Bill > S0821

This bill amends South Carolina law to define and prohibit false, deceptive, or misleading advertising by lawyers, specifically addressing advertisements that guarantee outcomes, use unsubstantiated superlatives, or imply past results are indicative of future success without proper disclaimers. It mandates that any advertisement referencing a specific settlement or recovery amount must clearly disclose the attorney's fees and litigation costs deducted from that amount, and must also state that such results are not representative of all cases and that outcomes vary based on individual case facts. Furthermore, advertisements suggesting a lawsuit is against an insurance company or third party must clarify that the lawsuit would actually be filed against the individual or business named as the defendant, with the insurance company merely providing coverage. Violations of these provisions are considered unfair trade practices enforceable by the Department of Consumer Affairs, but do not create a private right for individuals to sue.