Losing a loved one to a fatal accident hurts the whole family. It may have left you struggling to pay the bills, take care of your family, and—more than anything—process the pain you’ve suffered through. Worse, the at-fault party may refuse to pay for your loved one’s untimely death, leaving you with the bill and without closure.
The injury lawyers at The Louthian Firm Accident & Injury Lawyers are here to help. We have the tools to take your claim to court when the at-fault party won’t pay. Reach out to a South Carolina wrongful death lawyer for guidance after a fatal accident.
Eligibility for a South Carolina Wrongful Death Claim
Wrongful death claims may be complex because the injured party isn’t alive to seek their compensation. Because of this, states often limit who can sue for a wrongful death claim, to prevent confusion.
In South Carolina, a wrongful death lawsuit must be filed by the executor or administrator of the estate. But that doesn’t mean family members won’t be compensated for the suffering they’ve experienced. The following surviving family members may be due compensation for their suffering:
- Spouse and children
- Parents, if there is no spouse or children
- Heirs at law of the deceased
Compensation for Grieving South Carolina Families
You may be one of the family members eligible for compensation, but what does that mean for you? You may need to speak with your lawyer about the economic and non-economic damages you may be due before you head to court.
Economic damages are financial and can be added up based on the costs related to the wrongful death. This may include items like final medical bills, burial or funeral costs, and loss of inheritance or earning capacity.
But your non-economic damages don’t have a simple price tag. These damages instead cover the emotional and mental toll of the fatal accident. Talk to your wrongful death lawyer about getting compensated for your grief, loss of companionship, mental anguish, and more.
How Long Do I Have to File a South Carolina Fatal Accident Claim?
Getting compensated for your family’s loss isn’t always easy. State laws can still hurt your chances to get compensated for your suffering.
In South Carolina, you only have three years to file. If you don’t act in time, your claim may be dismissed.
Fortunately, that can work in your favor. Evidence can decay or be lost over time, and the deadline to file means you have to act fast. That can help you preserve necessary evidence.
Connect with a South Carolina Wrongful Death Attorney
When you’ve lost a loved one, fighting back for your family can be tough. You may have trouble getting the compensation your family needs.
At The Louthian Firm Accident & Injury Lawyers, we understand that you’re in pain and need compensation. Your South Carolina wrongful death lawyer can help you recover that compensation. Reach out for a free consultation to learn more about the tools and guidance a lawyer can offer. Call 803-592-6231, or fill out the online contact form below.
