S.C. Code Ann. § 57-3-710: Counties shall make land payments and be liable for damages.

All payments to be made or obligated on account of rights-of-way and other lands acquired for the purposes contemplated by Section 57-3-690 shall be made by the county on order of the department. Any person having any claim on account of damages to property, injuries to person, or death growing out of any such construction as is contemplated in said section shall have such right of action against the county concerned as is authorized by law, and the remedy thus afforded shall be exclusive.