Dillon Wrongful Death Attorney

If you’ve lost a loved one as a result of someone else’s negligence, it’s a tragedy that can’t be righted. Your loss is immense, and no amount of compensation can alter this fact. A just settlement can, however, afford you the resources you’ll need on your journey forward toward healing. If this is the difficult position you find yourself in, don’t wait to consult with an experienced Dillon wrongful death attorney.

How Wrongful Death Cases Work in South Carolina

In South Carolina, a wrongful death is one that’s caused by another party’s negligence, wrongful act, or default. If the deceased – or the person who lost their life – could have filed a personal injury claim if they’d survived, their heirs can file a wrongful death claim in their absence. In a sense, the heirs file the claim on behalf of the decedent.

The Decedent’s Heirs

The heirs who can file a wrongful death claim in South Carolina include:

• The decedent’s surviving spouse
• The decedent’s surviving children
• The decedent’s surviving parents – when there is no surviving spouse or children
• The decedent’s surviving heir according to South Carolina’s laws of intestacy – when none of the above apply

Damages Sought

In a wrongful death claim, you can seek compensation for all the following losses:

• The cost of the decedent’s funeral and burial
• The decedent’s final medical bills and expenses prior to succumbing to the fatal injury
• Your loss of the decedent’s financial support and benefits
• Your loss of the decedent’s guidance, knowledge, judgment, and experience
• Your loss of the decedent’s companionship, care, and protection
• Your pain and suffering in the face of your immense loss

When the at-fault party’s negligence was especially reckless or egregious, you can also seek punitive damages. This category of legal damage is designed to punish the wrongdoer rather than to compensate you as the claimant.

Common Underlying Causes of Wrongful Death Claims

While wrongful death claims can stem from many different kinds of accidents, those that are most closely associated include all the following:

• Traffic accidents of all kinds – drunk drivers are a common culprit
• Slip and fall accidents – especially from heights – and other premises liability claims
• Accidents on the job – accidents on construction sites are among the most dangerous
• Accidents caused by defective consumer products
• Swimming pool and playground accidents
• Boating accidents

Turn to an Experienced Dillon Wrongful Death Attorney for the Help You Need

Wrongful death claims relate to emotionally devastating events that can also be financially challenging. If your loved one was killed as a result of someone else’s negligence, bringing your strongest claim is key, and Leary McKenzie at McKenzie Law Firm in Dillon, South Carolina, is standing by to help. Leary is a compassionate wrongful death attorney with the experience and drive to help you obtain just compensation that supports your emotional and financial recovery. We are here for you every step of the way forward, so please don’t delay contacting us online or call 843-627-4235 for more information about what we can do for you today.