South Carolina Wrongful Death Lawyer
Serious accidents always lead to tragic consequences, but you could be facing an overwhelming, devastating situation if one of these incidents claimed the life of someone close to you. Unfortunately, fatal accidents occur with alarming frequency, making them the third-leading cause of death. Data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that almost 214,000 victims suffer fatal, unintentional injuries every year, and many of these incidents are preventable. Even as they cope with grief, entire families face financial losses and uncertainty.
While legal action cannot bring back your loved one, pursuing a wrongful death claim can ease some of the burden. You can rely on the Gus Anastopoulo Law Firm to handle the essential tasks during this difficult time and get the compensation you deserve for your losses. Please contact our Charleston office to set up a free consultation with a South Carolina wrongful death lawyer. An overview might also be helpful.
Basics of Wrongful Death Claims
These cases fall under personal injury concepts, so you must prove that the party responsible for your loved one’s death was negligent in some way. In general, negligence refers to the failure to exercise reasonable care, and it is actionable if the misconduct directly caused the fatality. Wrongful death cases are commonly based upon:
- Car, truck, and motorcycle collisions;
- Motor vehicle crashes that involve vulnerable road users, like pedestrians and bicycle riders;
- Slip and fall accidents, dog bites, and other incidents caused by dangerous conditions on property;
- Boat accidents and other incidents on the water;
- Defective products and dangerous drugs;
- Construction accidents; and
- Many more.
In addition to proving that negligence was behind these or other fatal accidents, you must also qualify to file a wrongful death claim. Surviving spouses, children, parents, and some other relatives may have standing to seek compensation through these cases.
Compensation for Surviving Family Members
There can be no doubt that the deceased individual suffered, but compensation in a wrongful death case is focused on the losses of survivors. You may be eligible for a wide range of monetary damages, such as:
- Expenses related to final medical care;
- Funeral and burial costs;
- The decedent’s lost wages and future earning capacity; and
- The value of the person’s love, education, guidance, companionship, and emotional support.
Like other personal injury cases, your first step in the legal process is filing a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company. The Gus Anastopoulo Law Firm will tackle the details and fight for your interests during settlement discussions. Still, our South Carolina wrongful death attorneys are prepared to go to court if the insurer refuses fair compensation.
Trust Our South Carolina Wrongful Death Lawyers for Legal Help
If someone close to you recently died in an accident, it is critical to retain experienced legal representation to assist with your wrongful death claim. Our team at the Gus Anastopoulo Law Firm is dedicated to assisting clients with the legal process, so please contact our office today. You can schedule a complimentary care review by calling 843-310-5555 or visiting our website.