No matter its cause, a loved one’s death brings grief to their family. However, when a loved one dies because of someone’s negligent or wrongful act, the unexpected loss can leave the family shocked, devastated, and unsure how to process the situation. Our Greer wrongful death lawyers can help you and your family find a way to rebuild your lives.
Our Greer personal injury lawyers at Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC have extensive experience and knowledge of South Carolina laws, and we are dedicated to fighting for justice on behalf of families affected by a wrongful death. Call our office to talk with our team about your best legal options. We offer a free, no-obligation case consultation that lets us hear your story and share our advice on how best to move forward.
Our Wrongful Death Lawyers Will Serve Your Family with Care and Experience in Greer, SC
In South Carolina, a wrongful death is generally one that results from a wrongful or negligent act. Potential causes of wrongful deaths include:
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Construction accidents
- Workplace accidents
- Nursing home abuse or neglect
- Medical malpractice
- Defective products
If your family is suffering following the loss of a loved one, our personal injury attorneys and staff at Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC want to help you in your fight for justice. We have recovered over $100 million in compensation settlements, verdicts, and judgments for our clients.
We strive to provide excellence in legal representation, in every case, with every client, and at every stage. Because we know communication is key to a successful case, we have a 24/7 helpline, ensuring our clients can always get the answers they need. We are also proud to maintain a 4.9/5-star rating on Google.
Our Greer wrongful death attorneys at Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC are here to support you and your family through this difficult time. Don’t hesitate to call our office for the help you deserve.
Our Greer Wrongful Death Attorneys Will Fight for the Compensation You Deserve
In Greer, South Carolina, a wrongful death victim’s estate executor can file a claim or lawsuit for compensation if the decedent could have qualified for a personal injury claim had they survived.
When filing a wrongful death claim, you can request compensation for the losses sustained by the beneficiaries and heirs of the deceased. Those losses may include:
- Funeral costs
- Future earnings and benefits that would have supported those financially dependent on the deceased
- Pain and suffering felt by the decedent’s loved ones
- Mental anguish
- Loss of parental guidance and care
- Loss of companionship and emotional support
The decedent’s personal representative may also file a survival action on behalf of the deceased if they initially survived their injuries and incurred expenses before passing away, such as:
- Medical expenses, including ambulance, surgeries, hospital stays, or prescriptions
- Physical pain and suffering due to their injuries
- Emotional trauma
- Income loss
The losses suffered by your family and your loved one may differ from those listed above. The circumstances surrounding the death, your loved one’s age and employment status, and the makeup of your family may affect what damages you qualify for.
Those Who May Benefit from a Wrongful Death Action in South Carolina
One of our Greer wrongful death lawyers will identify all potential beneficiaries and the losses each sustained because of your loved one’s death. After investigating the fatal accident, your attorney will identify the liable party and submit your wrongful death claim or lawsuit to the liable party’s insurance company. They will then negotiate with the insurance adjuster for a fair settlement on behalf of survivors and the decedent’s estate.
If negotiations fail, it may be necessary to pursue a compensation judgment or verdict in court. Whether financial compensation comes in the form of a settlement, judgment, or verdict, South Carolina law (S.C. Ann. § 15-51-40) determines who is eligible to receive the award. In general:
- If the decedent has a surviving spouse and one or more children, the spouse receives half of the settlement, and the children divide the other half.
- If there are no children, the spouse receives the entire amount.
- If there is no spouse, the children divide the payment.
- If there is no spouse or children, the decedent’s parents may split the compensation. If one parent did not support the deceased during their childhood, a judge may reduce or eliminate that parent’s share.
- If there is no surviving spouse, children, or parents, the decedent’s heir(s) and/or estate may receive the monetary award.
Some unique family situations may result in other outcomes. Your Greer wrongful death attorney at Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC can help you understand who may benefit from a wrongful death settlement, judgment, or verdict.
The Statute of Limitations to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Greer, SC
All states limit how much time you have after a fatal accident to file a wrongful death lawsuit. In South Carolina, you generally have three years from the date of death to take legal action against the liable party, per S.C. Ann. § 15-3-530. The court may not allow you to seek justice if you miss this deadline.
We can answer your questions about the statute of limitations or any other legal matters.
Get Help From a Greer Wrongful Death Lawyer Today
At Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, we care about you and your family. We know an unexpected death can bring both emotional and financial stress. Because of that, when we take on your case, we will do so on a contingency fee basis. If we don’t recover compensation for your family, we won’t require attorney fees for our work.
Contact us today for a free initial consultation and learn how a Greer wrongful death attorney can help you.