West Ashley Wrongful Death Attorneys

Charleston, SC Fatal Accident Lawyers

West Ashley has experienced significant growth, as government, nonprofit, business, and community agencies seek to build the community to improve quality of life and economic opportunities for everyone. From highlighting West Ashley’s restaurant scene to protecting its historic and natural features, efforts are underway to bring a vibrant culture and sense of place to this historic Charleston neighborhood.

All this growth, however, comes with risks. Increased traffic can result in higher rates of death and serious injury on local roads. Construction creates opportunities, but it is also one of the US’s most dangerous occupations, with a consistently high rate of workplace deaths. Falls, boating accidents, and other risks may harm those enjoying West Ashley’s shopping or recreational areas.

If you’ve lost someone you love in a fatal accident, don’t wait. Talk to a dedicated West Ashley wrongful death attorney today. The team at the Steinberg Law Firm can help. 

Fatal Accident Risks in West Ashley

Preventable accidents occur daily in West Ashley. In some cases, these accidents result in fatalities. Common fatal accidents in West Ashley include car accidents, pedestrian and bicycle collisions, construction accidents, falls, boating and recreational accidents, and fires. 

Car Accidents

Car accidents can occur anywhere in West Ashley. Common sites include major highways like I-26 and I-526, as well as state highways like SC 78 (Sam Rittenberg Boulevard), SC 700 (Maybank Highway), and SC 171 (Folly Road). Ashley Phosphate Road is another common site of serious accidents. 

In October 2025, a crash on Magwood Drive sent three people to the hospital. About two weeks later, a collision on Interstate 26 in West Ashley sent a motorcyclist to the hospital with “life-threatening injuries,” according to local police. Serious crashes can cause fatal injuries: between October 3 and October 5, 2025, four people died in South Carolina car accidents.

Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents

South Carolina has one of the highest rates of pedestrian and bicyclist deaths in the United States, according to the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). SCDOT published its first Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Action Plan in 2022 in response to rising rates of fatal crashes on the state’s roadways.

West Ashley has also taken steps to improve its infrastructure for pedestrians and bicyclists. The West Ashley Greenway provides pedestrians and bicyclists with over ten miles of protected trails, shielded from vehicle traffic. The Ashley River Crossing Bridge will provide a connection to downtown Charleston for pedestrians and cyclists. 

Construction Accidents

In 2023, South Carolina recorded 31 deaths among construction workers. Construction claimed more lives than any other workforce sector that year. Construction workers also tend to face high rates of serious injuries. 

Construction sites can pose risks to non-workers as well. Whether you’re trying to navigate construction on the Wappoo and Dupont Redevelopment Plan, checking out work on the new city and county parks, or visiting restaurants in Ashley Landing, injuries can occur. 

Falls and Premises Liability Injuries

Slips, trips, and falls accounted for nearly one-third of all construction worker deaths in 2023 and 16 percent of all fatal workplace injuries. Falls from a height were particularly dangerous. A fall can cause serious injury or death both on and off the job: falls are among the top causes of death for elderly South Carolina residents.

As West Ashley experiences an economic revitalization, visitors flock to restaurants in Ashley Landing and to other venues. Slippery flooring, broken or missing handrails, inadequate lighting, or a lack of security can all lead to incidents that may prove fatal. 

Boating Accidents

Boating is a popular activity on the Ashley and Stono Rivers. Yet boating accidents can also cause serious or fatal injuries. During the 2010s, South Carolina lost about 20 people each year to drowning and other boating accident injuries, according to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.

Such accidents continue today. In July 2025, for example, a boater suffered fatal injuries in an accident under the Highway 17 bridge at Tea Farm Creek in Charleston County.

Fires

Fires can cause serious and fatal injuries. In June 2025, the Charleston Fire Department marked the 18th anniversary of a West Ashley fire that claimed the lives of nine firefighters. A gas leak near Bees Ferry Road and Savannah Highway also posed a serious risk of fire or explosion in the summer of 2025.

