J. Eric Cavanaugh

Founder, Partner, Attorney

1717 Marion St
Columbia, SC 29201

J. Eric Cavanaugh

Bar Admission: South Carolina

Eric Cavanaugh is a Founder of Cavanaugh & Thickens, LLC, an award-winning personal injury law firm in South Carolina. Since Eric and Joe established Cavanaugh & Thickens, LLC in 2017, the firm has recovered millions of dollars in compensation for victims of car accidents, truck accidents, on-the-job injuries, wrongful death, and other accident cases throughout Columbia, Charleston, and the state of South Carolina.

Eric has received numerous awards and accolades in his field, including recently being named by The National Trial Lawyers as a Top 100 Civil Plaintiff Attorney in South Carolina, a Top 10 Trucking Trial Lawyer in SC, and a Top 25 Motor Vehicle Trial Lawyer in SC, The Best Lawyers in America®, and more.

Prior to Founding Cavanaugh & Thickens, LLC, Eric worked at a recognized defense firm, where he focused on defending large trucking companies in cases involving serious injuries and death. Eric uses his former experience representing trucking companies, major retailers, medical providers, and insurance companies to provide his clients with invaluable resources and knowledge in bringing their cases to resolution.

“We spent years doing large-scale insurance defense work. I focused a lot on defending trucking companies and their drivers, while Joe handled various practice areas but mainly worked for insurance companies. Neither of us were happy doing that. In 2017, we felt called to do something different — to help people.”

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Eric is a native of Columbia, South Carolina. He earned both his B.A. and J.D. from the University of South Carolina and is an avid Gamecock fan. He is an active member of the South Carolina Bar, Richland County Bar, South Carolina Association for Justice, and American Association for Justice.

Eric is married to the former Andrea Freeman of Greenville, South Carolina. They have three daughters: Mary Elizabeth, Addie, and Joy. Eric and his family are members of the First Presbyterian Church in Columbia. Eric is a sports fan and especially enjoys football, baseball, and golf. In his spare time, Eric enjoys running and likes to participate in running events throughout the Midlands and the Southeast.

Cavanaugh & Thickens, LLC | Client Focused. Results Driven.

Cavanaugh & Thickens, LLC brings a client-focused and results-driven approach to every single case. Our client will always be our top priority – fighting to ensure they get the best outcome possible for their case and future.

“We love what we do. It’s incredibly rewarding work and so different from working in the insurance industry. It’s heartwarming to receive a hug or a simple thank you. Most importantly, we feel fulfilled when clients feel relieved — when the weight of what happened to them is lifted from their shoulders.”

Notable Case Results

$5,000,000

Tractor Trailer Accident

$2,050,000

Trucking Accident

$1,500,000

Negligent Security

$1,200,000

Truck Accident

$675,000

Car Accident

$2,000,000

Truck Accident

$750,000

Drunk Driving Accident

Reviews

“Obviously nobody wants to be in the position of needing a lawyer. But I am forever grateful to Eric and Will for their support and representation after a terrible wreck with a tractor trailer. My first instinct was not to hire an attorney. What was I even thinking?(…)

– Debbie H.

“I was told I had no case by one law firm and called Cavanaugh & Thickens and they assured me that there was money for me and they’d get every penny. They were caring, understanding, and transparent about the entire process, and even checked in every now and again for updates throughout. While I was very nervous and unsure(…)

– Alexis C.

“Outstanding legal services. Eric and Steve are excellent legal professionals and have greatly assisted me after a semi-truck ran into me, in stopped traffic on I-26. Travena, Eric’s paralegal has also been very helpful.(…)

– George D.

“Cavanaugh&thickens is the only law firm I Want handling my auto accident case. Eric and his paralegal Holland haven’t once made me feel like a number but an actual person. 11/10 would recommend to anybody.”

– Greg P.

“I am very thankful that a friend referred me to Cavanaugh & Thickens after my auto accident. Eric and Patrick thoroughly researched my medical condition to gain understanding of the injury’s impact on my health. My case was settled out of court(…)

– Joanna M.

“After so many complications with my head on collision Will and Eric helped me so much on my case. It was my first accident and they continue to assure me and calm me down to take care of my case definitely will recommend!”

– Ayanna M.

“It’s was a blessing to work with Eric.He straight forward,and he gets the job done, and makes you feel like family!This is the best lawyer in Columbia!!!!”

– Shawana L.