Dealing with the loss of a loved one is already tragic and traumatizing enough, but when that passing is a wrongful death due to the negligence or recklessness of someone else, then it makes the grieving process much more difficult. At Shelly Leeke, we can help with the emotional healing process by holding the at-fault party responsible for what they did and helping you receive the compensation that you are entitled to. If a loved one has been wrongfully killed in South Carolina, then wait no longer and call a Columbia wrongful death attorney today.
What Exactly Is a Wrongful Death?
A wrongful death usually happens when the other person or persons is acting irresponsibly and/or recklessly. The wrongful death of your loved one could have been and should have been avoided. There are many different ways in which a wrongful death can occur, including:
- Medical Malpractice (like a misdiagnosis or surgical error)
- Vehicular Accidents (like drunk driving or distracted driving)
- Workplace Accidents (like unsafe working conditions or defective equipment)
- Slip and Fall Accidents (like at home or in public)
There are countless ways for wrongful death claims to arise. It is important to know the most common types of wrongful deaths so that way you can evaluate your situation. Work with a wrongful death attorney in Columbia and figure out how to best secure you and your loved ones justice and compensation. Our mission is to also hold the at-fault party fully responsible for their actions.
For a free legal consultation with a wrongful death lawyer serving Columbia, call 1-844-736-8342
South Carolina Wrongful Death Cases
Unfortunately, there are a lot more wrongful deaths in the US than you would think. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), preventable injury-related death (or wrongful death) made up almost 70% of all deaths in the state of South Carolina in the latest year of reporting. This can be broken down even further, with poisoning making up 33% of wrongful deaths, motor vehicle accidents making up 21.4%, slips and falls making up 13%, and other preventable injury-related deaths making up the remaining 32.6%.
This data shows a lot of heartbreak, but with that, it also shows that wrongful death is a very serious legal matter. At Shelly Leeke, we treat these cases with the severity that they come with but also with care and compassion because we understand that these are life-altering times for you and your family.
Columbia Wrongful Death Lawyer Near Me 1-844-736-8342
When to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit
In the state of South Carolina, wrongful death cases can be classified as personal injury cases. This means that you would have to file the claim before the statute of limitations is up. According to S.C. Code §15-3-530(6), you have a total of 3 years from when the wrongful death occurred to hire a lawyer and file a claim.
After this 3-year window, you or any other loved ones are prohibited from filing a wrongful death (or personal injury) claim. Even though you and your loved ones will be grieving your loss, it is imperative to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible in order to obtain the compensation that you are owed. Speaking with a wrongful death lawyer in Columbia may also help ease your feelings of helplessness and hopelessness.
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How to File a Wrongful Death Claim
Filing a wrongful death claim in the palmetto state can be quite tricky but luckily at Shelly Leeke, we have an excellent team of experienced lawyers who can make the whole process less painstaking and more stress-relieving. First and foremost, according to S.C. Code § 15-51-20, the state of South Carolina does not allow family members of the victim to file a claim on their behalf. In order to have the wrongful death/personal injury claim filed, you must have a personal executor or administrator of the victim’s estate take legal action.
You and your loved ones are still allowed to collaborate with the personal executor or administrator to build the best case for just compensation, to ensure your rights and your loved one’s rights are not abridged, and to hold the at-fault party accountable. Do not let this South Carolina law prevent you and your family from seeking just compensation and honoring your lost loved one’s memory. Call a Columbia wrongful death lawyer today.
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Why Hire a Wrongful Death Lawyer in Columbia?
Hiring a wrongful death attorney from Shelly Leeke and filing a claim for your loved one’s wrongful death is consequential because you do not want your or your loved one’s constitutional rights infringed upon and because you are entitled to compensation from the damages that the defendant will most likely have to pay. This financial compensation comes from:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical bills from the deceased person
- Loss of financial support and benefits
- Loss of the deceased person’s care and/or protection
- Pain and suffering on behalf of the deceased person’s loved ones
Our team of skilled lawyers has the resources and the knowledge best suited to help you win this legal fight. To secure the rightful amount of compensation, we plan on reviewing medical records, interviewing witnesses, collecting evidence, negotiating with insurance companies, and navigating the complex legal system. To help bring you some sort of piece of mind during these life-changing times, reach out to Shelly Leeke and speak with a Columbia wrongful death attorney today.
Reach Out to Shelly Leeke Right Now
A wrongful death can be one of the most, if not the most, heart-wrenching losses you will ever experience. This is because the tragedy could have been avoided if it were not for someone else’s carelessness and recklessness. This is why they need to be held accountable in a court of law and why you should seek the financial compensation that you and your loved ones are owed.
Experienced lawyers from the Shelly Leeke Law firm are the perfect resource to help you with all these things so pick up the phone and call Shelly Leeke to speak with a Columbia wrongful death lawyer today and receive a free case evaluation.
Call or text 1-844-736-8342 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
