Losing a loved one due to someone else’s negligence or wrongful actions is an overwhelming and devastating experience. During this difficult time, you deserve compassionate support and guidance to seek justice for your loss. At the Thumbs Up Guys, our dedicated team of wrongful death lawyers in Hilton Head, understands the profound impact that tragedy makes.
Our Hilton Head personal injury lawyers are here to provide you with the knowledge, resources, and unwavering advocacy needed to navigate the legal process and successfully pursue a wrongful death claim. With our legal skills and commitment, we will work tirelessly to hold the responsible parties accountable and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
What Qualifies for a Wrongful Death Suit?
Wrongful death can occur due to various reasons, including:
- Negligence: Negligence is a common cause of wrongful death. It refers to the failure to exercise reasonable care or fulfill a duty of care owed to another person. Examples include car accidents caused by reckless driving, medical malpractice, or slip and fall accidents on poorly maintained premises.
- Medical malpractice: Wrongful death can result from medical errors, such as misdiagnosis, surgical mistakes, medication errors, or failure to provide appropriate treatment. When healthcare professionals deviate from the standard of care, it can lead to fatal consequences.
- Workplace accidents: Fatal accidents can happen in various work environments, including construction sites, factories, or transportation industries. Lack of proper safety measures, inadequate training, or equipment failures can contribute to fatal incidents.
- Defective products: If a defective product causes someone’s death, such as a faulty vehicle component or a malfunctioning medical device, the manufacturer or distributor may be held liable for the resulting wrongful death.
- Criminal acts: Wrongful death can occur as a result of intentional criminal acts, such as assault, murder, or manslaughter. In such cases, the responsible individuals may face both criminal charges and civil wrongful death claims.
- Dangerous premises: Property owners have a duty to maintain safe conditions for visitors. If a person dies due to hazardous conditions on someone else’s property, such as inadequate security leading to a violent crime or negligence causing a fatal accident, it may constitute a wrongful death.
- Traffic accidents: Fatalities can occur in various types of traffic accidents, including car, motorcycle, truck, or pedestrian accidents. Negligent or reckless driving behavior, such as speeding, drunk driving, or distracted driving, often contributes to these incidents.
Understanding the reasons behind wrongful death can help identify potential liability and pursue legal action against responsible parties. If you believe a loved one’s death resulted from someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing, consult with one of the following attorneys at The Thumbs Up Guys to seek justice on behalf of your loved one:
- Hilton Head car accident lawyer
- Hilton Head Slip and fall accident lawyer
- Hilton Head truck accident lawyer
- Hilton head workplace accident lawyer
Understand Which Factors Are Included in a Wrongful Death Settlement
Several factors are typically considered when determining the value of a wrongful death settlement. While every case is unique, here are some common factors that can influence the settlement amount:
Economic Damages
Economic damages refer to the financial losses resulting from the wrongful death. This may include medical expenses related to the final injury or illness, funeral and burial costs, loss of financial support (including future income), and loss of benefits or inheritance due to the death. These quantifiable financial losses are typically included in the settlement calculation.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages encompass the intangible losses experienced by the surviving family members. These may include pain and suffering, loss of companionship, loss of consortium, emotional distress, and the overall impact on the quality of life for the surviving loved ones.
Liability and Negligence
The strength of the evidence establishing negligence or liability can significantly impact the settlement amount. If there is clear evidence demonstrating the defendant’s fault and responsibility for the wrongful death, it strengthens the case and may lead to a higher settlement offer for the beneficiaries.
Insurance Coverage
The insurance coverage available to the responsible party or parties can affect the potential settlement. If the at-fault party is adequately insured, the available funds for compensation may increase. However, if the insurance coverage is limited or insufficient, it may impact the settlement negotiation.
Contributory or Comparative Negligence
In some states, including South Carolina, the concept of contributory or comparative negligence may be considered. If the deceased individual is found partially at fault for the incident leading to their death, it can affect the settlement amount. Depending on the jurisdiction and the percentage of fault assigned, the settlement may be reduced or even eliminated.
The Importance of Having a Wrongful Death Lawyer Managing Your Claim
If you are still on the fence about securing legal help and need to weigh the pros and cons of hiring an attorney for your claim, consider the following advantages of having a wrongful death attorney:
- Comprehensive investigation: A wrongful death lawyer has the resources and experience to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death. They will gather evidence, interview witnesses, consult with experts, and analyze available documentation to build a strong case.
- Legal advocacy: When dealing with a wrongful death claim, insurance companies and opposing parties may try to protect their own interests by minimizing or denying your claim. Having a Hilton Head wrongful death lawyer ensures that your rights are protected throughout the process. They will advocate for your best interests, negotiate with insurance companies, and fight for fair compensation.
- Emotional support and guidance: Dealing with a wrongful death claim is emotionally challenging. A compassionate Hilton Head wrongful death attorney understands the grief and pain you are experiencing and can provide the necessary support and guidance. They will help alleviate the burden on you and your family, allowing you to focus on healing.
Having a lawyer is not required, but to obtain a fair settlement, legal representation is necessary and strongly encouraged.
Connect With Us to Evaluate Your Wrongful Death Claim for Free
The Thumbs Up Guys at Miller, Dawson, Sigal & Ward understands that reaching out to a wrongful death lawyer in Hilton Head may be a difficult step as you navigate the painful aftermath of losing a loved one. We are sorry for your loss and hope that we are given the opportunity to honor their memory by representing you and bringing them justice.
If you feel ready to discuss your situation, contact us today.