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Losing a loved one unexpectedly can throw your financial future into doubt. If this happened to you, a Landrum personal injury lawyer can help you pursue damages.
The death of a family member can lead to all kinds of unexpected expenses. A Landrum wrongful death lawyer from Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC can help you file a claim, pursue compensation, and hold the responsible parties accountable.
What Can a Landrum Wrongful Death Attorney Do for My Family?
Wrongful death claims require thorough investigations and extensive communications with insurance adjusters, but you don’t have to handle everything on your own. If you lost someone you love in a preventable incident, a wrongful death lawyer in Landrum can:
- Investigate the incident: A lawyer can gather evidence, interview witnesses, and reconstruct events to build a strong case.
- Calculate your damages: A lawyer can help ensure you recover compensation for medical bills, funeral expenses, lost income, and all of the other losses you incurred.
- Handle insurance negotiations: Insurance companies often aim to minimize payouts. An attorney can negotiate effectively to secure fair compensation.
- Represent your family in court: If the case goes to trial, your lawyer can advocate for your family in court.
Damages You Can Recover in a Wrongful Death Case
South Carolina law allows various damages to be recovered in wrongful death claims, including:
- Medical expenses: You can recover costs related to the care your loved one received before passing.
- Funeral and burial costs: You can seek compensation for funeral, cremation, or burial services.
- Loss of income and benefits: You can claim the income your loved one would have provided, including retirement benefits or inheritance considerations.
- Loss of companionship and support: You can receive damages for emotional suffering and the loss of your loved one’s guidance, care, and companionship.
A wrongful death attorney in Landrum can help ensure all relevant damages are identified and included in your claim.
Steps to Take After a Wrongful Death
If your loved one has passed due to someone else’s actions, take these steps:
- Obtain documentation: Secure medical records, police reports, and any relevant documentation related to the death.
- Hire an attorney: A wrongful death lawyer can help you preserve evidence and meet filing deadlines.
- Avoid discussing the case publicly: Do not post about the incident on social media or provide statements to insurance companies without legal guidance.
- Gather witness information: Collect the names and contact details of anyone who saw what happened.
- Keep track of expenses: Document all costs related to the death, including medical bills, funeral services, and lost income.
How Long Do You Have to File a Wrongful Death Claim in SC?
In South Carolina, the statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death lawsuit is generally three years from the date of death. Failing to file within this timeframe can result in you losing the right to pursue compensation. However, there are exceptions in certain situations, such as in cases involving minors or the delayed discovery of your loved one’s cause of death.
A wrongful death attorney can help you file your claim as promptly as possible.
Common Challenges in Wrongful Death Cases
While wrongful death claims often appear straightforward, they can involve obstacles such as:
- Disputed liability: The responsible party or their insurance may deny responsibility.
- Steep burden of proof: Proving causation often requires expert testimony.
- Multiple liable parties: In some cases, more than one individual or company may be at fault, which can complicate negotiations.
A lawyer experienced in wrongful death cases can help you overcome these challenges and put together a winning claim.
Common Causes of Wrongful Death in Landrum
Wrongful death cases arise from a variety of situations where negligence or intentional actions result in a fatality. Some of the most common scenarios include:
- Motor vehicle accidents: Car, truck, and motorcycle crashes caused by speeding, distracted driving, or DUI are leading causes of wrongful death.
- Medical malpractice: Errors by doctors, nurses, or other healthcare providers, such as misdiagnosis or surgical mistakes, can be fatal.
- Workplace incidents: Fatal accidents can occur in construction, manufacturing, and other high-risk jobs if safety regulations are ignored.
- Criminal acts: Homicide, assault, or other intentional acts by another person may result in wrongful death lawsuits.
If you lost someone you love in one of these incidents, an attorney can help you pursue compensation.
Consult a Wrongful Death Lawyer in Landrum
Losing a family member is never easy, and the legal process can feel overwhelming. A Landrum wrongful death attorney from Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC can handle every aspect of your claim so you can focus on grieving and healing while knowing that your case is in capable hands.
Taking action sooner rather than later helps ensure that evidence is preserved, deadlines are met, and your family has the best chance of obtaining justice. Schedule a free case review to discuss your legal options today.
