Fort Mill Wrongful Death Attorney
Nothing compares to losing a family member due to someone else’s careless actions. While no compensation will make up for that loss, you likely have immediate concerns like funeral and burial expenses or your deceased family member’s outstanding medical bills. You also want justice for your family’s loss, which the criminal justice system does not always provide.
At Stewart Law Offices, we’ve helped many families in Fort Mill and throughout South Carolina pursue justice and fair compensation in wrongful death cases. A wrongful death lawyer in Fort Mill, SC can fight to hold whoever caused your family member’s death accountable while you and your family grieve together. We’ve served South Carolina’s injured for over 25 years, and our results speak for themselves, including a recent $3.8 million verdict in a wrongful death case.* You don’t owe us any fees unless we win your case, so call now or complete our contact form for a free case review with a wrongful death attorney.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Fort Mill?
Under South Carolina law, only the executor of the deceased’s estate (sometimes called the administrator or personal representative) can file a wrongful death claim. The personal representative can be a family member, friend, or any other adult the deceased chooses.
A person usually names their executor in their will or other estate planning documents. However, people sometimes die without naming a personal representative, or the designated person may be unwilling or unable to serve in this role. In these circumstances, the courts may appoint an executor to manage the deceased’s estate. The appointed person has the legal authority to pursue a wrongful death action.
How Stewart Law Offices Can Help Grieving Families
Knowing how to find a wrongful death lawyer is challenging, as these cases involve special legal issues. There are tight deadlines to meet, finding evidence can be tricky, and you’ll likely face aggressive action from whoever caused your family member’s death. Insurance companies may take advantage of you during this vulnerable time.
Hiring a wrongful death lawyer in Fort Mill means you don’t have to tackle these challenges alone. Stewart Law Offices can help you find justice and pursue compensation after a family member’s death by:
- Providing Compassionate Guidance – Losing a family member can be overwhelming. Our team listens carefully and offers steady, respectful support throughout the legal process. We’re here to ease your burdens, not add to them.
- Handle All the Legal Filings – We take care of the legal paperwork, including filing the wrongful death claim, opening your family’s estate, if necessary, and managing court deadlines. This way, you and your family can focus on healing.
- Investigating the Cause of Death – Our attorneys can gather evidence, interview witnesses, and work with experts to uncover what led to your family member’s death. This rigorous investigation helps us build a strong case to hold the responsible party accountable.
- Pursuing Full and Fair Compensation – We can fight for compensation that reflects the full impact of your loss, including your emotional grief, loss of companionship, and lost financial support.
- Communicating with Insurance Companies for You – We can speak directly with the insurers so you don’t have to. We can counter lowball settlement offers and protect your family’s rights every step of the way.
- Representing You in Court (If Needed) – If a fair settlement isn’t possible, we’ll be ready to present your case to a judge or jury in court as we fight for justice.
How Do You Prove Negligence in a South Carolina Wrongful Death Case?
Solid evidence is the foundation of any Fort Mill wrongful death claim. We can conduct a thorough investigation into how your family member died. Some evidence we might use in your case includes:
- Accident Reports – Police reports often include vital details about how someone died and who caused their death. These documents can support your claim by offering an official account of the event.
- Witness Statements – Testimony from people who witnessed the incident can help clarify the sequence of events and confirm negligent behavior, such as distracted or impaired driving.
- Photos and Videos – Images or footage from traffic cameras, security systems, or bystanders’ phones can show dangerous conditions or the aftermath of deadly incidents. For example, a traffic camera may have recorded the driver who hit your family member weaving through traffic or following too closely.
- Expert Opinions – Accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals, or industry experts can explain how negligent actions caused your family member’s death. Their insights help connect the defendant’s actions to your family’s loss.
- Medical and Autopsy Records – These records may show your family member’s cause of death and help directly link it to the incident in question. They also provide evidence of the harm your family member suffered before they died.
Types of Wrongful Death Compensation
South Carolina law includes detailed rules on what compensation families can receive in wrongful death claims and which family members can claim compensation. The money is distributed to surviving family members in a specific order. First in line are the decedent’s spouse and children. If the deceased has no surviving spouse or children, their parents may be eligible to receive compensation. In the absence of a surviving spouse, children, or parents, the money goes to their other heirs under South Carolina’s intestate succession laws.
Families who win wrongful death cases may receive compensation for lost financial support, medical and funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and emotional suffering. In some cases, the court may also award exemplary damages if the deceased’s death resulted from recklessness, willfulness, or malice.
Time Limits for Filing a Wrongful Death Claim
The standard deadline to file a wrongful death lawsuit in South Carolina is three years from when your family member died. Note that the countdown starts from the date of their death, not the date of their initial injury or illness. Nevertheless, we recommend you speak to a wrongful death lawyer as soon as possible to give them ample time to build your case.
Contact Our Fort Mill Wrongful Death Attorneys Today
The Fort Mill wrongful death lawyers at Stewart Law Offices are here to fight for justice on your family’s behalf. Call us now or complete our contact form for a free consultation.