Losing a loved one to wrongful death leaves families dealing with overwhelming emotional pain and serious financial pressure. When someone you care about has died because of another party’s negligence or misconduct, our wrongful death attorneys at Whetstone Perkins & Fulda are ready to help.
Our experienced wrongful death attorneys understand the devastating impact of losing a family member and exactly how to pursue damages in Columbia wrongful death cases. We are dedicated to protecting your family’s legal rights while going after the full compensation you deserve under the law.
Types of Damages in Wrongful Death Cases
Pursuant to South Carolina Code Ann. § 15-51-10, wrongful death claims in Columbia allow the Personal Representative of the deceased’s Estate to pursue compensation on behalf of surviving family members. Damages compensate surviving family members for the economic and non-economic losses caused by the untimely death of a loved one. Our experienced wrongful death attorneys guide families in understanding and pursuing these damages.
Here are some damages you can pursue in a wrongful death claim.
Economic Damages
Economic damages compensate for financial losses caused by the deceased’s death. These include lost wages and benefits the victim would have provided, medical expenses incurred prior to death, and funeral and burial costs.
Our wrongful death lawyers carefully review financial records, employment history, and medical bills to ensure the claim includes all recoverable costs.
Loss of Support and Services
Families may seek compensation for the loss of care, guidance, and daily support, such as childcare, household help, or eldercare. Our attorneys calculate the value of these contributions to ensure fair compensation.
Pain and Suffering
In some cases, courts may award compensation for the conscious pain and suffering the deceased experienced before death. Our firm works with medical experts to document the victim’s physical and emotional distress, presenting credible evidence to the court or insurer.
Loss of Companionship and Consortium
Surviving family members may claim damages for the loss of companionship, guidance, and emotional support. Our team helps quantify the impact on your personal relationships and daily life to strengthen your claim.
Punitive Damages
In cases involving extreme negligence or intentional misconduct, courts may award punitive damages to punish the at-fault party and deter similar behavior. We evaluate whether the circumstances of the case warrant pursuing punitive damages and advocate aggressively on behalf of the family.
How Much Can You Sue for Wrongful Death?
There is no standard value you can sue for in a wrongful death case. The damages available in a Columbia wrongful death claim vary depending on several key factors. At our firm, we know how to evaluate these factors to help families pursue fair and comprehensive recovery.
Severity and Circumstances of the Negligence
Courts and insurers consider how reckless or negligent the at-fault party was, as more egregious conduct can justify additional compensation.
Victim’s Age and Life Expectancy
Younger victims with longer life expectancies may result in higher claims due to the loss of potential future income and contributions.
Emotional and Psychological Impact on Survivors
Surviving family members’ grief, emotional distress, and trauma influence non-economic damages, including loss of companionship and consortium.
Number of Dependents or Family Members Affected
Compensation could increase if multiple dependents relied on the deceased for financial or emotional support.
Victim’s Income and Earning Potential
Courts consider the victim’s income, benefits, and potential career growth to calculate economic damages, including lost wages and support for dependents.
Contact Our Columbia Lawyers About Damages in Wrongful Death Claims
While you deserve fair compensation after losing a loved one in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, the wrongful death process is challenging for many families. Our wrongful death attorneys at Whetstone Perkins & Fulda have years of experience pursuing damages in Columbia wrongful death cases. Contact us today for a free consultation.
