WRONGFUL DEATH ATTORNEY IN ANDERSON, SOUTH CAROLINA

A loved one's death remains one of the most heartbreaking occurrences anyone can experience in life. Such a loss could be even more painful if it was caused by another person's wrongful actions. Thankfully, South Carolina wrongful death laws allow the deceased person's surviving family members to hold the responsible parties accountable and seek fair compensation for such an unexpected loss.

If you believe that negligent or wrongful actions of another person might have caused your loved one's premature death, you are within your rights to pursue damages by filing a wrongful death claim. At David F. Stoddard Law Firm, we have the experience, diligence, and resources to support, assist, and represent the families of wrongful death victims during such a difficult period.

Our knowledgeable South Carolina personal injury attorney can investigate all of the surrounding details of your unique situation thoroughly and explore your possible options to recover damages. Also, we will fight vigorously to protect your family's best interests and help you seek fair financial compensation to cover outstanding medical expenses, lost income, funeral and burial expenses, and loss of consortium.

David F. Stoddard Law Firm proudly represents clients across Anderson, South Carolina, and the surrounding areas of Northlake, Liberty, Pickens, or anywhere in Greenville County.

WHY FILE A WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM?

Wrongful death law applies in tort cases where the wrongful, careless, or negligent actions of the defendant caused the victim's death. According to South Carolina law, a wrongful death action may be brought when a person's wrongful action, neglect, or default causes someone else's death.

The purpose of a wrongful death claim is to hold the responsible party liable and compensate the surviving family members of the deceased person for their sudden loss. Essentially, holding the responsible party liable can ensure such an unfortunate incident doesn't happen to another person or other families.

Though, no amount of money may be enough to bring back the deceased. However, a monetary compensation received through a wrongful death claim can give the decedent's surviving loved ones a much-needed financial boost to cover funeral and burial expenses, lost wages and benefits, outstanding medical bills, and ultimately ease the emotional and financial loss.

WHAT CONSTITUTES WRONGFUL DEATH IN SOUTH CAROLINA?

To establish a wrongful death claim in South Carolina, the claimant is required to show that:

• The at-fault party (defendant) owed a legal duty of care to the deceased

• The duty of care was breached

• A death occurred

• The defendant's wrongful actions or negligence caused the victim's death

• The surviving family members suffered actual damages from the death

A skilled personal injury attorney can evaluate all of the details of your case and determine how to proceed with your wrongful death claims.

WHO CAN FILE A SOUTH CAROLINA WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM?

According to South Carolina Code Section 15-51-20, only the executor or administrator of the deceased person's estate may be allowed to file a wrongful death claim. However, any damages recovered will be for the benefit of the surviving family members of the deceased person.

TIME LIMITS FOR FILING

South Carolina wrongful death statute of limitations provides that a wrongful death claim must be brought within three years of the decedent's death – South Carolina Code Section 15-3-530(6).

DAMAGES AVAILABLE

The following damages may be recovered by filing a wrongful death claim in South Carolina:

• Medical expenses incurred before the victim's death

• Funeral and burial expenses

• Loss of financial support and benefits

• Loss of care, support, guidance, or counsel

• Loss of the deceased person's experience, knowledge, and judgment

• Mental anguish

• Pain and suffering experienced by the surviving loved ones

• Exemplary claims or punitive damages to further punish the at-fault party due to their deliberate or reckless actions

An experienced attorney can enlighten you about your available option to recover damages and help you seek the maximum possible compensation for your loss.

WORK WITH AN EXPERIENCED PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEY

The death of a family member can be tough to handle. Such an unanticipated loss can have significant, life-long implications on your emotional, financial, and mental health. Regardless, you don't have to face the financial challenges all alone. Therefore, it is important that you hire an experienced personal injury attorney to help protect your legal rights and pursue deserved compensation for your loss.

At David F. Stoddard Law Firm, we are dedicated to offering comprehensive legal guidance and vigorous representation to clients in their wrongful death cases. As your legal counsel, we will help file a wrongful death action on your behalf and attempt to seek the financial justice that you and other surviving family members are entitled to. Also, our trusted team will fight diligently to advocate for your best interests and hold those responsible for your loved one's death accountable.