Gedney M. Howe, III, P.A.
8 Chalmers Street P.O. Box 1034
Charleston, South Carolina 29402
Tel: (888) 608-4577
Fax: (843) 722-2140
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Wrongful Death
Filing a Wrongful Death Claim in South Carolina
There are many people who rely on family members for financial support, emotional stability, and intimacy. When the family members who provide those benefits die because of the negligence or wrongful acts of another person, the surviving family members may have a wrongful death claim.
Wrongful death claims do not intend to assign a value to the life of the deceased, but filing a lawsuit that attaches value to the provisions once secured through the deceased can be an important part of facilitating the healing process.
When grieving family members need to focus on and process emotional pain in order to keep the hope of eventually returning to a functional life that includes happiness, knowing that financial matters are handled properly can make a real difference in the ability to mentally absorb the radical changes the death of a family member can create.
The Law Offices of Gedney M. Howe, III, works with clients who are suffering the loss of a loved one due to wrongful death causes:
- Auto accidents
- Trucking accidents
- Product liability accidents
- Premises liability accidents
- Construction accidents
- Boating or water-related deaths
- Medical malpractice
Understanding Who Brings a Wrongful Death Lawsuit
Wrongful death claims require a certain relationship to the deceased. For instance, if a friend passes away due to the negligence of another party, a surviving friend may feel a severe emotional loss, but that is not a cause of legal action in South Carolina.
Usually, the parties who may file a wrongful death claim are spouses or children or, in the absence of spouses and children, parents. Children not born into a marriage have the same rights as children of wed parents, but all parties are subject to time constraints for filing a claim during the probate process for the deceased.
These timelines are fairly narrow and, if not met, can invalidate a case entirely, so hiring an attorney who is prepared to represent the needs of survivors in a timely manner is extremely important.
If you believe you have a wrongful death claim, please contact the law firm.
