What Is The Average Wrongful Death Settlement in South Carolina?
There is nothing more emotionally devastating than losing a family member or a loved one in a preventable accident. Under South Carolina law (SC Code § 15-51-10), eligible family members and loved ones of the deceased have the legal right to pursue a civil action against the party whose wrongful actions contributed to the death.
This raises an important question: How much is a wrongful death case worth in South Carolina? The somewhat unsatisfying answer to this question is that ‘it depends’. There is no true ‘average wrongful death settlement’. Here, our Greenville, SC wrongful death attorney explains how wrongful death settlements are determined in South Carolina.
Wrongful Death Lawsuit Settlements: Average
The amount of compensation awarded in a wrongful death case will vary based on the specific circumstances at hand. In South Carolina, damages are awarded to eligible family members to account for both actual monetary losses and for their intangible damages. Specifically, wrongful death compensation may be available for:
- Funeral and burial costs;
- Out-of-pocket medical bills or expenses;
- Lost future wages or insurance benefits;
- Emotional distress; and
- Loss of love, consortium, and companionship.
In addition, if the death was caused by the grossly negligent actions of the defendant — a common example being a drunk driver causing a fatal accident — punitive damages may also be awarded. While granted to the plaintiff, punitive damages are designed primarily to punish the egregiously reckless or malicious conduct of a defendant.
Maximizing Your Wrongful Death Settlement
It is important to recognize that wrongful death settlements are just that: settlements. They are agreed upon by the plaintiffs (family members of the victim) and the defendant (corporations or their insurers). Unfortunately, even in cases involving tragic and wholly avoidable deaths, big companies and their insurance carriers are always focused on protecting their own financial interests.
These companies will try to settle a wrongful death claim for less than it is truly worth. Plaintiffs should be represented by an experienced South Carolina wrongful death lawyer who knows how to obtain a full settlement offer.
If you lost a loved one as a result of the careless or reckless conduct of another party, there must be justice. Of course, no amount of financial compensation will ever make up for that type of devastating and heartbreaking loss.
Still, it is essential that you are able to bring a strong and effective legal claim against all negligent parties. While our legal team understands that, we also know that you and your family need access to justice and the maximum available financial support.
Speak to a Greenville, SC Wrongful Death Lawyer Today
At the Peace Law Firm, our compassionate South Carolina wrongful death attorney has extensive experience handling complex legal claims. If your family member was killed in a preventable accident, our law firm is here to protect your rights. To request a free, fully confidential case evaluation, please contact us today. From our office in Greenville, we serve communities throughout the state of South Carolina.
There is nothing more emotionally devastating than losing a family member or a loved one in a preventable accident. Under South Carolina law (SC Code § 15-51-10), eligible family members and loved ones of the deceased have the legal right to pursue a civil action against the party whose wrongful actions contributed to the death.
This raises an important question: How much is a wrongful death case worth in South Carolina? The somewhat unsatisfying answer to this question is that ‘it depends’. There is no true ‘average wrongful death settlement’. Here, our Greenville, SC wrongful death attorney explains how wrongful death settlements are determined in South Carolina.
Wrongful Death Lawsuit Settlements: Average
The amount of compensation awarded in a wrongful death case will vary based on the specific circumstances at hand. In South Carolina, damages are awarded to eligible family members to account for both actual monetary losses and for their intangible damages. Specifically, wrongful death compensation may be available for:
- Funeral and burial costs;
- Out-of-pocket medical bills or expenses;
- Lost future wages or insurance benefits;
- Emotional distress; and
- Loss of love, consortium, and companionship.
In addition, if the death was caused by the grossly negligent actions of the defendant — a common example being a drunk driver causing a fatal accident — punitive damages may also be awarded. While granted to the plaintiff, punitive damages are designed primarily to punish the egregiously reckless or malicious conduct of a defendant.
Maximizing Your Wrongful Death Settlement
It is important to recognize that wrongful death settlements are just that: settlements. They are agreed upon by the plaintiffs (family members of the victim) and the defendant (corporations or their insurers). Unfortunately, even in cases involving tragic and wholly avoidable deaths, big companies and their insurance carriers are always focused on protecting their own financial interests.
These companies will try to settle a wrongful death claim for less than it is truly worth. Plaintiffs should be represented by an experienced South Carolina wrongful death lawyer who knows how to obtain a full settlement offer.
If you lost a loved one as a result of the careless or reckless conduct of another party, there must be justice. Of course, no amount of financial compensation will ever make up for that type of devastating and heartbreaking loss. Still, it is essential that you are able to bring a strong and effective legal claim against all negligent parties. While our legal team understands that, we also know that you and your family need access to justice and the maximum available financial support.
Speak to a Greenville, SC Wrongful Death Lawyer Today
At the Peace Law Firm, our compassionate South Carolina wrongful death attorney has extensive experience handling complex legal claims. If your family member was killed in a preventable accident, our law firm is here to protect your rights. To request a free, fully confidential case evaluation, please contact us today. From our office in Greenville, we serve communities throughout the state of South Carolina.
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