North Charleston Wrongful Death Lawyer

South Carolina Personal Injury Attorneys Pursue Justice in Fatal Accident Cases

Losing a loved one is always a very difficult time for families. However, the pain associated with this loss is magnified when a family member’s death was due to a preventable accident. According to the Centers for Disease Control, accidents account for approximately 170,000 deaths across the country, making accidental deaths the third leading cause of death in the United States.

At the Steinberg Law Firm, our North Charleston wrongful death lawyers work diligently to help families obtain compensation after a tragic loss. We recognize that losing a loved one can forever affect your family in various ways, from a loss of companionship to the loss of financial support. We make it our goal to help families move on from a tragedy in any way we can. The Steinberg Law Firm is here for you.

What Is a South Carolina Wrongful Death Case?

The term wrongful death refers to a type of personal injury claim brought by the surviving loved ones of a deceased accident victim. To prove a wrongful death claim, a family member must be able to establish that another person’s “wrongful act, neglect, or default” caused the death of their loved one. Thus, a family can pursue a wrongful death claim based on any type of accident, including:

• Car accidents
• Truck wrecks
• Motorcycle accidents
• Slip-and-falls
• Workplace accidents
• Nursing home abuse and neglect
• Incidents of medical malpractice

North Charleston wrongful death claims must be brought by the executor or administrator of the deceased accident victim’s estate, within three years of their death. The proceeds from a wrongful death claim will be payable to the deceased’s surviving spouse and children. If the deceased did not leave behind a spouse or children, then the victim’s parents or other heirs will be the claim’s beneficiaries.

Damages in a North Charleston Wrongful Death Claim

Nothing can bring back a loved one who was lost in a preventable accident, and no amount of money will lessen the pain family members experience in the wake of such a tragedy. However, the compensation that may be available through a wrongful death claim can at least provide some financial support to grieving families.

While every case is unique, the following are the types of damages that are commonly recovered through a wrongful death claim:

• Medical expenses;
• Funeral and burial expenses;
• Lost wages and benefits, including future earnings;
• Loss of support or companionship;
• Mental anguish

In cases involving a defendant’s reckless, willful, or malicious actions, a family may also be able to pursue exemplary, or punitive damages. Unlike the damages listed above, punitive damages are specifically intended to punish the defendant, rather than to compensate a grieving family. As a result, when appropriate, exemplary damages can be significant.

Discuss Your Claim With a North Charleston Wrongful Death Attorney

If you have recently lost a loved one in a preventable accident, contact the North Charleston wrongful death attorneys at the Steinberg Law Firm. Our compassionate team of personal injury attorneys understands that this is a very difficult time for you and your family, and we are here to help. We will never pressure you to decide. If you choose to allow us to file a claim on your behalf, we will diligently pursue maximum compensation for your losses. With over 95 years of experience helping families obtain the compensation they need and deserve after senselessly losing a loved one, we can confidently guide your family through the recovery process. To learn more, and to schedule a free consultation today, call us at 843-720-2800 to speak with one of our experienced team members. You can also reach us through our online form.