As you face the loss of a family member due to the negligence of another person, hire a Columbia wrongful death lawyer ready to help you pursue legal compensation for your loss. At the Shelly Leeke Law Firm, our years of experience and trusted advocacy have helped many families recover the compensation they need to move forward. Expect our Columbia personal injury lawyer, a member of the South Carolina Association For Justice, to be there to fight for your right to recovery as well.
The Value of Hiring a Columbia Wrongful Death Lawyer
Dealing with the loss of a family member is difficult, particularly when the deceased died due to someone else’s negligence. If your family member is the victim of a wrongful death in Columbia, SC, seek out legal help. By partnering with a Columbia personal injury lawyer, you can request compensation from anyone who contributed to your family member’s death.
At the Shelly Leeke Law Firm, we can teach you everything that you need to know about personal injury lawsuits and other types of legal claims. We can also put you in touch with a Columbia wrongful death lawyer who can help you seek damages from anyone responsible for the loss of your family member. To learn more, please reach out to us.
We recognize this is a challenge and that you are owed outstanding legal support in a very difficult time. We strongly recommend contacting a Columbia wrongful death attorney you feel comfortable with taking on your case. There is no risk in speaking to our attorneys, and it can provide you with the information you need to know what to do now.
Why Put Your Wrongful Death Claim in the Hands of Our Attorneys
The wrongful death lawyer in Columbia you decide to work with must be an advocate for you, have incredible experience and know-how to support you throughout this legal process. With decades of experience, the Shelly Leeke Law Firm has worked tirelessly to support our clients by providing exceptional legal representation in very critical cases. Some of the benefits of hiring our wrongful death attorney include:
- Experience in wrongful death claims: We have specific legal experience navigating the complexities of wrongful death claims. This makes an incredible difference in your ability to rely on us.
- Proven results with millions recovered: Our wrongful death attorneys have recovered millions of dollars in damages on behalf of our clients, and we will pursue, at the highest level, supporting you in this matter.
- Exceptional customer service and support: We know what is on the line, and we also know how important it is for you to get the legal guidance you need in challenging cases. Expect us to work hard to achieve your best possible outcome.
- A solid reputation: Our wrongful death attorneys in Columbia have a strong reputation for providing exceptional legal support to our clients, which means that insurance companies are less likely to believe they can limit our clients’ success.
- We care about your best outcome: Our wrongful death attorneys are compassionate professionals who recognize the challenges you are facing. We are here to help you, support you, and give you the guidance you need during an unexpected time.
In a Columbia wrongful death legal matter, you have the burden of proof to overcome, and that can be a very difficult step toward winning a case like this. With so much on the line, including the financial compensation your family needs to continue meeting your goals, it is critical to hire an attorney you can trust. Let us be there for you every step of the way during this very trying time.
What You Need to Know About Wrongful Death Claims in Columbia
Wrongful death is an avoidable situation. For the family, it is hard to believe that someone let this happen, and yet, it is your legal right to seek compensation in these situations. Our wrongful death attorneys in Columbia will work with you to do that.
Our team will work to determine what went wrong so we can create a plan to seek compensation for your needs. Expect hands-on support as we dive into the evidence and build a strong case for you. There are a few key factors you need to consider in this process.
A wrongful death happens when an individual or entity acts irresponsibly or recklessly. This type of death could and should have been avoided. There are reasons why a death that is wrongful happens, including:
Medical Malpractice
It is a healthcare provider’s responsibility to provide a high standard of care. If a medical professional is negligent, they violate this standard. As such, a healthcare professional can face a medical malpractice lawsuit with the help of a Columbia medical malpractice lawyer from the family of a victim who was killed due to this professional’s negligence.
Car Accident
Your family member can get into an auto accident due to no fault of their own. The accident can cause your loved one to suffer an injury that proves to be fatal. In this scenario, you can submit a claim against the driver responsible for the crash with the help of a Columbia car accident lawyer.
Workplace Accident
If a family member is working and suffers a fatal on-the-job injury, you may be able to sue their employer for damages. To do so, you must file a claim against your loved one’s employer. A Columbia wrongful death attorney can help you submit your claim and request the most compensation possible.
Slip and Fall Accident
Your family member can slip, fall, and get hurt on someone else’s property. The injury can be catastrophic and, ultimately, lead to your loved one’s death, and a Columbia catastrophic injury lawyer can help. In this situation, you can partner with a wrongful death lawyer in Columbia, and they can help you seek compensation as part of a premises liability claim.
