Bill > H4670

This bill establishes a detailed legal framework for time-limited settlement demands in personal injury, property damage, bodily injury, and wrongful death cases in South Carolina. The legislation defines specific requirements for how claimants must structure and deliver settlement demands to insurers, including mandatory provisions such as a specific monetary sum, type of release, persons to be released, detailed description of claims, and a specific acceptance deadline. The demand must be in writing, sent via certified mail or overnight delivery, and labeled "time sensitive" with specific formatting requirements. The bill mandates that claimants include comprehensive medical records, billing information, and wage documentation, and allows insurers at least 30 days to respond to a demand. Additionally, the legislation provides protections for insurers by stipulating that demands not meeting these exact specifications cannot be used as evidence in extracontractual damage claims. The bill also allows for negotiation of non-material terms without invalidating the original demand and provides mechanisms for seeking clarification of demand terms. Importantly, once a demand is accepted, payment must be made within ten business days using various approved payment methods. The act will take effect upon the Governor's approval.

Justice

https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=4670&session=126&summary=B