If you have lost a loved one due to the carelessness of another individual or entity, it can be incredibly difficult to know what to do next. When tragedies like this happen, it’s important to remember you have rights.
The Thumbs Up Guys at Miller, Dawson, Sigal & Ward Injury Attorneys will fight to protect your rights and the compensation you need and deserve to help move forward. Contact our Charleston, SC, wrongful death lawyers today to find out how we can help.
When a loved one is wrongfully taken from you, you deserve justice and compensation for your loss. Let us handle the legal process on your behalf, so you can mourn in whatever way is best for you.
When you work with the Thumbs Up Guys, you don’t have to worry about any fees unless we obtain a successful outcome for your case.
Losing a loved one is never easy and can take a huge emotional and financial toll on your entire family. While the grieving process is different for everyone, learning that your loved one’s passing could have been avoided had it not been for the carelessness of another individual or entity can create a wide range of emotions in itself from devastation to anger. Now, on top of funeral arrangements and bills to pay, you have a legal battle on your hands.
Taking the next steps in this situation can feel impossible, but you don’t have to do it alone. Our Charleston, SC, wrongful death lawyers know what you’re going through and we’re ready to help you navigate this incredibly difficult time. We’re the Thumbs Up Guys and we’re here to be a dependable ally throughout the duration of your case.
Many families aren’t sure what they’re entitled to after losing a loved one due to someone else’s carelessness. The impact of a wrongful death can send ripples throughout every aspect of your life, leaving you with huge expenses, a loss of household income that you depended on, and worst of all, the absence of your loved one.
If you’re in this situation, the state of South Carolina has laws in place surrounding wrongful deaths that may entitle you to compensation for the financial and emotional losses you and your family have suffered, including:
Any medical expenses that were incurred in the wake of the incident that led to your loved one’s death may be recovered. For example, if the deceased was injured, taken to the hospital, and died later as a result of those injuries, the cost of that medical care could be included in a wrongful death settlement.
In the event of a wrongful death, you may also be entitled to compensation for the funeral costs, as well as any mortician services and burial/cremation expenses.
If the deceased had any dependents or close family members who relied on their income, they may be compensated for their loss of financial support. For example, if the deceased took care of three children with their wages, the cost of that care could be covered.
There’s no simple equation that can put a price on how much a person is worth in your life, but compensation for your loss of companionship after a wrongful death may also be obtained. The value of this factor can vary significantly, so having an experienced wrongful death attorney to help you fight for the full amount you’re owed will be to your benefit.
Wrongful death cases can stem from a wide variety of causes. We’ve listed some of the most common below. If you’ve lost a loved one due to the carelessness of another individual or entity and are wondering if you have a case, contact our Charleston, SC, wrongful death lawyers today.
Vehicle safety features may be improving, but road fatalities still happen every day. If your loved one was killed in a car accident, motorcycle accident, or truck accident due to another driver’s carelessness, you may have a wrongful death case.
A botched surgery or general medical error can quickly lead to a wrongful death. In these instances, medical practitioners, doctors, nurses, and even hospitals can be held responsible, depending on the circumstances.
Nursing home residents require a level of care to ensure they live comfortably and with dignity. If your elderly loved one passes away as a result of nursing home abuse or neglect, you could have grounds for a wrongful death case.
If your loved one is killed in a workplace accident or passes away from a medical condition due to the nature of their job, you can possibly take legal action through a wrongful death lawsuit.
Companies that manufacture defective pharmaceutical drugs or consumer products could be held responsible in the event of a wrongful death. These products can range from vehicles to health products and everyday household items that malfunction, break, or cause severe illnesses.
While taking legal action can never bring your loved one back, it can help give you peace of mind and provide the financial assistance you need as you begin to move forward. Whether you are in Charleston, North Charleston, or anywhere in South Carolina, The Thumbs Up Guys are here to walk you through every step of the way.
There are several steps to filing a wrongful death claim in the state of South Carolina. First, you must make sure you’re compliant with the local laws. Only an executor or administrator of the deceased’s estate has grounds to file a claim. If there isn’t one, a court may appoint someone, typically a family member. Even if that person isn’t you, you may still be able to file a claim through that appointed person. Additionally, there’s a three-year statute of limitations from the time of death to file wrongful death lawsuits. Keep in mind that it takes time to gather evidence and build a strong case, so it’s important to take action as soon as possible.
A successful wrongful death claim must demonstrate that the death was caused by the negligence of another party. Building a case on your own can be daunting, especially in the middle of the grieving process. Having the right wrongful death attorney on your side can make all the difference.
In some cases, wrongful death claims may be settled outside of court between the two parties. However, in the event that a fair settlement cannot be reached and you need to file a wrongful death lawsuit, you may have to appear in court. Whether you’re in negotiations or the courtroom, it will be to your benefit to have an experienced attorney guiding you throughout the process.
Any damages collected in wrongful death claims are not taxable, in most cases.
Damages such as pain and suffering and loss of companionship can’t be easily calculated like medical bills and funeral costs. Generally, those amounts are left to the two parties to settle or for a judge to decide if your case moves to court. In any case, our Charleston, SC, wrongful death lawyers will review every detail of your case and help you demand what’s fair for the loss of your loved one.
Wrongful death cases can be particularly complicated to navigate alone. Having an experienced attorney on your side can ensure you aren’t taken advantage of by the other party involved and make the legal process much less stressful while you and your family are mourning.
The Thumbs Up Guys believe every family who has experienced the wrongful death of someone they love should have access to quality legal representation. That’s why we work on a contingency-fee basis. This means that your initial consultation is always free and you won’t owe us a penny unless we win your case.
