Wrongful Death Attorney in Greenwood, SC

Losing a loved one in an accident is an unimaginable trauma. Unfortunately, preventable accidents such as car crashes and falls are two leading causes of death in South Carolina.

At Nicholson, Meredith & Anderson, our dedicated Greenwood wrongful death lawyers understand that no amount of money can compensate you for your loss. Let us help you achieve justice for your loved one after a fatal accident or injury.

Understanding Wrongful Death Claims

In South Carolina, ‘wrongful death’ refers to ‘death by wrongful act’ under S.C. Code § 15-51-10. A death is considered legally wrongful if it was caused by another person or entity’s unlawful action or omission, including negligent acts, intentional conduct, or failure to act when required to do so.

Wrongful death is a civil claim entitling eligible family members to financial damages, but it often involves corresponding criminal charges. The most common grounds for filing wrongful death lawsuits in Greenwood include the following:

• Falls
• Medical malpractice
• Murder
• Vehicular homicide (drunk driving)
• Manslaughter
• Dangerous products
• Animal attacks
• Child abuse and neglect
• Domestic violence
• Reckless firearms use
• Motor vehicle accidents 

If your loved one was killed or died from injuries sustained in an accident, our experienced attorneys can help you determine whether you have a death by wrongful act claim in South Carolina.

Damages Available for Victim’s Families in Greenwood

Under S.C. Code § 15-51-20, eligible family members may bring an action for wrongful death on behalf of a loved one. Spouses have priority, followed by children and parents. If your loved one did not have any living spouse, children, or parents, then his or her legal heirs may maintain a wrongful death action.

Death by wrongful act damages may include exemplary (punitive) damages to punish the wrongdoer for extremely reckless or intentional conduct. Families may also demand damages for lost financial and emotional support, medical and funeral expenses, and their loved one’s pain and suffering. Our civil litigators can help you calculate the overall value of your claims to maximize available damages.

SC Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death Claims

Eligible family members have three years from the date of death to bring a wrongful death action in South Carolina (S.C. Code § 15-3-530(6)). Notice that the statute runs from the date of death and not the date of the injury or accident. If your loved one passed from a traumatic brain injury sustained in a truck crash five years ago, you still have three years to file a wrongful death claim. Our attorneys will help you obtain the estate paperwork necessary to bring a wrongful death case and notify the probate court of pending litigation.

Connect with an Experienced Wrongful Death Lawyer in Greenwood, SC

For over 100 years, the compassionate personal injury and wrongful death litigators at Nicholson, Meredith & Anderson have been fighting for the rights of families in Greenwood. If you lost a loved one due to the negligent or intentional conduct of another person or entity, discuss your options for financial recovery with our experienced wrongful death attorneys today. Call (864) 229-7241 or connect with us online to schedule a free and confidential case consultation.