Your Trusted Wrongful Death Lawyer in Summerville, SC

Wrongful Death Attorneys in Summerville, SC

The sudden loss of a loved one due to someone else’s negligence is devastating, leaving families grappling with emotional anguish, unanswered questions, and financial uncertainty. If you have lost a family member because of another person’s careless actions, you have the right to seek justice.

Wrongful death cases are among the most complex and emotionally difficult cases in personal injury law. They require thorough investigation, expert testimony, and careful calculation of damages that account for decades of lost financial support, guidance, and companionship. Insurance companies and corporate defendants aggressively defend these cases because the stakes are high. You need attorneys who have the experience, resources, and determination to stand up to them.

The Summerville wrongful death lawyers at Crantford Meehan Attorneys at Law provide compassionate and experienced legal support during this difficult time, helping your family pursue fair compensation and accountability from those responsible.

Overview of Wrongful Death Claims in Summerville, South Carolina

Wrongful death claims in Summerville involve legal actions filed by families to recover compensation after losing a loved one due to negligence or misconduct. These claims seek justice and financial relief, covering expenses like medical bills, funeral costs, lost income, and emotional suffering.

South Carolina’s wrongful death statute (Section 15-51-10) allows the personal representative of a deceased person’s estate to file a lawsuit when a death is caused by the wrongful act, neglect, or default of another party. Under South Carolina law, claims are typically restricted to the executor of the deceased’s will. If there is no executor, the following surviving family members may be eligible to file a Summerville wrongful death case:

Surviving spouse and children
Surviving parents if there are no surviving children or spouse
Other surviving heirs if there are no surviving children, parents, or spouse

Understanding your rights and having experienced representation is crucial to navigating this challenging legal landscape. If you need to make a Summerville wrongful death claim, you can count on our personal injury lawyers for compassionate representation.

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Common Causes of Wrongful Death in Summerville

At Crantford Meehan, our Summerville office handles wrongful death cases arising from a wide range of circumstances, including fatal car and truck accidents on I-26, Highway 78, and Dorchester County roads, motorcycle and pedestrian fatalities, workplace accidents and , medical malpractice and surgical errors, nursing home abuse and neglect resulting in death, and defective product-related fatalities.

Motor Vehicle Accidents

Fatal car, motorcycle, and truck accidents resulting from reckless driving, speeding, distracted driving, or impaired driving are a leading cause of wrongful deaths in Summerville and Dorchester County. If your loved one died in a crash, get help from an attorney with experience handling fatal car accident claims.

Medical Malpractice

Errors by healthcare providers, including misdiagnoses, surgical mistakes, and medication errors, frequently lead to wrongful death claims in Summerville, as they cause preventable fatalities.

Workplace Accidents

Fatal injuries in construction, manufacturing, and other high-risk industries due to unsafe conditions or inadequate safety measures regularly result in wrongful death cases.

Defective Products

Faulty consumer products, vehicles, medical devices, or pharmaceuticals can cause fatal injuries, prompting wrongful death actions against manufacturers or distributors.

Premises Liability

Unsafe conditions such as slippery surfaces, poor security, or structural hazards on properties in Summerville can lead to fatal accidents and subsequent wrongful death claims.

Criminal Acts

Families in Summerville may pursue wrongful death lawsuits against perpetrators of violent crimes, seeking compensation even if criminal charges are separately pursued by the state. You may be owed whether or not a criminal conviction is brought.

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Compensation Available in Wrongful Death Claims in Summerville

Through a wrongful death claim, families may be eligible to recover compensation for the following losses after a family member’s death:

Medical Expenses – You may be owed the cost of your loved one’s medical bills prior to their death.
Funeral and Burial Expenses – The estate can recover the reasonable costs of funeral services, burial or cremation, and related expenses.
Loss of Financial Support – When a family loses a wage earner, the financial impact can be catastrophic. We work with forensic economists to calculate the total value of the deceased person’s expected future earnings, benefits, and financial contributions to the household over their remaining life expectancy.
Loss of Companionship and Guidance – The surviving spouse and children are entitled to compensation for the loss of the deceased person’s love, companionship, comfort, guidance, and parental direction. These non-economic damages are often the largest component of a wrongful death recovery and reflect the immeasurable value of the relationship that has been taken.
Mental Anguish and Grief – Surviving family members can recover compensation for the grief, sorrow, and mental anguish they suffer as a result of the wrongful death. The psychological impact of suddenly losing a spouse, parent, or child is profound and long-lasting.
Punitive Damages – In cases involving drunk driving, extreme recklessness, or intentional conduct, South Carolina law allows the jury to award punitive damages to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future. There is no cap on punitive damages in South Carolina wrongful death cases.

We understand that no amount of money can replace your loved one. But we also know that holding the responsible parties accountable and securing your family’s financial future is an important step in the healing process. We are committed to providing compassionate, aggressive representation to every family we serve. Our Summerville wrongful death attorney will advocate to ensure your family receives full compensation.

