Losing someone is a difficult thing to handle. Knowing that this loss was because another party made careless choices could make your already immense grief feel even more painful. Financial hardship and psychological trauma can further reinforce the feeling of being overwhelmed. While you cannot bring a family member back, you might be able to pursue compensation and justice with the help of a tenacious personal injury attorney.
At Whetstone Perkins & Fulda, a qualified Marion wrongful death lawyer could provide you with the legal guidance you need during this trying time. Get in touch with our office today for help.
What is Wrongful Death?
Wrongful death is a claim against an individual for breaching a standard duty of care or for committing wrongful acts resulting in another person’s death. In these cases, the surviving family members of the deceased may be permitted to file for compensation through civil action.
Accidents That Lead to Wrongful Death
While potentially any situation could cause a tragic death, some things do so more commonly. These include, but are not limited to:
- Car, truck, and motorcycle accidents
- Medical malpractice and other forms of medical carelessness
- Bicycle and pedestrian accidents
- Slip and fall incidents
- Workplace accidents
- Defective product injuries
- The effects of a dangerous drug
- Intentional assault
- Complications from catastrophic injuries
- Boat accidents and other maritime injuries
- Mass torts
Any of the above incidents could rob a family of their father, mother, or others loved one. When this happens, the responsible party should be held accountable. If you are unsure of whether the untimely passing of your loved one was due to a wrongful act, contact a qualified attorney in Marion to help you talk through the details of your situation.
Family Members Who Are Allowed to File the Claim
Untimely death cases are often quite complicated. Only certain members are permitted to file and often in a specific order. Pursuant to South Carolina Code § 15-51-10, a wrongful death case is meant to benefit the spouse and any children of the decedent first.
If there is no spouse or children, then the decedent’s parents may file the claim. If there are no surviving parents, then the heirs of the person who passed have the ability to file the wrongful death suit. To handle these complexities, the family should speak with a wrongful death attorney in Marion to ensure they take the proper legal steps for the best possible outcome given the circumstances.
Compensation for Wrongful Death Cases
A successful wrongful death case could result in significant financial compensation for the family members left behind after the accident. These might include economic damages, such as funeral and medical costs or lost income that the decedent would have earned. Non-economic damages for pain and suffering, grief, and a loss of enjoyment of life could also be awarded in certain situations.
Seek Compensation With a Marion Wrongful Death Attorney
Losing a family member is never easy. While no amount of compensation could properly make up for what you are going through, you should not have to shoulder financial burdens caused by someone else’s carelessness alongside your already mounting grief. You deserve legal representation you can trust to pursue your family’s best interests in your time of need.
Let a dedicated Marion wrongful death lawyer get to work advocating for your lost loved one. Contact Whetstone Perkins & Fulda today.
