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Losing a loved one prematurely is one of the most devastating things a family can experience. When someone else’s carelessness causes their passing, a Charleston wrongful death lawyer can help you seek the justice and financial support your family deserves.
Under South Carolina law, surviving family members can receive compensation for their loss if the deceased would have prevailed in a personal injury lawsuit. When you lose a loved one to another party’s negligence, contact a Charleston wrongful death lawyer from our firm as soon as possible. Our attorneys at Geel & Gentry, LLC can help preserve evidence and prepare a lawsuit while you spend necessary time with your family.
If the deceased had lived after the accident and met the criteria to file a negligence lawsuit, your family may qualify for compensation. However, a Charleston wrongful death attorney must establish that the at-fault party acted below a reasonable standard of care and that their actions directly caused the fatal accident.
Common causes for these claims include:
Vehicle Collisions: Accidents caused by distracted, reckless, or intoxicated drivers.
Boating Accidents: Collisions on the water caused by negligent operators.
Workplace Fatalities: Accidents caused by substandard working conditions or inadequate training.
Criminal Activity: Deaths resulting from intentional harm or reckless disregard for safety.
During estate planning, a person names an executor or administrator (or the court may appoint one) to represent their survivors. According to S.C. Code § 15-51-20, the deceased’s executor or estate administrator is responsible for filing wrongful death claims.
A damages award is typically distributed in the following order:
Surviving spouse and children.
Surviving parents (if there is no spouse or children).
Legal heirs (if no parents are living).
While a standard negligence claim usually entails filing a personal injury lawsuit within three years of the accident, wrongful death rules differ slightly. You still have three years to pursue legal action, but the clock starts on the date of the death rather than the date of the accident. A knowledgeable wrongful death lawyer serving Charleston ensures all necessary documents are filed promptly to protect your right to recovery.
All grief is personal, and spending time with your family to remember a loved one is essential. While you begin to heal from your loss, we can help address the financial challenges you may be facing. You could be entitled to compensation for:
Burial and funeral expenses.
Final medical bills incurred before passing.
Loss of financial support and future earnings.
Emotional distress and loss of companionship.
If your family member would have been eligible to file a personal injury lawsuit but passed away, you have a right to seek justice. A Charleston wrongful death lawyer is available to answer your questions and fight for the compensation your family needs.
Contact Geel & Gentry, LLC today for a confidential consultation. You do not pay anything unless your case is successful.
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