What happens after a wrongful death in Georgetown County?

Georgetown County, SC – There are some accidents which result in injuries that prove to be fatal. The person who dies may leave behind a family or other relatives who were dependent on them for financial support. In these cases, it is best for the family to get legal advice from an attorney or firm that has extensive experience with the specifics of wrongful death cases, as these can be different from other accident lawsuits and different laws apply.

What does the state wrongful death law say?

South Carolina law defines a wrongful death as a situation where a person or entity engages in a negligent act, wrongful act, or default that results in the death of another person. In cases where the person would have been able to bring a civil case for compensation, these rights for monetary relief through bringing a lawsuit attach to the victim’s husband or wife, children, parents, or other relatives if these parties are not available. As a practical matter, wrongful death cases function very much like all other standard personal injury cases, except the case is brought on behalf of the deceased person.  

Criminal charges

It is possible that a person responsible for a wrongful death can also face criminal charges for crimes such as homicide in an intentional killing or manslaughter for a negligent killing. In these situations, the victim’s family can still attempt to bring a separate civil case for compensation, and the defendant does not need to be convicted in criminal court to be financially liable for the losses. It is possible for the civil and criminal cases to have different outcomes. 

Compensation in a wrongful death case

One of the most important aspects of any civil lawsuit is the calculation of damages. In a case related to a fatal accident, things like final medical care, funeral and burial costs, the family’s pain and suffering, and future projected earning potential can all be relevant to the calculation of damages. However, compensation can vary greatly based on the specific facts related to the victim and the actions of the defendant. In cases involving reckless acts, punitive damages may also be available to punish a defendant for this improper conduct. 

Personal injury attorneys in South Carolina

The Clekis Law Firm is available to assist with personal injury and accident cases in Georgetown County and other parts of South Carolina. Anyone who needs to meet with an attorney for advice can contact their firm. 

USAttorneys.com is a service that can help people get in touch with a licensed lawyer in their city. People who are searching for the right legal professional can call 800-672-3103 for a referral.

Firm contact info:

The Clekis Law Firm

171 Church St., Charleston SC, 29401

[email protected]

843-900-0000

clekis.com