Business Details
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Trusted Personal Injury Lawyers in Columbia SC
At Rikard & Protopapas, we prioritize securing meaningful compensation for individuals harmed by negligence. Our attorneys combine decades of experience with a personalized approach to handle complex cases, including medical malpractice, nursing home abuse, and personal injury. We focus on building substantive relationships with clients to deliver tailored strategies that address their unique challenges.With a track record of recovering millions, our firm is dedicated to providing sophisticated legal representation and unwavering support during life's most difficult moments. We operate on contingency fee agreements, ensuring clients pay nothing unless we win their case.
Services
Personal Injury
Medical Malpractice
Nursing Home Abuse
Investment Fraud
Wrongful Death
Car Accidents
Trucking Accidents
Catastrophic Injuries
Birth Injuries
Business Litigation
Highlights and features
- We have 119 years of combined legal experience in complex litigation.
- Our firm maintains a 97% success rate in case outcomes.
- We offer contingency fee agreements with no upfront costs.
- Our team includes attorneys admitted to U.S. Supreme Court practice.
- We provide 24/7 availability for urgent legal matters.
Associations and certifications
- AV Preeminent
- Super Lawyers
- South Carolina Association for Justice
- American Association of Justice
What people say
BEST attorney
Aggressive trial lawyers
Professional and patient
Solid litigators
100% recommend
Services
Personal Injury
Our personal injury attorneys represent clients harmed by negligence in car accidents, slip-and-falls, and other incidents. We pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain suffering. With a focus on catastrophic injuries and wrongful death, we leverage courtroom experience to maximize recoveries while maintaining personalized client communication throughout the legal process.
Medical Malpractice
We handle complex medical malpractice cases involving misdiagnosis, surgical errors, and birth injuries. Our team investigates healthcare provider negligence, partners with medical experts, and pursues full compensation for lifelong care needs. Specializing in cases against major healthcare providers, we combine medical knowledge with aggressive litigation strategies to hold institutions accountable for preventable harm.
Nursing Home Abuse
Our firm advocates for victims of nursing home abuse and neglect, including bedsores, infections, and financial exploitation. We investigate facility understaffing and safety violations while pursuing justice for physical and emotional trauma. With experience in cases against chains like PruittHealth, we help families transition loved ones to safer care environments while securing financial compensation for ongoing needs.
Investment Fraud
We represent clients victimized by investment fraud, including unsuitable recommendations and Ponzi schemes. Our attorneys navigate FINRA arbitration and pursue claims against brokerage firms for recovery of retirement savings. With experience in complex financial instruments, we help clients understand their rights and secure compensation through settlements or trials when brokers prioritize profits over client interests.
Wrongful Death
We assist families in wrongful death claims resulting from medical errors, car crashes, and nursing home neglect. Our compassionate approach balances emotional support with aggressive pursuit of economic and non-economic damages. We handle claims for lost income, funeral costs, and loss of companionship while guiding families through probate and insurance challenges associated with sudden deaths.
People
Robert Rikard
Attorney
With decades of litigation experience, Robert Rikard focuses on personal injury and medical malpractice cases. He combines courtroom expertise with personalized client service, admitted to practice in South Carolina courts and U.S. Supreme Court. Robert prioritizes direct client communication and strategic case preparation.
Peter Protopapas
Attorney
Peter Protopapas specializes in complex personal injury and investment fraud cases. His practice spans medical malpractice, trucking accidents, and securities litigation. Recognized in Super Lawyers, Peter emphasizes thorough case investigation and aggressive representation to maximize client recoveries.
Jescelyn Tillman Spitz
Attorney
Jescelyn Tillman Spitz handles medical malpractice and nursing home abuse cases. She advocates for victims of birth injuries and diagnostic errors, leveraging her legal expertise to secure compensation for long-term care needs while maintaining compassionate client relationships.
Charles Usry
Attorney
Charles Usry focuses on personal injury litigation, including catastrophic injuries and wrongful death claims. He represents clients in car accident and premises liability cases, emphasizing detailed evidence collection and persuasive courtroom advocacy to achieve favorable verdicts.
Brian Barnwell
Attorney
Brian Barnwell specializes in business litigation and insurance disputes. He handles complex commercial cases while supporting personal injury clients, applying strategic legal analysis to resolve disputes efficiently through settlements or trials when necessary.
Questions
What types of cases does Rikard & Protopapas handle?
We specialize in personal injury, medical malpractice, nursing home abuse, investment fraud, wrongful death, car/trucking accidents, and business litigation cases across South Carolina and nationally.
How much does it cost to hire your firm?
Most cases operate on contingency fees—you pay nothing unless we win. We also offer hourly arrangements for specific matters, with all fee structures clearly outlined in writing before proceeding.
What if I can't visit your office?
We offer virtual consultations and can meet clients at hospitals, homes, or nursing facilities. Our team accommodates mobility limitations while maintaining effective case representation.
How long do I have to file a claim?
Statutes of limitations vary by case type, sometimes as short as months. Contact us immediately to ensure timely filing and evidence preservation for your personal injury or fraud claim.
What makes your firm different?
We combine 119 years of collective experience with personalized service, maintaining a 97% success rate in complex cases while prioritizing direct attorney-client communication throughout the legal process.
Can I get compensation for future damages?
Yes. We evaluate both current and future losses—including medical care, lost earning capacity, and quality-of-life impacts—to ensure comprehensive compensation in catastrophic injury and death cases.
