S.C. Code Ann. § 16-5-80: Damages not recoverable from county when property damage results from plaintiff's illegal or negligent conduct.

No person shall be entitled to the recovery of such damages if it shall appear that the destruction of his property was caused by his illegal conduct, nor unless it shall appear that he, upon knowledge had of the intention or attempt to destroy his property or to collect a mob for that purpose and sufficient time intervening, gave notice thereof to a constable, sheriff or magistrate of the county in which such property was situated and being.