civil disputes | South Carolina civil litigation lawyers

The Law Office of Sean M. Wilson Helps South Carolina Residents Stand Up for Their Rights Through Civil Litigation

When someone violates your rights—whether through sexual harassment, discrimination, false imprisonment, or unfair business practices—the civil justice system offers a path to accountability. Yet many victims feel powerless against large organizations or intimidating opponents.

At the Law Office of Sean M. Wilson, we believe in the power of civil litigation to create positive change. Just as civil rights attorneys used the courts to fight discrimination, our legal team helps victims stand up to those who have wronged them. We handle sensitive cases with discretion while aggressively pursuing justice for our clients.

Understanding Civil Litigation in South Carolina

Civil litigation falls under tort law and deals with civil wrongs that cause someone to suffer harm or loss. Civil litigation differs from criminal prosecution in several key ways:

  • Burden of proof. Civil cases require a "preponderance of evidence" showing the defendant is more likely than not responsible, rather than the criminal standard of "beyond a reasonable doubt."
  • Focus on compensation. While criminal cases aim to punish wrongdoing, civil litigation helps victims recover monetary damages for their losses.
  • Private action. Civil cases are initiated by private parties rather than government prosecutors, giving victims more control over the legal process.

Types of Civil Litigation Cases We Handle

In addition to handling personal injury and wrongful death claims, our South Carolina civil litigation practice accepts cases that involve serious violations of individual rights and dignity.

Sexual Harassment and Sexual Assault

Sexual harassment and assault cases require sensitive handling and thorough documentation. Victims often face retaliation, disbelief, or attempts to minimize their experiences. Our attorneys understand how to build strong cases while protecting our clients' privacy and dignity.

We pursue claims against institutions and individuals who either directly cause harm or create environments where abuse can occur, including:

  • Employers who allow hostile work environments
  • Supervisors who demand sexual favors
  • Organizations that cover up assault allegations
  • Individuals who commit sexual assault
  • Institutions that fail to protect vulnerable people

Your civil case can proceed regardless of whether criminal charges are filed.

One of our recent cases involved helping a victim of a delivery driver’s sexual harassment hold the driver’s employer accountable for negligence. A delivery driver with a known history of misconduct exploited his position to commit acts of voyeurism against a hardworking mother. He used his routine delivery duties to build a false sense of security with the woman, ultimately violating her privacy by taking inappropriate photographs without consent. Our attorneys built a case that forced the driver’s employer to accept responsibility for their negligent hiring practices.

Employment Discrimination

South Carolina and federal laws protect employees from discrimination, but proving these cases requires careful documentation of disparate treatment, hostile environments, or unfair policies. Our team helps clients who have faced discrimination based on protected characteristics:

  • Race, color, or national origin
  • Gender or sexual orientation
  • Age (40 and older)
  • Religion
  • Disability
  • Pregnancy
  • Military service

One of our recent employment discrimination cases involved a dedicated employee in Berkeley County, South Carolina, who was the victim of workplace discrimination and harassment despite her exemplary performance record and consistent dedication to exceeding employer expectations. Her supervisors made discriminatory remarks about female employees, maliciously spread false rumors that damaged her professional reputation with third parties,  and presented her with a racially offensive Mammy Doll.

False Imprisonment

False imprisonment occurs when someone intentionally restricts another person's freedom of movement without legal authority. We've seen cases arise in retail settings, health care facilities, and other locations where security personnel or staff members exceed their legal authority.

Our team handles various scenarios of unlawful confinement, including:

  • Unlawful detention by security personnel
  • Excessive force during citizen's arrests
  • Wrongful confinement in medical facilities
  • Restraint without legal authority
  • Intentional restriction of movement

Business Disputes

Commercial conflicts can threaten the survival of your business and your personal financial stability. These cases often involve complex contractual relationships, industry-specific regulations, and sophisticated financial arrangements.

Our civil litigation team has experience handling high-stakes business disputes including:

  • Contract violations that threaten business relationships
  • Partnership disputes that divide companies
  • Intellectual property issues that endanger competitive advantages
  • Unfair competition claims that harm market position
  • Employment agreement enforcement involving key personnel
  • Trade secret protection when confidential information is at risk
  • Fraud allegations that damage business reputation

How Our Civil Litigation Process Works

Successful civil litigation requires meticulous preparation, strategic planning, and unwavering attention to detail. At the Law Office of Sean M. Wilson, we've developed a comprehensive approach that protects our clients while building the strongest possible cases.

First, we conduct a thorough investigation. We talk to witnesses while their memories are fresh and gather key evidence including employment records, security footage, and electronic communications. If your case requires expert opinions about industry standards or financial losses, we bring in qualified professionals to strengthen your position.

Next, we build your case with careful attention to detail. We document every type of harm you've suffered, from financial losses to emotional trauma. We identify everyone who should be held accountable and prepare strong legal arguments supported by solid evidence.

Throughout the entire process, we shield you from harassment and stress. Our team handles all communications with opposing parties, manages any media attention, and responds firmly to any intimidation attempts. You can focus on moving forward while we focus on your legal battle.

Our methodical approach helps ensure no detail is overlooked while allowing us to present your case in the most compelling possible way. By combining thorough preparation with strategic advocacy, we work to achieve the best possible outcome for your situation.