Eric is a founding member and partner at Cavanaugh & Thickens, LLC. Prior to opening Cavanaugh & Thickens, LLC, Eric worked at a recognized defense firm where he focused his practice on personal injury and defending large trucking companies in cases involving serious injuries and death. Eric has handled over a hundred tractor-trailer accident cases. He is now putting his experience and knowledge to use to help those injured in accidents. During his time as a defense attorney, Eric also represented major retailers, medical providers, and insurance companies. Eric’s experience defending these cases provides his clients with invaluable resources and knowledge in bringing their cases to resolution.
Eric has been selected as a Super Lawyer/Rising Star every year, from 2016 to 2021. Over the past five years, he has tried a number of cases in both federal and state courts. Eric is a lifelong resident of Columbia. He obtained his undergraduate degree from the University of South Carolina in 1995 and his law degree from USC in 2011. Prior to obtaining his law degree, Eric worked in both the public and private sectors, including at one point working for a former South Carolina governor.
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 an avid sports fan and especially enjoys football, baseball, and golf. Eric enjoys running and likes to participate in running events throughout the Midlands and the Southeast.
Accreditations:
Bar Admissions
South Carolina – 2011
United States District Court, District of South Carolina – 2011
United States Court of Appeals, 4th Circuit
Education
University of South Carolina, B.A.
English & Political Science – 1995
University of South Carolina, J.D. – 2011
Professional Associations & Memberships
South Carolina Bar
Richland County Bar
South Carolina Association for Justice
American Association for Justice
Awards
The National Trial Lawyers: Top 100, Civil Plaintiff Attorney – 2025
The National Trial Lawyers: Top 10, Trucking Trial Lawyers – 2025
The National Trial Lawyers: Top 25, Motor Vehicle Trial Lawyers – 2025
The Best Lawyers in America® – 2024, 2025
Super Lawyer/Rising Star – 2016-2021
Order of the Palmetto
