# Homepage > Hughes Law Group represents clients across South Carolina in serious personal injury, civil rights, and government misconduct cases. Free consultations. > Last updated: 2026-08-28 ![Joel Hughes - South Carolina Personal Injury & Civil Rights Lawyer](/assets/images/hero-bg.webp) # South Carolina Personal Injury & Civil Rights Lawyer Hughes Law Group provides focused, high-quality representation for individuals and families facing serious injury and civil rights violations across South Carolina. Every case is handled with care, precision, and a commitment to achieving just outcomes—not quick volume settlements. [MEET YOUR ATTORNEY ![arrow right](/assets/images/arrow-right.svg)](/about/)[![contact](/assets/images/phone-white.svg) 803-704-1004 ](tel:+1-803-704-1004) - $6 Million Civil Rights - Client loses his eyesight in prison due to gross negligence and medical malpractice. - $4,000,000 Overincarceration - Client kept in prison nearly 70 days past his max-out date. - $575,000 Commercial Vehicle Accident - Traumatic Brain Injury to client struck by commercial vehicle. - $275,000 Police Brutality - Client victim of excessive force by City Officer. - $230,000 Medical Malpractice - Client victim of misplaced PEG tube - $200,000 Auto Collision - Client rear-ended by a teenager texting while driving - $267,500 Motorcycle - Client struck from behind by City Police Car running code - $220,485.80 DUI Claim - Client struck in intersection by drunk driver ![left arrow](/assets/images/left-arrow-w.svg) ![right arrow](/assets/images/right-arrow-w.svg) - $6,000,000 Civil Rights - Client loses his eyesight in prison due to gross negligence and medical malpractice. $4,000,000 Overincarceration - Client kept in prison nearly 70 days past his max-out date. $575,000 Commercial Vehicle Accident - Traumatic Brain Injury to client struck by commercial vehicle. $275,000 Police Brutality - Client victim of excessive force by City Officer. - $230,000 Medical Malpractice - Client victim of misplaced PEG tube $200,000 Auto Collision - Client rear-ended by a teenager texting while driving $267,500 Motorcycle - Client struck from behind by City Police Car running code $220,485.80 DUI Claim - Client struck in intersection by drunk driver ![left arrow](/assets/images/left-arrow-w.svg) ![right arrow](/assets/images/right-arrow-w.svg) [READ MORE SETTLEMENTS & VERDICTS ![arrow right](/assets/images/arrow-right-primary.svg)](/case-results/) ![Joel Hughes](/assets/images/about.webp) ## Right Firm. Right Now. At Hughes Law Group, clients come first—always. We deliver impactful legal representation with tenacity, empathy, and clear counsel, measuring success by meaningful results and accountability, not by case volume or publicity. This is a practice built on intention: fewer cases, deeper focus, and personal attention from start to finish. Hughes Law Group is a Columbia, South Carolina law firm focused on personal injury and civil rights litigation. Founded by attorney Joel Hughes, the firm was built on a simple principle: provide thoughtful, high-quality representation to people facing serious legal challenges—not high-volume, assembly-line cases. Every matter is handled with care, preparation, and personal attention. Hughes Law Group prioritizes accountability, clear communication, and outcomes that reflect what truly matters to the client. [GET A FREE CONSULTATION ![arrow right](/assets/images/arrow-right.svg)](/contact/) ![Hughes Law Group](/assets/images/hughes-icon.svg) - ![2023 Legal Elite of the Midlands recognition badge](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==) - ![Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent 2025 - Peer Rated for Highest Level of Professional Excellence](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==) - [![Joel's Super Lawyer Rating. A rising star.](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)](https://profiles.superlawyers.com/south-carolina/columbia/lawyer/joel-s-hughes/ec7464d5-998c-4e6e-9866-938c1f097449.html) - ![Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum membership badge](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==) - ![Million Dollar Advocates Forum logo](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==) ![South Carolina State House](/assets/images/practice-area-bg.webp) ## South Carolina Practice Areas Hughes Law Group represents clients throughout South Carolina in the following matters: [ Personal Injury Focused representation for individuals harmed by negligence, pursuing accountability and fair compensation under South Carolina law. ![Arrow Right](/assets/images/arrow-right-primary.svg) ](/personal-injury/) [ Car Accident Advocating for drivers and passengers injured in serious car accidents caused by careless or reckless conduct. ![Arrow Right](/assets/images/arrow-right-primary.svg) ](/car-accident/) [ Drunk Driving Accident Holding impaired drivers and responsible parties accountable for injuries caused by drunk or intoxicated driving. ![Arrow Right](/assets/images/arrow-right-primary.svg) ](/drunk-driving-accident/) [ Tractor-Trailer Accident Representing clients injured in commercial truck and tractor-trailer crashes involving complex liability issues. ![Arrow Right](/assets/images/arrow-right-primary.svg) ](/tractor-trailer-accident/) [ Medical Malpractice Handling claims involving medical errors, misdiagnosis, and failures in professional standards of care. ![Arrow Right](/assets/images/arrow-right-primary.svg) ](/medical-malpractice/) Government Liabilities Holding government entities accountable for injuries caused by negligence or misconduct under South Carolina law. ![Arrow Right](/assets/images/arrow-right-primary.svg) [ Police Misconduct Representing individuals harmed by excessive force, unlawful arrests, or other forms of police misconduct. ![Arrow Right](/assets/images/arrow-right-primary.svg) ](/police-misconduct/) [ Nursing Home Abuse Protecting vulnerable residents from neglect and abuse by holding facilities accountable for substandard care. ![Arrow Right](/assets/images/arrow-right-primary.svg) ](/nursing-home-abuse/) [ Civil Rights Litigation Advocating for individuals whose constitutional and civil rights have been violated by those in positions of authority. ![Arrow Right](/assets/images/arrow-right-primary.svg) ](/civil-rights-litigation/) ## About Hughes Law Group Joel Hughes brings more than two decades of litigation experience to every case he handles. After years of representing corporations and government entities, he shifted his practice to advocate for individuals who have been injured or whose rights have been violated. With a strong trial background and experience handling complex matters, Joel is prepared to pursue fair resolutions—and to take cases to trial when justice demands it. [GET A FREE CONSULTATION ![arrow right](/assets/images/arrow-right.svg)](/contact/) ![Joel Hughes](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)[LEARN MORE ABOUT YOUR ATTORNEY ![arrow right](/assets/images/arrow-right.svg)](/about/) ![Hughes Law Group](/assets/images/hughes-icon.svg) ## Read Client Testimonials “Attorney Joel Hughes was passionate, knowledgeable, and resilient representing my case. I’m beyond grateful having him as my attorney.” - P.S. “Joel Hughes is a high-ranking attorney that I will refer to anyone dealing with legal issues and need help. Joel helped me through the hard time to assist me and my family throughout the whole process and I will refer Mr. Hughes to anyone he's a great attorney.” - T.G. “Joel was a great lawyer and he's very professional and the experience was definitely a good one thank you Joel for all you have done.” - R.D. ![Joel Hughes](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==) ## Mediation Services In addition to litigation, Joel Hughes is a certified South Carolina mediator, offering state-wide mediation services for complex disputes. With experience presiding over hundreds of mediations—and participating in many more as trial counsel—Joel brings a practical, balanced, and solution-focused approach to the ADR process. Mediation services include: - Half-day and full-day mediations - Remote mediations via Zoom - In-person mediations at mutually convenient locations To schedule a mediation, please contact us today and let us know your preferred dates. [GET A FREE CONSULTATION ![arrow right](/assets/images/arrow-right.svg)](/contact/)