Bicycle Accident
If your family member rides their bike and gets hit by a negligent driver, it can result in serious injuries or even death. You cannot change the fact that your loved one was killed, but a Columbia bicycle accident lawyer can assist. However, a wrongful death attorney in Columbia can work with you to pursue damages from the driver responsible for your loved one’s bicycle accident.
Truck Accident
A negligent trucker may choose not to follow the rules of the road. When they do, this trucker can crash into a motorist and kill this individual. If your family member is killed in a truck accident, you may be able to sue the at-fault driver, their employer, or both, and a Columbia truck accident lawyer can be of assistance.
Nursing Home Abuse
Your family member may die due to abuse while they were living in a nursing home. If you find out that nursing home staff abused your relative, you may be eligible for compensation. At this point, you can file a nursing home abuse lawsuit against the facility, its staff, and any other at-fault parties.
Various Other Factors Could Contribute to Your Losses, Too
At the Shelly Leeke Law Firm, we take on medical malpractice cases for these reasons and many others. Our team can take a look at your case and help you decide if now is the right time to file a lawsuit. For more information, please get in touch with us.
How a Columbia Wrongful Death Case Works
In a recent study conducted by the National Safety Council (NSC), researchers found that preventable injury-related deaths make up almost 70% of all deaths in South Carolina. A wrongful death lawsuit is a serious ordeal. If you have the right attorney at your side, you can get the help you need to navigate the legal process with precision and care.
Your lawyer can evaluate your case and help you weigh the pros and cons of filing a lawsuit. They will ask you questions about the death of your relative. Your wrongful death attorney in Columbia can also explain what can happen when you submit a request for compensation.
If you decide to move forward with a claim, it can take months or years to resolve your lawsuit. Regardless, your attorney advocates for you and represents your best interests. They will make sure that you are put in the best position to secure the compensation that you deserve.
When to File a Columbia Wrongful Death Claim
South Carolina has a three-year statute of limitations for wrongful death lawsuits. In accordance with this statute, you have up to three years from the date of your family member’s death to file your claim. If you do not submit your lawsuit within this window, you cannot do so at a later time.
Your lawyer will make sure that you do not have to wait too long to file your lawsuit. As soon as your claim is submitted, your attorney will work with you to build your argument. They will look for evidence to support your claim and witnesses who can testify on your behalf.
If you decide against submitting a wrongful death lawsuit, you are solely responsible for any costs relating to your loved one’s death. On the other hand, filing a lawsuit can help you secure compensation from anyone who caused your loved one to die. The lawsuit may even allow you to get tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars in damages.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim
You cannot file a wrongful death claim directly if your family member dies due to someone else’s negligence, per South Carolina laws. Instead, you are required to have a personal executor or administrator submit your claim. You can work with this executor or administrator to ensure your claim is handled properly.
Those who can recover damages in a wrongful death lawsuit in South Carolina include a decedent’s spouse, kids, and parents. Along with these people, the decedent’s heirs can request damages if this individual has no surviving spouse, children, or parents. No matter who submits a claim, they must be able to show that the defendant was negligent.
Your Columbia wrongful death attorney can work with you to craft an argument that shows the defendant in your case had a duty of care to your relative, violated this duty, and caused your loved one’s death. They will gather and examine the evidence with you. Your lawyer will also search for witnesses who can provide insights into the death of your loved one.
Mistakes to Avoid with Your Wrongful Death Claim
You can file a wrongful death lawsuit and expect to receive a large amount of compensation. If you are not careful, you risk mistakes that can compromise your case. It is critical to realize the insurance company is not there to support you.
Insurance companies are for-profit companies. They will work closely with you to pay what they owe, but they also work to reduce compensation paid out. That means if you make a mistake, they will not correct it automatically.
As your wrongful death compensation attorney, we eliminate this risk by helping you with the entire process. You should still know what some of those mistakes are. Common mistakes that plaintiffs make in wrongful death lawsuits include:
Getting into Arguments with Family Members
Fighting within a family can put your lawsuit in danger. If you intend to submit a wrongful death claim, consult with family members before doing so. You can even have several members of your family attend a consultation with an attorney to discuss your case and address any concerns about it.
Posting Content on Social Media About Your Family Member’s Death
If you want to publish content on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), or other social media platforms about your family member’s death, be careful. Any content that you post about your loved one’s death may be used against you. When in doubt about posting certain pieces of content, avoid publishing this content altogether.
Talking to an Insurance Company
An insurance company may urge you to accept a lowball settlement offer relating to your loved one’s death. Rather than accept a settlement shortly after your family member dies, consider your options. Remember, you can connect with an attorney, and they can help you evaluate all aspects of a settlement proposal.
