Which of the following is true about the responsibilities regarding attorney fees in lien cases?

In lien cases, each party typically bears their own attorney fees, which aligns with the "American Rule" followed in many jurisdictions, including South Carolina. This general principle dictates that, in the absence of a contract or specific statute providing otherwise, parties are responsible for their own legal expenses regardless of the outcome of the case.

The rationale behind this rule is to promote access to justice, ensuring that parties can seek legal redress without the fear of incurring additional fees due to losing a case. It encourages parties to resolve disputes without the overwhelming concern of the financial implications associated with paying the other side's legal fees.

The other options suggest scenarios that do not align with this understanding. The idea that only defendants pay attorney fees ignores the broader application of the rule, while claiming that claimants do not pay attorney fees overlooks their responsibility unless specified otherwise by law or agreement. The proposition that fees are split equally does not account for the underlying responsibility of each party to manage their own legal costs, which can vary based on the amount and nature of the work required in each case. Thus, the assertion that each party must bear their own attorney fees is the most accurate representation of the responsibilities regarding attorney fees in lien cases.