Experienced Legal Representation for Grieving South Carolina Families in Their Times of Need
It’s the call that no one expects. They’re the feelings that never go away. If you have lost a loved one in a fatal accident, there is nothing we can say or do to truly help you recover. You are facing a tragic, life-altering set of circumstances that no one should be forced to endure. We understand this, and we aren’t going to pretend that there is anything we can say or do to change it.
But, we can help. For better or for worse, you are not alone. Fatal accidents are far too common; and, when they happen, we help families as best we can. South Carolina wrongful death lawyer Luke Paulick is a passionate advocate for family members who have lost loved ones, and he fights for justice on behalf of families in Beaufort County, Jasper County, Colleton County, and Hampton County.
What is a “Wrongful Death” in South Carolina?
A big part of what we do (though not all we do) is help grieving families assert their legal rights. When a fatal accident could and should have been avoided, the victim’s family can often file a claim for wrongful death. This is true for all types of fatal accidents, including (but not limited to):
- Boating accidents
- Car accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Truck accidents
- Fatal falls at homes, businesses, and other properties
In the vast majority of cases, wrongful death claims are based on negligence. While negligence is a complicated subject, all you need to know for now is that if someone else (or a company) is to blame for your loved one’s fatal accident, your family may have a wrongful death claim. As a result, you should talk to a lawyer—which costs nothing—and you should ensure that you are making informed decisions with your family’s long-term best interests in mind.
What Types of Damages Are Available to Grieving Families?
There are many reasons to file a wrongful death claim if your loved one’s fatal accident was avoidable. Holding the at-fault party responsible will (hopefully) help ensure that they don’t make the same mistake again, and many people find that establishing accountability provides much-needed closure.
Filing a wrongful death claim also allows grieving family members to recover damages for their loved one’s untimely passing. In South Carolina, the damages available in wrongful death cases include past, present, and future:
- Medical, funeral, and burial expenses
- Loss of income, benefits, and inheritance
- Pain, suffering, and mental anguish
- Loss of companionship and consortium
- Loss of services, society, and support
Punitive damages are also available in some cases.
We completely understand if filing a claim is the last thing you want to do. But, we also know how critically important it is to make sure you and your loved ones suffer no more than necessary. If your family has a wrongful death claim, Luke can handle your family’s claim for you—keeping you updated and informed while respecting your need for time to cope and be with your family.
How Luke Can Help You and Your Family
Luke is an experienced South Carolina wrongful death attorney who is committed to doing everything he possibly can to help his clients. For clients who are coping with the untimely loss of a loved one, this includes:
1. Providing Advice, Guidance, and Support
Luke will explain everything you need to know so that you can feel confident in your decision-making. He will continue to provide advice, guidance, and support for as long as you need his help.
2. Handling All Aspects of Their Wrongful Death Claims
If your family has a wrongful death claim, he will handle your family’s claim from start to finish. This includes dealing with the insurance companies, negotiating for a settlement that reflects your family’s damages, and taking the insurance companies to court if necessary.
3. Providing His Services at No Out-of-Pocket Cost
Like most other law firms, we handle wrongful death claims at no out-of-pocket cost. If your family’s claim is successful, our fees and costs will be deducted from the amount Luke helps your family recover.
FAQs: Understanding Your Situation if You’ve Lost a Loved One in an Accident
Is There a Time Limit to File a Wrongful Death Claim in South Carolina?
Yes, families generally have three years to file a wrongful death claim under South Carolina law. We know it’s difficult; but, if you think your family may have a claim, we strongly encourage you to speak with a South Carolina wrongful death lawyer as soon as possible.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in South Carolina?
In South Carolina, a wrongful death lawsuit must typically be filed by the executor (or personal representative) of the deceased’s estate. If you’re not sure who is (or should be) the personal representative of your loved one’s estate, we can help.
Is Wrongful Death the Same as Negligence?
Negligence is a legal basis for a wrongful death lawsuit in South Carolina. If you have tragically lost a loved one due to someone else’s (or a company’s) negligence, you should speak with a South Carolina wrongful death attorney about your family’s legal rights.
What is a Survival Action in South Carolina?
A survival action is a type of lawsuit that allows families to recover damages for their loved one’s pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other financial and non-financial losses prior to death. If your family has a survival action, an experienced wrongful death lawyer should be able to help your family seek all available damages in accordance with South Carolina law.
Contact Us to Speak with South Carolina Wrongful Death Attorney Luke Paulick for Free
If you have tragically lost a loved one in a fatal accident in South Carolina, we offer our deepest sympathies. We also want you to know that we truly are here to help in any way we can. To schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with South Carolina wrongful death attorney Luke Paulick, please call 843-379-3285 or contact us online today.