Losing a loved one is often one of the most traumatic experiences anyone will ever face. If you have lost a loved one due to the negligence or intentional actions of others, it can significantly compound your grief. It is natural to feel angry, confused, and distraught that your loved one’s death could have been prevented and wasn’t.

At Crantford Meehan, negligence that takes another life makes us upset, too. That is why we fight hard for our clients in Charleston wrongful death cases. You should receive compensation for your terrible loss. Get a free consultation with the experienced wrongful death attorneys at Crantford Meehan to explore your legal options and get one step closer to getting the answers and justice you and your family deserve.

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Overview of Wrongful Death Claims in Charleston

If someone you love has died as a result of someone else’s negligence, you may have the right to file a wrongful death claim. These claims seek to hold the responsible party accountable and recover compensation for the surviving family members. While nothing can make up for the loss of a loved one, this compensation can help support you and address the financial burden caused by your loss.

Whether the death was caused by a car accident, workplace incident, or medical malpractice, the attorneys at Crantford Meehan are here to help you navigate the legal process during such a difficult time. Our Charleston wrongful death attorneys have the experience you need to seek justice and compensation.

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Causes of a Wrongful Death Claim

Traffic Accidents

Car accidents are, by and large, the most common cause of death in the United States. In fact, there are a startling 38,000 traffic-related fatalities in the US each year. Causes of traffic accidents include distracted driving, drunk driving, reckless driving, speeding, vehicle or car part defects, and inexperienced drivers. Truck accidents, pedestrian collisions, and bicycle accidents can also be particularly deadly, often leading to wrongful death claims.

Workplace Accidents

Workplace accidents can lead to wrongful death, particularly if an individual works in a hazardous environment, such as a construction zone. Exposure to dangerous chemicals, being hit by falling debris, and faulty equipment can all cause fatal injuries.

Medical Malpractice

When a physician or other medical professional fails in their duty of care to a patient, wrongful death can occur. Medical malpractice can be caused by administering the wrong medication, failing to notice a patient’s allergies, or mistakes made during surgery or anesthesia administration.

Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect

In some cases, nursing homes can be responsible for a person’s wrongful death. If nursing home staff administer the wrong dose of medication, neglect to keep patients nourished and hydrated, or otherwise fail in their duty of care, wrongful death may occur.

Premises Liability Accidents

Accidents that occur because of a property owner’s negligence can cause wrongful death. For example, if a person slips and falls down a flight of stairs because the property owner didn’t warn them of a slipping hazard or neglected to eliminate the hazard, wrongful death could result.

Guidance for Family Members After a Loved One’s Death

Wrongful Death Claim Information

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Is Wrongful Death a Personal Injury?
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What to Do if You Suspect Wrongful Death

If your loved one has passed away due to the negligence or intentional actions of another party, there are important steps you should take:

Contact a wrongful death attorney: It’s important to speak to a lawyer who specializes in wrongful death claims to understand your legal options and ensure your case is properly handled.
Gather documentation: Collect all necessary documents, such as medical records, accident reports, and witness statements, to support your claim.
Stay informed: Your attorney will guide you through the legal process and ensure you understand each step of the wrongful death claim.

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Crantford Meehan Attorneys at Law, your Charleston pedestrian accident lawyers

How Can a Charleston Wrongful Death Lawyer Help?

Here at Crantford Meehan Attorneys at Law, we’re proud to handle wrongful death cases for South Carolinians, and we will fight tirelessly to seek justice for your loved one’s untimely death. Our experienced wrongful death attorneys can assist you in several ways:

Investigating the death: We will conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding your loved one’s death, gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and reviewing medical records.
Determining liability: To establish liability for your loved one’s fatal accident, we will assess the responsibility of all parties involved.
Filing a wrongful death claim: Our attorneys can help you file a compensation claim for medical bills, funeral costs, and more, ensuring you meet all necessary deadlines and legal requirements.
Negotiating settlements: We will negotiate with the responsible party’s insurance company to secure a fair settlement for your losses from the party responsible.
Representing you in South Carolina courts: While most wrongful death legal actions settle without a trial, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, we will take your case to court and fight for justice on your behalf.

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(843) 832-1120

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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Time Limit to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in South Carolina

In South Carolina, you typically have three years from the date of your family member’s death to file a wrongful death lawsuit. If you fail to file within this time frame, you may lose your right to pursue financial compensation. There are also some exceptions to this time limit, making it more difficult for grieving families to navigate the legal process for wrongful death.

It’s important to contact an attorney as soon as possible to ensure that your case is filed within the legal deadlines. You can reach out to our team for legal guidance with a free initial consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Wrongful Death Claim?

According to South Carolina law, if someone dies due to “the wrongful act, neglect, or default of another,” the deceased’s family or estate may have a wrongful death claim against the negligent person. This is a civil case, not a criminal one, even though the actions of the responsible party caused the death.
Who files a Charleston wrongful death claim?

The executor or administrator of your loved one’s estate files the wrongful death case on behalf of the family. Only this personal representative can file a claim, and they are appointed through your loved one’s will. If your loved one did not name an executor prior to their death, the court can appoint an administrator to file the claim. Our attorneys can help you interpret the legal language of the deceased person’s estate to determine the right path forward.
Who receives compensation in a Charleston wrongful death case?

In South Carolina, those eligible to receive compensation in a wrongful death case include the deceased’s spouse and children, if any. If the deceased had no spouse or children, their parents are eligible. In cases where there is no surviving spouse, children, or parents, the estate will file the wrongful death claim on behalf of any heirs. Compensation is distributed following intestate succession rules.
What compensation might I be owed through a wrongful death claim in Charleston, SC?

Through a wrongful death suit, you may be able to seek compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages often include medical expenses, funeral expenses, lost income support, and burial expenses. Non-economic damages often include mental anguish, pain and suffering prior to death, and lost emotional support. You may also be owed punitive damages if your wrongful death action involves reckless conduct.
How much will it cost to hire a Charleston wrongful death attorney?

At Crantford Meehan, we work on a contingency-fee basis. This means we don’t charge any upfront fees, and you only pay us if we win your case. Our interests are aligned with yours, and we’re committed to getting you the compensation you deserve.
How long do I have to file a wrongful death lawsuit in South Carolina?

The executor must file the wrongful death lawsuit within three years of the date of the death. Some exceptions may apply, including a two-year deadline on claims against government entities. It’s important to contact an experienced wrongful death attorney as soon as possible to ensure you don’t miss any time limits on South Carolina wrongful death cases.
What should I do if I suspect my loved one died due to someone else’s negligence?

If you suspect negligence or intentional harm caused your loved one’s death, contact an experienced wrongful death attorney immediately. Your attorney will help you gather evidence, determine fault, and pursue the compensation you deserve for your loss.