Have You Made a Potential Mistake?
These mistakes and many others can cause you to miss out on an opportunity to secure compensation from anyone involved in your relative’s death. Fortunately, an attorney can help you avoid these problems. Your lawyer can discuss your case and help you figure out how to get as much compensation as you can.
How Much Money You Can Get in a Wrongful Death Lawsuit
In most wrongful death lawsuits, there is no cap on economic and non-economic damages. The exception lies in medical malpractice claims. In these cases, a plaintiff can receive up to $350,000 in non-economic compensation from a single medical provider or $1.05 million in this type of compensation from multiple medical providers.
You can ask for both economic and non-economic compensation. Economic damages are awarded for lost wages and other quantifiable losses. Non-economic compensation is provided for suffering, pain, and other subjective losses.
Not every accident warrants punitive damages in a wrongful death lawsuit. Punitive damages are provided to deter an at-fault party from future acts of negligence. There is a limit of $500,000 or three times the amount of “actual” damages awarded (whichever amount is greater) for punitive damages.
How Much Time You Need to Resolve a Wrongful Death Lawsuit
The length of time required for a wrongful death lawsuit depends on the case. A defendant may do everything they can to avoid having to pay you compensation. Conversely, if you have a compelling case, the defendant may be inclined to settle.
You may get a settlement proposal at any time prior to your trial. If you receive a settlement offer, it is beneficial to review it with your Columbia wrongful death attorney. Then, you and your Columbia wrongful death lawyer can analyze the proposal and determine if it provides you with an adequate amount of compensation.
There is no reason to approve a settlement offer unless it matches your expectations. If a settlement proposal falls short of what you want, decline it. Next, you and your attorney continue to work together to strengthen your case.
How a Judge or Jury Evaluates a Wrongful Death Case
A judge or jury treats every lawsuit as its own entity. They will review your claim and all of the information provided by you and the defendant. If your argument is compelling, they will award you the damages that you request.
You should not take your case for granted, as there is no guarantee that a judge or jury will share your point of view. A judge or jury evaluates evidence, witness testimony, and other information as it makes a decision about your claim. They will determine your settlement amount and award you compensation only if they believe it is warranted.
The attorney that you hire has far-flung effects on your litigation. If you choose an attorney who has an outstanding track record in wrongful death lawsuits, you are in good shape. This lawyer will commit the time, energy, and resources required to help you get the maximum amount of compensation.
Why You Should Hire a Columbia Wrongful Death Attorney
Your family member’s constitutional rights can be violated to the point where they lose their life due to someone else’s negligence. It can be challenging to submit a lawsuit against the party responsible for your loved one’s death. Yet, doing so can help you get compensation that you deserve for the loss of your loved one.
In a wrongful death lawsuit, you can collect compensation to cover your family member’s funeral expenses, medical bills, and other costs relating to their death. Your lawyer will help you calculate the damages associated with the loss of your loved one. They understand your case and all that it entails and prepare your argument accordingly.
As your lawsuit progresses, your attorney is available to answer frequently asked questions and many others about a wide range of legal topics. Your lawyer wants you to make informed decisions throughout your litigation. They are at your side every step of the way to ensure that you get the legal help that you need, exactly when you need it.
What We Do to Help You Win Your Case
Some wrongful death compensation claims are very straightforward and easy to manage, but that is not the most common situation in more complex injury cases. As your wrongful death attorney in Columbia, we will work to navigate the legal options available in your situation. We present you with options and legal strategies to reduce your risk of not getting the compensation owed to you, and we do that in several ways:
- We talk to witnesses: We gather information from all available parties about what happened to your loved one so that we can get a better idea of what went wrong.
- You can expect us to talk to medical experts: We want to better understand the pain and suffering, as well as any complications that occurred in your case.
- Outline all of your needs: We work to demonstrate all of the ways this loss has impacted you and will continue to impact you for years to come.
There is no simple way to ensure your claim will be fair and full unless you speak to an attorney committed to evaluating all of your risks and creating a comprehensive claim. Our experience and dedication to our clients ensure we fight for our clients to receive all of the compensation owed to them. Expect us to push for more evidence, fight for answers, and provide you with the reliable guidance you need throughout this process.
Get Help with Your Columbia Wrongful Death Claim
The Shelly Leeke Law Firm has many years of experience with wrongful death lawsuits. Our Columbia wrongful death lawyer can help you file your lawsuit and build an argument that resonates with a judge or jury. To find out more or schedule a free consultation, please contact us today.
