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Joseph O. Thickens
Joseph O. Thickens
Founder, Partner, Attorney
1717 Marion St
Columbia, SC 29201
Phone icon (803) 888-2200

Joseph O. Thickens

Bar Admission: South Carolina

Joe Thickens is a Founder, Partner, and Personal Injury Attorney at 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 the team 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.

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, a Super Lawyers Rising Star since 2021, 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.”

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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.

Joe Shoe Donations
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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

case icon$5,000,000
TRACTOR TRAILER ACCIDENT
case icon$2,050,000
TRUCKING CASE
case icon$2,000,000
TRUCKING CASE
case icon$1,500,000
TRUCKING CASE
case icon$1,500,000
NEGLIGENT SECURITY CASE
case icon$1,200,000
TRUCKING ACCIDENT

Reviews

I am so pleased with the referral to the Law Office of Cavanaugh and Thickens, LLC. I had a great sign on experience from start to fiinish with Attorney Joe. Fom the time you walk in the door you are greeted pleasantly. I was well informed on the type of case that I would be facing, and left the office knowing that I would be well represented. I highly recommend this law firm.
– Tyrone F.
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Cavanaugh and Mr. Joe Thickens Were the best attorneys I’ve ever had in my life! Joe was there for me and got me every penny that I deserved. I had life threatening injuries. I am very glad to have had Mr. Joe Thickens as my Attorney!
– Amy T.
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Mr. Thickens called me himself! Moreover, he took the time and showed patience in my legal inadequacy. I am happy he went the extra mile to contact me and put me in touch with someone who could assist me.
– Daniel C.
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Great law firm!!!! Eric and Joe have assembled a great team of lawyers. Proud to call them colleagues and friends!
– Robert G.
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Awards and Accolades

  • Legal Elite: Personal Injury, Plaintiff – 2021 & 2025
  • The National Trial Lawyers: Top 40 Under 40, Civil Plaintiff Attorney – 2025
  • Super Lawyers: Rising Star, Personal Injury, Plaintiff – 2021-2025
  • Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch, Personal Injury Litigation, Plaintiffs – 2022-2025

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

Our Services

 

Car Accidents
Car Accidents

 

 

Truck Accidents
Truck Accidents

 

 

Bike Accidents
Bicycle Accidents

 

 

Bike Accidents
Brain Injury

 

 

Bike Accidents
Boating Accidents

 

 

Bike Accidents
DUI Accidents

 

 

Bike Accidents
Dog Bites

 

 

Bike Accidents
Motorcycle Accidents

 

 

Bike Accidents
Pedestrian Accidents

 

 

Bike Accidents
Slip And Fall

 

 

Bike Accidents
Spine Injuries

 

 

Bike Accidents
Wrongful Death

 

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    Contact Our Office Today!

    Columbia Office

    • 1717 Marion Street
      Columbia, SC 29201
    • (803) 888-2200
    • info@ctlawsc.com

    Charleston Office

    • 1127 Queensborough Blvd #102,
      Mt Pleasant, SC 29464
    By Appointment Only
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      By providing your phone number, you agree to receive text messages from Cavanaugh & Thickens, LLC. Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency varies.

      The information on this website is general information only and should not be construed as formal legal advice or the formation of a lawyer or attorney-client relationship. Verdict and settlements on this website reflect gross numbers before attorney fees, costs, and expenses are deducted. Any video testimonial on this website is from a real client. Results may vary. No payment was made for the testimonial. The results and testimonials on this website are specific to the facts and legal circumstances of specific cases, and any result our attorneys or law firm have achieved on behalf of one client does not necessarily indicate similar results can be obtained for other clients. Each case is different and must be evaluated on its own merits and unique facts. Please contact a South Carolina personal injury attorney at Cavanaugh & Thickens, LLC for a free case evaluation specific to your situation. Cases will be handled by a South Carolina-licensed lawyer at Cavanaugh & Thickens, LLC practicing at either 1717 Marion St, Columbia, SC 29201 or 1127 Queensborough Blvd Suite 102, Mt Pleasant, SC 29455.

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