We recently had an opportunity to sit down with South Carolina workers’ compensation attorney Peter Leventis. Here’s what we learned:
Service to the nation
After obtaining his undergraduate degree from the University of Virginia, Peter was commissioned as a special agent for the United States Secret Service. He served in special protective and investigative missions for the United States Department of Treasury and the United States Department of Homeland Security.
Although he enjoyed his time with the United States government, Peter decided to return to South Carolina to attend the University of South Carolina School of Law.
“Our legal system is one of the many things that makes our nation so great. I absolutely love working in it and enjoy knowing as much about it as possible.”
Career success
After graduating from law school in 2007, Peter joined a private workers’ compensation law firm. For more than 15 years, Peter dedicated his practice to helping injured workers receive the compensation they deserve. In 2023, he co-founded Smith, Born, Leventis, Taylor & Vega, LLC, where he continues to practice workers’ compensation law.
Peter has represented injured workers in hundreds of workers’ compensation trials, including appeals before the South Carolina Court of Appeals and the South Carolina Supreme Court.
“Every time I am able to get a client an outcome at the end of their claim that they did not believe was possible at the beginning of their claim is something I truly cherish.”
Peter is proud of all of his cases, but he’s particularly proud of the successful cases in which a workers’ compensation claim was initially denied by an insurance carrier or employer for a “bogus reason,” or in which an injured worker was “misled into believing they didn’t have any rights under the workers’ compensation laws.”
Peter is acutely aware that he’s working for real people facing real challenges. There are times his clients need a legal advisor, and other times, they simply need someone to listen to them or a shoulder to lean on. Regardless of his client’s specific needs, Peter considers it a blessing to be able to help.
Others have certainly noticed Peter’s efforts. Super Lawyers named Peter a “Rising Star,” and Columbia Business Monthly named him a Legal Elite of the Midlands for Workers’ Compensation.
Advice for current and prospective clients
Peter recognizes that every client is different, so rather than give every client the same piece of advice, Peter considers it his responsibility to listen to each client and tailor his advice accordingly.
As for prospective clients, Peter recommends finding an attorney with skill and experience, but most of all, finding an attorney who will care about you and your case as though you’re a member of their family.
When you need to hire a workers' comp attorney
Hiring an experienced workers' compensation attorney in your state ensures you receive proper treatment for your injuries and full compensation.
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Free time
As a Partner at Smith, Born, Leventis, Taylor & Vega, LLC, Peter doesn’t have much free time. When he does get a moment away from his office, he can be found spending time with his family, reading a book, playing chess, working out, or teaching a class for the South Carolina State Bar.
Get to know more about Peter Leventis
Q. What is your most memorable moment or piece of advice from law school?
A. If you’re preparing to try your case, you may have an option to settle it; but if you’re preparing to settle your case, you may have to end up trying it.
Q. What’s the biggest misconception about personal injury attorneys?
A. I have to choose just one!?! Impossible.
Q. If you weren’t practicing law, what job would you hold?
A. A history professor or cold case investigator for the federal government.
Q. What is your favorite part of the city or town where you work?
A. The South Carolina State House.
Q. Who is your favorite fictional attorney (from books, television, or movies)?
A. Bob Loblaw or Barry Zuckercorn from Arrested Development.
About Smith, Born, Leventis, Taylor & Vega, LLC
At Smith, Born, Leventis, Taylor & Vega, LLC, our attorneys have decades of experience skillfully navigating the complexities of personal injury and workers' compensation cases to secure the best possible outcomes for their clients. Contact us for your free, no-obligation consultation today so we can worry about the details and you can focus on getting better. View our law firm's profile and visit our website today.