Wrongful death in a nutshell is described as a death caused by someone else’s intentional or negligent behavior. It may seem self-explanatory, but there are many different types of wrongful death. An action may be brought by the victim’s estate for a wrongful death and/or a survivorship claim. This allows the victim’s surviving family (heirs) to make a claim for compensation on behalf of and for the loss of their loved one.
Here are 4 common types of wrongful death cases:
- Motor Vehicle Accident- this type is the most common; For example, a driver being distracted, intoxicated or impaired could cause the death of someone else in the car or of the car he or she hit
- Pedestrian– because they are completely unprotected, pedestrians are at a higher risk of being injured or killed by a reckless driver
- Medical Malpractice– sometimes health care professionals will neglect or misdiagnose patients and this can potentially lead to the death of the patient
- Work Accidents– workplace injuries are common and if serious enough can lead to death. However, it doesn’t have to happen at work to be considered a workplace injury. For example, if someone is scheduled to work multiple long shifts in a row and got in a fatal car accident from exhaustion, one may have a wrongful death claim.
If a victim’s family chooses to pursue a claim for wrongful death, they may be entitled to compensation for a number of things. A few types of damages one may make a claim for include:
- Medical expenses
- Victim’s lost earnings
- Funeral and Burial expenses
- Grief, anxiety, pain and suffering (survivorship action)
If a loved one has been killed in South Carolina, you may be entitled to significant compensation. But before you file a South Carolina wrongful death claim, request a free copy of our South Carolina Injury Book to learn all the information you need to know regarding your claim. When you are ready to speak with an experienced wrongful death attorney, call Shelly Leeke Law Firm today and let us help you get the compensation you deserve, 1-888-690-0211.
