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Losing a close family member is often overwhelming. If the negligent actions of another person caused the death, it can make the experience even more difficult for surviving family members. Fortunately, holding the responsible parties accountable for their negligence may be possible with the assistance of a Beaufort wrongful death lawyer.
In addition to grief, you may be struggling with significant financial challenges following the death of your loved one. Funeral and burial expenses, medical bills, and the overall loss of financial support from the deceased can combine to put you and your family in a precarious financial situation. Fortunately, A Beaufort personal injury lawyer may be able to help you obtain much-needed compensation through a claim.
What Is a Wrongful Death Claim?
S.C. Code § 15-51-10 applies to situations in which individuals commit unlawful or neglectful actions and cause death to others. Wrongful death claims are permissible in any case in which the deceased individuals would have been able to bring personal injury claims against the responsible parties had they survived their injuries.
Under S.C. Code § 15-51-20, the administrators or executors of the decedent’s estate have the authority to bring a claim. Any damages received through the lawsuit are for the benefit of the spouses and children of the deceased. However, as a seasoned attorney could explain, if the deceased left no surviving spouse or children, then their heirs are entitled to the wrongful death damages instead.
What Are Common Causes of An Untimely Death in Beaufort?
Almost any type of fatal accident can result in a wrongful death claim, so long as one or more parties’ negligent actions caused the accident. Some potential causes of fatal accident claims include medical malpractice, defective products, and nursing home neglect. These suits may target medical professionals, product manufacturers, pharmaceutical companies, or nursing homes.
Serious motor vehicle accidents, including Beaufort car, truck, and motorcycle crashes, can all lead to lawsuits against negligent drivers. In some cases, the responsible parties could be the employers of drivers involved in fatal crashes while on the job, government entities that failed to remedy road hazards or even vehicle manufacturers. It is wise to speak to a knowledgeable wrongful death attorney in the community to discuss a family’s option to seek compensation.
Recoverable Damages in a Fatal Accident Claim
The compensation available in a fatal accident claim somewhat differs from that in personal injury claims. Some of the potential damages that surviving family members could recover includes:
- Final medical expenses
- Burial and funeral costs
- Loss of financial support, household services, and companionship
- Pain and suffering
Punitive damages also may be a possibility if there is evidence that the responsible parties acted recklessly or maliciously. A local accidental death attorney may be able to analyze a claim to determine if survivors have grounds to seek punitive damages against the wrongdoers.
Consult a Beaufort Wrongful Death Attorney for Help
While a lawsuit cannot restore your life to the way it was before the loss of your loved one, civil action could protect your family’s financial well-being. Seeking justice could also provide some measure of closure as you struggle with your loss. A Beaufort wrongful death lawyer at Schiller & Hamilton may be able to help you seek compensation from all responsible parties through a claim. Call a wrongful death law firm today to schedule a consultation.