Columbia Personal Injury Lawyer Danny Vega

History and early beginnings

Danny's parents were missionaries and he was born in Columbia, South Carolina. He has lived in Atlanta; Jacksonville, Miami, and Orlando, Florida; San Juan; Charleston, S.C.; and Virginia Beach. He has returned home to Columbia, where he lives with his wife of more than 25 years and where he raises his seven children.

Danny graduated from the Citadel in 1992 and has worked as a landscaper, cook, carnie, custodian, librarian, and mental health facility technician. He did nerve conduction studies as a medical technician in the 1990s.

Despite his varied experiences and background, Danny's lifelong passion is practicing law. Danny accepted a job at a workers' compensation law firm after graduating from law school in 2003. In 2023, he co-founded Smith, Born, Leventis, Taylor & Vega, LLC (SBLTV), where he continues to fulfill his lifelong passion by representing injured workers.

Danny Vega's thoughts on the legal profession

Danny has always wanted to be a litigator. His most memorable moment in practicing law was when he had the opportunity to reunite a mother with her child after the mother had been deported.

He sees each client's needs and best interests, which is why this particular case was so important to him. He knew that it was more than a legal process—it was reuniting a family.

Danny says there's one thing he wants his clients to remember: If they don't know the answer when they're asked a question, it's okay (and good!) to just say, “I don't know.”

Danny's relationships with clients

If Danny were looking for a lawyer, his first priority would be to find someone with experience. Years “traveled” is a good indicator that a lawyer knows what they're doing, is familiar with resources and experts, and will be able to competently handle a case.

When he sees a prospective client for an initial consult, he appreciates when they arrive prepared with all of the paperwork or evidence related to their claim.

What does he bring to the discussion?

Less than you might think—and that's a good thing. He views his role in the attorney-client relationship as being a good listener. He knows that clients rely on him to know everything, but this can be a common misconception of personal injury lawyers. Instead, he wants his clients to realize that he doesn't know everything, but he will always research until he finds the information they need.

Danny's life outside the office

When he's not working, Danny likes cooking at home. But if he didn't practice law, he thinks he'd have chosen journalism as his profession.

He loves spending time with his family and enjoys his home in the Seven Oaks area of Columbia.