Charleston Area & South Carolina Wrongful Death Attorneys
When a loved one dies unexpectedly, life changes forever for those left behind. Such a great loss is devastating, but it becomes especially difficult when the death was caused by someone else’s negligence and could have been avoided.
Wrongful Death Lawyers Representing Charleston & nearby areas of South Carolina
The death of a loved one also can create a significant financial burden; surviving family members may be left with medical bills, funeral costs and the loss of an income. In these cases, survivors may be able to file a wrongful death claim against the responsible party. No amount of money will replace a loved, but it can help make finding a new normal easier.
The wrongful death attorneys at Steinberg Law Firm understand how hard this situation is and are committed to helping grieving families get the compensation and closure they deserve.
PRACTICE AREAS
RESULTS
WE HAVE RECOVERED OVER $500 MILLION FOR CLIENTS IN THE LAST 10 YEARS, INCLUDING:
$2,750,000 in a product defect case, scissor lift malfunction.
Wrongful Death Lawyers Representing Charleston & nearby areas of South Carolina
The death of a loved one also can create a significant financial burden; surviving family members may be left with medical bills, funeral costs and the loss of an income. In these cases, survivors may be able to file a wrongful death claim against the responsible party. No amount of money will replace a loved, but it can help make finding a new normal easier.
The wrongful death attorneys at Steinberg Law Firm understand how hard this situation is and are committed to helping grieving families get the compensation and closure they deserve.
PRACTICE AREAS
RESULTS
WE HAVE RECOVERED OVER $500 MILLION FOR CLIENTS IN THE LAST 10 YEARS, INCLUDING:
$2,750,000 in a product defect case, scissor lift malfunction.
How Wrongful Deaths Occur
A wrongful death is one caused by the deliberate, reckless or negligent actions of another. Wrongful death becomes the basis of a lawsuit, which may sometimes be filed when criminal action is not possible or unsuccessful. Wrongful death claims are often related to:
Wrongful Death from Car Accidents
Perhaps the most common type of a wrongful death claim stems from some kind of motor vehicle accident. Every year around 40,000 people are killed in vehicle accidents in the United States, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and more than 30 percent of these accidents involve alcohol. In vehicle accident deaths, compensation might be sought from individual motorists, commercial trucking companies, rideshare services, maintenance companies and vehicle manufacturers, depending on the specifics of the accident.
Wrongful Death Caused by Other Negligence
Medical malpractice results in many wrongful death lawsuits too. More than 98,000 people are killed by preventable medical errors annually in the United States, most often from misdiagnosis, delayed diagnosis or treatment, surgical error, anesthesia error, birth injuries, medication error and much more.
Although these are some examples of more common causes of wrongful deaths, any kind of accident or negligent or malicious act that results in the death of another person can become a wrongful death claim. In addition, the deceased person may have lived for a period of days, weeks, months or even years before ultimately succumbing to whatever caused their death and the survivors may still seek compensation from the responsible party.
Wrongful Death Claims in South Carolina
South Carolina statute of limitations laws allow three years from the date of the death to file a wrongful death claim. This may seem like plenty of time to act, however, the investigation and preparation involved with filing such a claim is a long process. Therefore, it is important for the family of the deceased person to act quickly and contact a wrongful death attorney as soon as possible. Missing the deadline to file a claim can prevent the family from ever being able to recover damages.
Wrongful Death Claims
South Carolina law allows the executor or administrator of an estate to file a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of the surviving spouse and children of the deceased. If they were not married and had no children, the lawsuit may be filed on behalf of their parents or other heirs. The executor could have been named in the estate plan of the deceased person or appointed by the courts if no estate plan existed or the chosen person declines to serve in this role.
Survival Action
The executor or administrator can also potentially file a survival action in conjunction with a wrongful death claim in South Carolina. This allows the estate to recover damages on behalf of the recently deceased person who suffered as a result of the negligent actions before they died. A survival action may be appropriate when the deceased person lived for a period of time before they ultimately succumbed to injuries or illness caused by the negligence.
Potential Damages in a Wrongful Death Claim
When someone dies unexpectedly, the financial fallout is often enormous. Beside the immediate expenses such as medical bills and funeral costs, families also lose their loved one’s income and future financial support.
Money is little consolation when grieving the loss of a loved one. However, it can help during this stressful, emotional time and may provide at least some closure for the surviving family members.
Types of Recovery
A wrongful death lawsuit can help the family recover some of these costs as well as noneconomic losses, which a skilled wrongful death attorney can help quantify. Some potential damages that can be recovered include:
- Loss of income and benefits
- Loss of security
- Loss of companionship and love
- Loss of parental guidance
- Loss of household contributions
- Mental anguish
- Punitive damages — also known as exemplary damages and appropriate in cases where the death was caused by negligence or malice and ordered to prevent the responsible party from acting similarly in the future.
Types of Recovery
A wrongful death lawsuit can help the family recover some of these costs as well as noneconomic losses, which a skilled wrongful death attorney can help quantify. Some potential damages that can be recovered include:
- Loss of income and benefits
- Loss of security
- Loss of companionship and love
- Loss of parental guidance
- Loss of household contributions
- Mental anguish
- Punitive damages — also known as exemplary damages and appropriate in cases where the death was caused by negligence or malice and ordered to prevent the responsible party from acting similarly in the future.
What Our Clients Say About Us
I am very pleased with my experience
I have, and will continue to recommend The Steinberg Law Firm. They have worked very hard on my behalf.
It is hard to really put in writing how much Tom was there for me
He really did such an unbelievable job. Even when the settlement was made, he returned a text with a call to share in the joy over another medical event we were going through, that had a great outcome. Yes, they really do care.
I would highly recommend them
Enjoyed the fact that every time I called, someone called me back. It made me feel like my case mattered, and that I mattered. They answered all of my questions and concerns in a timely manner.
They will go the extra mile for you
David Pearlman and his staff did an exceptional job on my claim. Mr. Pearlman was honest, patient and steered me in the right direction. A’Riel was always nice and very helpful. I would recommend them to everyone.
I would never seek help from any other Firm!
The lawyers and their staff are very professional, caring about your situation! They are one of a kind!Get this Firm behind you and you will never be sorry!
It was a pleasure working with Steven Goldberg and his staff
They were courteous and professional. They maintained regular contact for status reports on my case and provided needed documentation on a timely basis. I would recommend this firm.