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Our Track Record in Wrongful Death Claims

The wrongful death attorneys at Crantford Meehan Attorneys at Law have decades of combined experience successfully representing grieving families in Summerville. Our firm has secured substantial settlements and verdicts, providing financial security and closure to affected families. We approach every case with compassion, thorough investigation, and unwavering advocacy.

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Contact Our Personal Injury Attorneys Today

Our team has the experience and resources to handle even the most complex fatal accident cases. We conduct thorough investigations, retain the right experts, and build compelling cases that demonstrate the full impact of your loss. If you’ve lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence in Summerville, SC, contact Crantford Meehan Attorneys at Law today at (843) 773-4430 for your free consultation. Our attorneys offer support and guidance throughout the entire legal process.

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CLIENT TESTIMONIALS

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT US

“Helped me through the hardest time in my life “

Crantford Meehan has helped me extremely through the hardest time in my life and has gotten me such an AMAZING recovery after my accident. I highly recommend them to any and everyone I know. Even after my own mother got into an auto accident, they have helped us both successfully move forward with our lives...

Harleigh Tenio
My ‘go to’ for legal help.

Attorney William Crantford has been great! He is my “go to” for legal help.

David Childress
Mr. Meehan was very professional.

Mr. Meehan was very professional. He made sure to address all of the questions and concerns that I had while working with him. I would absolutely recommend Crantford Meehan to anyone looking for an attorney who works hard to get you the best possible outcome.

Nikki M.

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What To Do After a Wrongful Death in Summerville

Obtain Official Reports: Ensure you have documentation from authorities, hospitals, or other involved entities. These documents are critical evidence in a wrongful death case. If an autopsy was not performed, your attorney may recommend requesting one.
Preserve Evidence: Collect evidence, including medical records, accident reports, and witness information, to support your claim. Do not dispose of any physical evidence related to the death, including vehicle parts, defective products, medical records, or correspondence. If the death resulted from a car or truck accident, do not authorize the disposal of the vehicles involved.
Avoid Speaking to Insurance Companies: Insurance adjusters will contact the family quickly after a fatal accident. They are trained to gather information that can be used to limit the company’s liability. Do not give recorded statements or sign any documents without legal counsel. Consult an attorney before discussing the incident with insurance adjusters to protect your interests.
Appoint a Personal Representative: Under South Carolina law, only the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate can file a wrongful death lawsuit. If there is a will, the executor named in the will typically serves as personal representative. If there is no will, the court will appoint one.
Consult a Wrongful Death Attorney: Time is critical in wrongful death cases. Evidence can be destroyed, witnesses can become unavailable, and statutes of limitations apply. Contact an experienced Summerville wrongful death lawyer promptly to initiate the legal process and secure your rights.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can file a wrongful death claim in Summerville, SC?

In Summerville and throughout South Carolina, the wrongful death claim must be filed by the executor or administrator of the deceased’s estate, typically a family member or court-appointed representative.
What is the deadline to file a wrongful death lawsuit in Summerville, SC?

You generally have three years from the date of your loved one’s death to file a wrongful death lawsuit in South Carolina. Missing this deadline can prevent you from seeking compensation.
What compensation can families receive in wrongful death cases in Summerville, SC?

Families can receive compensation for medical bills, funeral expenses, lost income, emotional pain, loss of companionship, and potentially punitive damages in cases involving egregious misconduct.
How much does hiring a wrongful death attorney in Summerville, SC cost?

Our Summerville wrongful death attorneys operate on a contingency-fee basis. You pay no upfront costs, and we only collect fees if we successfully recover compensation for your family.
How do wrongful death claims differ from criminal homicide cases in Summerville, SC?

Wrongful death claims are civil cases seeking financial compensation, while criminal homicide cases are prosecuted by the state aiming to penalize the offender with imprisonment or other criminal penalties.
What evidence is needed to prove wrongful death in Summerville, SC?

You must demonstrate that the responsible party owed a duty of care, breached that duty, directly caused the death, and that your family incurred measurable losses. Evidence typically includes accident reports, medical records, witness testimony, and expert opinions.
Can I file a wrongful death claim if the at-fault party was charged with a crime?

Yes. A wrongful death civil lawsuit is separate from any criminal prosecution. You can pursue a civil case regardless of whether criminal charges are filed, and the burden of proof in a civil case is lower than in a criminal case.
What if my loved one was partially at fault?

South Carolina’s modified comparative negligence rule applies to wrongful death cases. As long as the deceased was less than 51 percent at fault, the family can still recover damages, reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to the deceased.
What areas do you serve?

Our attorneys handle wrongful death cases for families throughout the Summerville area, including Ladson, Ridgeville, St. George, Jedburg, North Charleston, Goose Creek, and all of Dorchester and Berkeley Counties. We approach every case with the compassion and sensitivity that grieving families deserve while pursuing the maximum compensation the law allows.