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Columbia, SC 29201
(803) 888-2200Joseph O. Thickens
Bar Admission: South Carolina
Joe Thickens is a Founder of Cavanaugh & Thickens, LLC, an award-winning personal injury and workers’ compensation firm in South Carolina. Joe founded the firm alongside Eric Cavanaugh in 2017, and since then have 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.
Joe’s dedication to his clients and reputation in his field has led to numerous awards and accolades, including being recently named a Top 40 Under 40 Civil Plaintiff Attorney in South Carolina by The National Trial Lawyers, Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch for three years running, and more.
Prior to Founding Cavanaugh & Thickens, LLC, Joe practiced at a firm where he primarily focused on defending companies in personal injury cases such as auto accidents, slip and falls, and defective product cases. He also handled numerous cases involving insurance coverage and bad faith. Today, Joe applies this experience to fight for clients whose claims have been denied or have received lowball settlement offers.
“One of the things I like most about practicing law is being an advocate for my clients and explaining the legal side of their case. Often, they’re in uncharted territory, dealing with injuries, medical bills, and unhelpful insurance companies. Walking with them through that time and helping them move from confusion to a clear plan is very rewarding.”
Joe is originally from Rock Hill, South Carolina. He attended the University of South Carolina where he earned both his B.A. and J.D. He is an active member of the South Carolina Bar, Richland County Bar, South Carolina Association for Justice, and American Association for Justice.
Joe and his wife Hannah live in Columbia, South Carolina and have three children. They are active members of Riverland Hills Baptist Church. In his free time, Joe enjoys following college sports, golfing, hiking, and cycling.
Cavanaugh & Thickens, LLC | Client Focused. Results Driven.
“We chose ‘Client Focused, Results Driven’ as our tagline because when someone’s been injured, they’re usually dealing with insurance companies or the party at fault, who are focused on their own interests. Our job is to focus on the client’s needs: helping them get medical treatment, guiding them through the claims process, and navigating the legal system. By staying focused on our clients from the moment we meet them, we help them achieve the best possible outcome.”
Cavanaugh & Thickens, LLC has a client-focused and results-driven approach to every single case. Our clients will always be our top priority – fighting to ensure they get the best outcome possible for their case and future.
“When Eric and I first started our firm, we thought it would just be the two of us working on cases together. As we’ve grown, we’ve made sure everyone we add to our team shares our commitment to being client-focused and results-driven. Returning calls promptly, keeping clients updated, making sure they’re involved in decision-making, and being prepared for trial or settlement — that’s what drives us.”
Notable Case Results
$5,000,000$2,050,000$2,000,000$1,500,000$1,500,000$1,200,000Reviews
Awards and Accolades
- The National Trial Lawyers: Top 40 Under 40, Civil Plaintiff Attorney – 2025
- Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch – 2022-2025
- Personal Injury Litigation, Plaintiffs – 2023
- Super Lawyer/Rising Star – 2021-2023
- Legal Elite of the Midlands – 2021
Bar Admissions
- South Carolina – 2013
- United States District Court
- District of South Carolina – 2013
Professional Associations & Memberships
- South Carolina Bar
- Richland County Bar
- South Carolina Association for Justice
- American Association for Justice
Education
- University of South Carolina, B.A.
- Political Science – 2010
- University of South Carolina, J.D. – 2013
