Losing someone you love is heartbreaking. It can leave you feeling lost, angry, and unsure of what to do next. When a loved one dies because someone else acted carelessly or made a serious mistake, the pain can feel even sharper. Families facing this kind of loss deserve answers and support.
At Murphy Crantford Meehan, we know how important it is to get justice after a wrongful death. Our team is here for families in Florence, SC, ready to help them seek the answers and financial support they need. If you are searching for a trusted Florence wrongful death attorney, we are prepared to guide you through this difficult time. Contact us today to get started with a free initial consultation.
What Is a Wrongful Death Claim?
A wrongful death claim is a lawsuit filed when someone dies due to the careless or intentional actions of another person or company. South Carolina law allows certain family members to sue for wrongful death and hold the responsible party accountable.
Wrongful death claims can help families get the financial support they need to cover funeral expenses and lost income. They also give families a way to seek justice for their loved one’s death due to negligence.
Common Causes of Wrongful Death Claims
Losing a loved one in an accident can happen in many ways. Some of the most common causes of wrongful death claims in Florence include:
Traffic Accidents
Auto accidents are a common factor in wrongful death cases in Florence County. Since 2019, more than 1,000 collisions have been reported at just five intersections in the area, many within the city of Florence. Distracted driving, like texting or scrolling on social media, is a major cause, along with failure to yield. Busy intersections like Pamplico Highway and South Irby Street and the Five Points area see some of the highest collision rates. Although most crashes cause injuries, some have turned deadly, showing just how dangerous even a short drive can become when drivers lose focus.
Workplace Accidents
Jobs in construction, manufacturing, and farming can be dangerous. Workers are at risk for falls, equipment failures, and exposure to harmful chemicals. When safety rules are ignored or equipment is faulty, fatal accidents can happen. Families can seek legal help after a fatal accident on the job to hold employers or other responsible parties accountable. A wrongful death claim can also help bring attention to unsafe work environments and prevent future tragedies.
Medical Malpractice
Healthcare providers are supposed to help us heal, but mistakes can have deadly results. Wrong medication doses, missed diagnoses, surgical errors, and ignoring known allergies are common causes of wrongful deaths related to medical malpractice. Facilities like McLeod Regional Medical Center in Florence provide excellent care, but mistakes can happen anywhere. Florence’s growing medical community means medical malpractice cases are becoming more common. Families who lose a loved one to a preventable error often seek answers and justice through a wrongful death claim.
Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect
Elderly family members deserve proper care and respect. In some cases, neglect, medication errors, or abuse in nursing homes can lead to wrongful deaths. Signs of trouble can include sudden weight loss, unexplained bruises, or changes in behavior. When concerns arise, it’s important for families to act quickly to protect their loved ones and hold the facility accountable.
Premises Liability Accidents
Property owners must keep their premises safe. Poorly maintained properties can lead to deadly accidents, such as slip and falls, unsafe stairwells, or drowning incidents. When an accident happens due to dangerous conditions, families may have the right to sue for wrongful death. These claims not only seek compensation but also push property owners to fix hazards and make spaces safer for others.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in South Carolina?
In South Carolina, a wrongful death claim must be filed by the personal representative or executor of the estate of the person who passed away. However, the claim itself is filed for the benefit of the surviving family members. Typically, this includes the spouse and children. If there is no spouse or children, the claim can benefit the parents. If no immediate family is alive, other heirs may be eligible.
Even if the person who passed was not legally married or was a child born outside of marriage, the law still allows for a claim on their behalf. These claims can help families recover damages to alleviate the costs and losses of losing a loved one. It’s a way to honor their life and help those left behind find some measure of financial stability during an incredibly difficult time.
Compensation Available in a Wrongful Death Claim
Wrongful death claims can help families recover a range of financial losses, such as:
- Funeral and Burial Expenses Claim – These costs can add up quickly, and the claim can cover them. Families should not have to worry about paying for these final expenses out of pocket.
- Medical Bills – The claim can cover any hospital or treatment costs incurred before the loved one passed away. Covering these bills ensures that families are not left to deal with significant financial burdens from medical care that could not save their loved one.
- Lost Income – If the person who passed away provided financial support to their family, that lost income can be part of the claim. This helps families stay financially stable even after losing a key source of support.
- Property Damage – If a car or other property was damaged in the fatal event, it can be included. Compensation for property damage helps families replace or repair what was lost.
- Emotional Trauma and Mental Anguish – The loss of companionship and the emotional pain caused by the death are important parts of the claim. This is sometimes referred to as “loss of consortium.”
Families may also be eligible for financial compensation for survivors to help with the long-term impact the death has on their lives.
Why Choose Murphy Crantford Meehan for Your Florence Case
Murphy Crantford Meehan has helped families across South Carolina, including Florence, get justice for their loved ones. We understand how important it is to find someone you trust during this painful time.
Our skilled legal team has handled many wrongful death cases and knows what it takes to fight for fair results. We can stand up to insurance companies that may try to offer less than what your family deserves. If needed, we are ready to take your case to court.
With an office close to Florence, SC, we are easily accessible to families in the area. Knowing the risks unique to Florence, such as the busy highways and the presence of major healthcare centers, helps us better serve local families. If you need a Florence wrongful death attorney, we are here to help you understand your rights and take the pressure off your shoulders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Losing someone you love can leave you with many questions. Here are some answers to common questions about wrongful death cases in Florence:
What should families in Florence know before pursuing a wrongful death lawsuit after a deadly crash or incident?
Before filing a wrongful death claim, families should know that time matters. South Carolina law gives families three years from the date of death to file a lawsuit. It’s also critical to gather evidence, such as police reports, witness statements, and medical records, early on. Having strong proof can make a big difference in how the case turns out.
Do Florence wrongful death cases involving medical facilities like McLeod Regional Medical Center require special legal considerations?
Yes, cases involving hospitals or doctors, like those at McLeod Regional Medical Center, often require special care. Medical malpractice cases usually need testimony from medical experts to show that a doctor or hospital staff made a serious mistake. These cases can be complicated, but an experienced Florence wrongful death attorney knows how to handle them.
How are wrongful death settlements typically distributed to surviving family members in Florence, SC?
In South Carolina, money from a wrongful death settlement is usually split among the surviving spouse, children, or parents. If there are no close family members, other relatives might be eligible. The exact division depends on the family situation, but the goal is to make sure the people who suffered the loss are taken care of.
Contact Our Florence Wrongful Death Attorneys Today
When you are mourning a loved one’s death, the last thing you should worry about is handling legal matters. Let Murphy Crantford Meehan take care of the legal process so you can focus on healing. If you are wondering if you need a wrongful death attorney, we are here to answer your questions.
Our team offers free consultations to families in Florence and the surrounding areas. We will listen to your story, explain your options, and stand by you every step of the way. Whether you are dealing with a civil lawsuit for fatality, trying to understand the legal process for filing wrongful death actions, or unsure who can file a wrongful death claim in Florence, we will walk you through each step.
You deserve answers. You deserve fair compensation. Most of all, you deserve justice. Call us today to talk to a Florence wrongful death attorney who cares about helping your family find a way forward.
