South Carolina Wrongful Death Laws
In South Carolina, wrongful death is defined as the death of a person caused by the negligence or unlawful act of another. The state’s wrongful death laws allow certain family members to file a lawsuit against the person or entity responsible for their loved one’s death.
What Does a Wrongful Death Lawyer Do?
A wrongful death lawyer is a type of personal injury attorney who represents the family members of a person who has died due to the negligence of another. If you have lost a loved one in an accident, you may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the responsible party.
A Columbia wrongful death attorney can help you investigate the accident, gather evidence, and file a lawsuit against the responsible party. If you are successful, you may be able to recover damages for your loved one’s medical expenses, funeral and burial costs, lost income, pain and suffering, and more.
Wrongful death cases can be complex, and it is important to have an experienced attorney on your side. Contact a lawyer at The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor today to learn more about your legal options. An experienced attorney can help you get the justice you deserve.
What You Can Expect From Our Columbia, SC Wrongful Death Attorneys
At The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor, our attorneys understand the pain and suffering you go through after losing a loved one. We will work tirelessly to get you the justice and compensation you deserve. When you contact our office, we will:
- Conduct a thorough investigation into the accident
- Gather evidence to support your claim
- Build a strong case on your behalf
- Handle all the legal paperwork and filings
- Represent you in court, if necessary
- Fight for you to get the best possible outcome in your case.
You should not have to worry about anything after losing a loved one. Let us handle the legal aspects of your case while you focus on your family.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Columbia, SC?
Under South Carolina law, wrongful death cases must be brought by the executor or representative of the wrongful death victims’ estate. In most cases, this is a relative named in a will. However, if there is no will, there is an order in which surviving family members can be selected to bring the suit forward.
The beneficiaries of a wrongful death claim include:
- The surviving spouse
- The victim’s children
- If there is no spouse or child, the victim’s parents can file a claim.
Liability in a Columbia, SC Wrongful Death Claim
For a defendant to be found liable in a wrongful death claim, the plaintiff must prove that the death was caused by the defendant’s negligence or intentional wrongdoing. This can be done by showing that the defendant breached their duty of care and that this breach resulted in the victim’s death.
For example, if a drunk driver hits and kills a pedestrian, the driver can be liable for wrongful death. The driver breached their duty of care by driving while intoxicated.
What Evidence Can I Use to Prove Liability in a Wrongful Death Case?
Many types of evidence can be used to prove liability in a wrongful death case. This includes:
- Eyewitness testimony
- Surveillance footage
- Accident reports
- Expert testimony
- Medical records
When you hire a wrongful death attorney, they will work with you to gather the evidence you need to prove your case.
What Types of Damages Can You Recover in South Carolina Wrongful Death Claims?
After the death of a loved one, family members are often left with substantial financial burdens. A successful wrongful death claim can help ease these burdens by awarding damages for:
- Medical bills incurred before the victim’s death
- The victim’s funeral and burial costs
- The loss of the victim’s income and benefits
- The loss of the victim’s companionship, love, and support
- The pain and suffering of the victim’s family members
You may be entitled to compensation if you have lost a loved one in an accident. Contact our Columbia wrongful death attorneys to learn more about your legal options. A skilled attorney can help you file a wrongful death lawsuit and get the justice you deserve.
What Types of Accidents Can Result in a Wrongful Death?
Many types of accidents can lead to wrongful death. Some common examples include:
- Motor vehicle accidents – car accidents, truck accidents, and motorcycle accidents are some of the most common causes of death in the United States.
- Accidents at work – If you have lost a loved one in a workplace accident, you may be able to file a workers’ compensation claim or a wrongful death lawsuit against the responsible party.
- Slip and Falls – If a property owner fails to maintain their property and someone is injured, the property owner may be held liable in a wrongful death suit.
- Pedestrian Accidents – If a driver hits and kills a pedestrian, the driver may be held liable in a wrongful death lawsuit.
If you have lost a loved one in an accident, contact a Columbia wrongful death lawyer to learn more about your legal options. An experienced attorney can help you get the justice you deserve.
Contact Our Columbia Wrongful Death Lawyers Today
If you have lost a loved one in an accident, contact The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor today. We will thoroughly investigate the accident and gather evidence to support your claim. Our experienced wrongful death attorneys will build a strong case on your behalf and fight for you to get the best possible outcome for your case. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. We will fight for you and your family.
