Losing a loved one leaves a void that cannot be filled. When that loss occurs due to another person’s actions, the pain mixes with questions about justice and accountability. At West Law Firm Personal Injury Lawyers, our Summerville wrongful death lawyers guide families through these difficult times with compassion and legal expertise.
As a family-owned practice with deep roots in the Lowcountry since 1945, we know our community.
We see our clients as neighbors rather than case numbers. This connection drives our commitment to help families seek justice when preventable tragedy occurs.
What Defines a Wrongful Death Case in South Carolina?
Wrongful death happens when someone dies because of another party’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional action. South Carolina law allows certain family members to seek compensation when they lose someone under these circumstances.
Many situations can lead to wrongful death claims:
- Fatal car accidents caused by negligent drivers
- Medical malpractice resulting in death
- Deadly workplace accidents
- Fatal injuries from defective products
- Deaths from dangerous property conditions
- Fatal truck or motorcycle collisions
- Nursing home neglect or abuse that proves fatal
Each case involves unique circumstances and legal considerations. Our Summerville wrongful death attorneys handle the complex legal process while you focus on your family during this difficult time.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in South Carolina?
South Carolina law specifies who can bring forth a wrongful death claim. The deceased’s personal representative must file the lawsuit. This representative might be named in the will or appointed by the court if no will exists.
While the representative files the claim, the lawsuit seeks damages for specific surviving family members:
- Spouse and children of the deceased
- Parents (if there is no spouse or children)
- Heirs at law (when none of the above exist)
Our Summerville wrongful death attorneys help families determine the proper legal representative and ensure all eligible beneficiaries receive consideration under the law.
The Legal Process for Wrongful Death Claims
Wrongful death cases involve several steps that our Summerville wrongful death lawyers manage with precision and care:
- Investigation: We gather evidence to establish liability. This includes accident reports, witness statements, expert opinions, medical records, and other crucial documentation.
- Case building: Our team works to prove negligence or intentional wrongdoing caused your loved one’s death. We must show the defendant owed a duty of care, breached that duty, and directly caused the death.
- Settlement negotiations: Many cases are resolved through settlement discussions with insurance companies or defendants. Our Summerville wrongful death lawyers negotiate firmly for fair compensation without unnecessary delays.
- Trial representation: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we prepare thoroughly for court. Our trial attorneys present compelling arguments and evidence to seek justice for your family.
Throughout this process, we maintain regular communication with you. You will never wonder about the status of your case or next steps. After the process, our Summerville wrongful death attorneys carefully calculate appropriate compensation amounts based on the specific circumstances of your case and family situation.
Time Limits for Filing Wrongful Death Claims
South Carolina law sets strict deadlines for wrongful death claims. Families typically have three years from the date of death to file a lawsuit. However, exceptions exist for certain situations:
- Cases involving government entities often have shorter deadlines
- Medical malpractice cases have specific timing requirements
- Claims against certain defendants may have different time restrictions
Missing these deadlines usually means losing your right to seek compensation. Our wrongful death lawyers in Summerville ensure all paperwork gets filed promptly to protect your legal rights.
Why Local Legal Representation Matters
Choosing a Summerville-based wrongful death attorney offers several advantages. Our firm knows the local court systems, judges, and legal procedures. We understand how South Carolina laws apply to wrongful death cases in our community.
West Law Firm has served the Lowcountry since 1945. This history gives us deep knowledge of the region and strong connections throughout the local legal community. Our Moncks Corner, SC, location makes us accessible to families throughout the Summerville area.
Local knowledge often makes a significant difference in case outcomes. We use our familiarity with regional factors to build stronger cases for our clients. We handle wrongful death cases with a balance of compassion and determination. Our attorneys know you need both emotional support and fierce legal advocacy during this challenging time.
Our Approach to Wrongful Death Cases
We handle wrongful death cases with a balance of compassion and determination. Our Summerville wrongful death lawyers know you need both emotional support and fierce legal advocacy during this challenging time.
When you work with our firm, you receive:
- Personalized attention: No cookie-cutter approaches here. We tailor our legal strategy to your specific situation and family needs.
- Clear communication: Legal jargon stays in the law books. We explain everything in plain language so you always understand your options.
- Proven experience: Our Summerville wrongful death attorneys bring decades of combined experience handling wrongful death cases
The legal process represents just one part of moving forward after losing someone you love. Our firm connects families with grief support resources and helps manage practical matters during this difficult transition.
While pursuing your legal case, we handle the stressful aspects of dealing with insurance companies and opposing lawyers.
This allows you space to grieve and attend to your family’s immediate needs.
Many clients tell us that achieving legal closure helps them begin healing. Knowing someone took responsibility for their actions provides a sense of justice that, while incomplete, offers some peace.
Contact Our Summerville Wrongful Death Attorneys
If you have lost a family member due to a third party’s negligence, you can trust our West Law Firm Personal Injury Lawyers.
Our compassionate legal team will listen to your story and explain your options without pressure or obligation. The grieving process takes time, but legal deadlines wait for no one. Reaching out sooner allows us to preserve evidence and protect your rights while you focus on your family.
Our family-owned firm brings over 75 years of legal experience serving the Lowcountry. We handle wrongful death cases with the care and attention they deserve, fighting for justice when families need it most. Let us help shoulder your legal burden during this difficult time. Contact our Summerville wrongful death lawyers today for a confidential consultation about your situation and potential next steps.