General rule as to time for commencement

S.C. Code Ann. § 15-3-20, under Title 15, Chapter 3.

S.C. Code Ann. § 15-3-20

(A) Civil actions may only be commenced within the periods prescribed in this title after the cause of action has accrued, except when, in special cases, a different limitation is prescribed by statute. (B) A civil action is commenced when the summons and complaint are filed with the clerk of court if actual service is accomplished within one hundred twenty days after filing.