Fires can also cause fatal injuries in other ways. For instance, a West Ashley landfill fire in June 2025 could have released toxic chemicals into surrounding neighborhoods if allowed to spread. Those who inhale dangerous chemicals or smoke from fires can also suffer serious harm, even if they do not experience burn injuries.

Common Injuries in Deadly West Ashley Accidents

Any accident can cause an injury, but not all injuries prove fatal. Common fatal injuries include:

• Head and brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Crush injuries, blunt force trauma, and organ damage
• Suffocation or drowning injuries
• Severe burns

Fatal injuries can be expensive. A study in the journal Injury Prevention found that the average cost of ER treatment for a fatal injury is $6,880, compared to $6,620 for non-fatal injuries. When patients needed to be admitted to the hospital, a fatal injury cost $41,570 on average. Families already carrying the burden of grief often face hefty costs as well. 

South Carolina Wrongful Death Basics

A wrongful death claim allows a family to seek compensation when someone else’s negligence kills a loved one. Every wrongful death claim has unique facts, but all claims follow the same basic legal rules. An experienced West Ashley wrongful death attorney can help you understand how these rules apply to your unique situation. 

What is Wrongful Death?

A wrongful death is a death caused by someone else’s “wrongful act, neglect, or default.” If the deceased person had lived, they would have been able to bring a personal injury claim. Instead, the family and estate receive the option to bring a wrongful death case to seek compensation for the fatal injuries.

A wrongful death claim allows surviving family members to hold a negligent party accountable for their actions. It also allows the family to seek needed compensation for the loss of a loved one. 

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim?

A wrongful death claim in South Carolina must be filed by the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate. Many people name a personal representative in their estate plans. If the person died without naming a personal representative, the court can appoint one. An attorney can help you with this process. 

In South Carolina, a wrongful death claim is filed for the benefit of the spouse and children of the deceased person. If the deceased person had no spouse or children, their parents can receive compensation. If both parents are deceased, the deceased person’s heirs can benefit from the claim.

Is There a Deadline for Filing Wrongful Death Claims?

In most cases, a wrongful death claim must be filed within three years of the date of death. Some exceptions apply, however. An attorney can help you determine when the three-year deadline falls in your case and ensure paperwork is filed before the deadline. 

Three years can feel like a long time – especially when you must face them without your loved one. However, it’s best to speak to an attorney as soon as possible after an accident. An attorney can preserve evidence, handle insurance claims, and work to build a full, fair case for the compensation you and your family need. 

What Compensation is Available in a West Ashley Wrongful Death Case?

A wrongful death case seeks to compensate the deceased person’s estate and surviving family members for losses they wouldn’t face if the fatal accident had not occurred. 

No wrongful death case can restore your loved one to life. However, a wrongful death claim can seek compensation for losses like:

• Medical bills connected to your loved one’s fatal injury.
• Lost wages, since your loved one can no longer help support the family
• Costs to repair or replace any property (like a vehicle) damaged in the accident.
• Funeral and burial expenses.
• Any physical pain or suffering your loved one experienced during their fatal injury.
• The family’s loss of their loved one’s care, companionship, and guidance.

Your losses are unique, and so is the compensation you need. A West Ashley wrongful death lawyer can help you determine exactly what your case is worth. 

Speak to an Experienced West Ashley Wrongful Death Attorney Today

The unexpected death of a loved one turns your world upside-down. Navigating daily life can feel impossible. The thought of holding a negligent party accountable can seem like a distant dream.

You don’t have to face these challenges alone. An experienced West Ashley wrongful death lawyer can investigate the accident, gather evidence, and build a case for the compensation you and your loved ones need. To learn more, reach out to the team at the Steinberg Law Firm today. We have extensive experience helping West Ashley families after serious and fatal injury accidents. Contact us to schedule a free, confidential consultation with one of our dedicated attorneys.