What Damages Can I Recover in a South Carolina Wrongful Death Case?

Posted in Wrongful Death on March 29, 2018

In South Carolina, wrongful death is the death of any person caused by negligence, recklessness, or the intentional or criminal acts of another person or entity. Wrongful death laws differ from nonfatal personal injury laws, so if a wrongful death of a loved one has affected you, finding a lawyer experienced in the field is pertinent. The Charleston wrongful death attorneys at HawkLaw has extensive trial experience in civil and criminal courts throughout South Carolina.

How Do I Establish Grounds for a Wrongful Death Suit?

Both civil and criminal courts try cases of wrongful death, depending on the situation. The South Carolina statute of limitations in wrongful death cases is three years from the time of death. If a criminal action causes a wrongful death, a criminal court would try the case. During this time, one can pursue a civil case before, during, or after the criminal case. If the wrongful death case is not criminal in nature, a civil lawsuit would consider it.

There are many different circumstances that can warrant a wrongful death claim. The courts can hold accountable any individual, company, or public entity that contributes or causes the death of an individual. Whether the death was accidental or caused by unnatural circumstances, there can be legal grounds for a wrongful death suit. Grounds for lawsuit in South Carolina are based upon the following: