, P.C. is pleased to announce Christian Stegmaier has been elected to serve on the International Amusement & Leisure Defense Association (IALDA) Board of Directors. He assumed the role in January 2017. The IALDA is a non-profit association of lawyers and other professionals who are actively engaged… Continue Reading
Collins & Lacy, P.C. Grows with the Addition of Two Attorneys
[COLUMBIA, S.C. – November 16, 2016] – Collins & Lacy, P.C. is pleased to announce the expansion of the firm with the addition of two attorneys, Stephanie L. Mascella and Jennifer B. Honeycutt. Mascella is an associate practicing in the areas of retail & hospitality law, professional liability, and transportation & trucking law in Collins… Continue Reading
Alcohol Liability Laws Regarding Sales to Intoxicated Persons Apply to C-Stores Too
As the weather turns warmer, folks who have been cooped up all winter start thinking about getting outside and going to cookouts and get-togethers with friends, along with weekends at the lake or beach. And when friends and family come together for fun and recreation, often alcohol is involved. Convenience stores are one place where… Continue Reading
Collins & Lacy Welcomes Kelsey Brudvig
[COLUMBIA, S.C. – April 18, 2016] – Collins & Lacy, P.C. is pleased to announce Kelsey Brudvig has joined the firm’s Columbia office as an associate practicing in the areas of retail & hospitality law and professional liability defense. Brudvig’s experience includes serving as a staff attorney for the South Carolina Supreme Court, where she… Continue Reading
Collins & Lacy Attorney to Present at National Hospitality Law Conference
[COLUMBIA, S.C. February 18, 2016] – Collins & Lacy, P.C. attorney and Retail and Hospitality Law Chair Christian Stegmaier will present at the 14th Annual Hospitality Law Conference on February 23, 2016 in Houston, Texas. Stegmaier, who defends national and regional leaders in the retail and hospitality sectors doing business in South Carolina, will be… Continue Reading
Collins & Lacy Attorney Selected as an Honoree for the 2016 South Carolina Leadership in Law Awards
[COLUMBIA, S.C. January 11, 2016] – Collins & Lacy, P.C. is pleased to announce Christian Stegmaier has been chosen as a 2016 South Carolina Leadership in Law Award honoree. He will receive the award on March 10, 2016 at a special dinner for all honorees, held in Charleston, SC. South Carolina Lawyers Weekly gives the… Continue Reading
