If your loved one has been wrongfully killed due to someone's negligence in South Carolina, call Luke today at (843) 379-3285 for a free consultation. We will fight for your justice!
Losing a loved one unexpectedly puts you in an impossible situation. No matter what you do, nothing will give you the one thing you want the most. In this scenario, all you can do is try your best to cope, and do what you can to take care of yourself and your loved ones going forward.
This may mean filing a wrongful death claim.
Wrongful death claims often have substantial monetary value. As a result, filing a claim can be essential for managing the lifetime costs of your loved one’s untimely passing. How does South Carolina define wrongful death? How long does it take to settle wrongful death claims? How can you decide if you should file a wrongful death claim? South Carolina wrongful death attorney Luke Paulick answers these questions below:
How Does South Carolina Define Wrongful Death?
Under South Carolina law, a death is considered “wrongful” if it results from someone else’s negligence, a hazardous property condition, or a defective product. Fatal auto accidents, bicycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, falls, and product-related accidents can all give rise to wrongful death claims under South Carolina law. When you speak with Luke about your family’s situation, he will be able to assess the circumstances surrounding your loved one’s death to determine your family’s legal rights.
How Long Wrongful Death Lawsuits Can Take
How long does it take to settle wrongful death claims? How long it takes to settle a wrongful death suit depends on the specific circumstances involved—and, to be abundantly clear, there are no guarantees. However, if your family has a clear wrongful death claim, settlement is a viable possibility, and Luke will fight to secure a fair settlement as quickly as possible.
If a fair settlement isn’t on the table, how long can a wrongful death lawsuit take? In this scenario, fighting for justice in court could easily take a year or longer. While this is a long time, doing what it takes to hold the at-fault party accountable will be worth it in the end.
Has your loved one been wrongfully killed due to someone's negligence?
If you or a loved one has been wrongfully killed due to someone else's negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. Don’t face this challenge alone, get experienced and dedicated legal representation to fight for your rights.
Get Help NowTypes of Accidents That Can Result in a Wrongful Death Case in South Carolina
Nearly all types of accidents can give rise to wrongful death claims in South Carolina. As we said above, the key is being able to prove that someone else’s negligence, a hazardous property condition, or a defective product is to blame for your loved one’s death. With this in mind, families can have wrongful death claims for accidents including (but not limited to):
- ATV, four-wheeler, and dirt bike accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Boating accidents
- Car, pickup truck, and SUV accidents
- Commercial truck accidents
- Falls
- Golf cart and low-speed vehicle (LSV) accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Product failures (including electrocutions, fires, and explosions)
Sadly, even these are just examples. It is also important to note that while many wrongful death cases involve fatal accidents, grieving families can file wrongful death claims in certain other circumstances as well. If you have lost a loved one in a South Carolina nursing home, for example, your family could have a claim for negligence, neglect, or abuse.
Damages You Can Recover in a Wrongful Death Claim in South Carolina
Let’s say your family has a wrongful death claim. Is taking legal action worth it? While every family’s circumstances are unique, by their nature, wrongful death claims often involve substantial claims for damages. Under South Carolina law, eligible family members can seek financial compensation for losses including:
- Any medical bills incurred prior to the victim’s death
- Funeral expenses and other out-of-pocket costs
- Loss of the victim’s income, benefits and inheritance
- Emotional trauma resulting from their loved one’s fatal accident
- Loss of consortium, loss of companionship, and other “non-financial losses”
Luke can help you understand how much your family may be entitled to recover, and then you can decide if filing a wrongful death claim is worth it. If you decide not to move forward for any reason, you will owe us nothing.
Contact Us to Discuss Your Family’s Situation with Attorney Luke Paulick in Confidence
If you would like to discuss your family’s situation with attorney Luke Paulick in confidence, please contact us today. Call 843-379-3285 or tell us how we can reach you online to schedule a free consultation.