Subject to the limitations in Section 45-9-110, a party aggrieved as a result of a person or group of persons violating the provisions of Article 1 may institute an action in his own name in the circuit court to recover damages for violations of Article 1. A single act of discrimination or segregation may constitute proof of a violation of Article 1 without the necessity of proving a pattern or practice of discrimination or segregation. Upon a finding that a person has violated the provisions of Article 1, the amount of damages that an aggrieved party has sustained is declared to be a minimum of five thousand dollars. In addition, the court, upon a finding that a person violated the provisions of Article 1, shall award the aggrieved party reasonable attorney's fees, as determined by the court, and costs. HISTORY: 1990 Act No. 423, Section 1, eff April 25, 1990.
South Carolina Legal Code