And I don’t just settle for surface-level details or the typical investigation. I dive deeper.
That means challenging initial reports, locating witnesses who may not want to be found and putting them under oath, and analyzing any video footage no matter how grainy or “inconclusive” it might seem. It also means digging through mountains of data for details others might miss and bringing in top experts to examine the scene and evidence with a fresh, uncompromising eye. I work to uncover the truth no one else will.
I don’t just rely on a police report or a quick investigation; I build a case that gets to the root of what happened.
My job is to bring you answers when nobody else will, to help your family find closure, and to hold accountable the people or organizations responsible for your loss. Together, we can bring about justice and manifest change in the world from your loss, and that’s how we honor your loved one.
Why You Deserve Answers
Why do clients seek me out for wrongful death cases? Because I know that “sorry” or “it was an accident” isn’t nearly enough. What was taken from your family can’t be replaced. But we can—and should—hold the responsible party accountable. I’m here to make sure your family gets the answers, the justice, and the respect they deserve. So that you can find closure.
When I take on a wrongful death case, I work to get the clearest possible picture of what happened, not just for the legal case, but for you and your family. I want you to know exactly how and why it happened and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice. And if that means taking on powerful companies, dozens of defense lawyers, or complex evidence, I’ve done it before and will do it again. I simply don’t back down from a fight, especially when it’s for a family who’s already lost too much.
I know that no case result, no amount of accountability, will ever bring your loved one back. But it’s my belief—and my mission—that holding the wrongdoers accountable is how we create change and help prevent other families from experiencing the same devastating loss. And for your family, it means finding some measure of peace and knowing that someone stood with you, fought for you, and got the answers you deserved.
Understanding Wrongful Death Cases
Wrongful death is a legal term that refers to a death caused by the deliberate, reckless, or negligent actions of another person or entity. In South Carolina, wrongful death can be the basis of a lawsuit, allowing surviving family members to pursue financial compensation for their losses. Wrongful death claims often arise in situations such as car accidents, truck accidents, fatal drunk driving collisions, airplane accidents, fatal dog bites, workplace accidents and civil rights cases. These claims provide a legal avenue for family members to seek justice and financial relief for the devastating impact of losing a loved one. Families can also seek compensation for any pain and suffering that their loved one experienced prior to dying. This type of claim is known as a survival claim.
Wrongful Death Lawsuit Process
A wrongful death lawsuit in South Carolina typically begins with a consultation with an attorney experienced in wrongful death litigation. During this meeting, I will review your case and advise you and your family on the best course of action. If you decide to pursue a wrongful death claim, we will move foward with getting a personal representative appointed for your loved one’s estate, and then begin the legal process to hold the person or company responsible for harming your loved one. The lawsuit will seek compensation for medical bills, your family’ emotional suffering, loss of consortium if your spoused died, funeral costs, lost wages, and other damages related to your loved one’s death. This process ensures that you and your family can focus on healing while we handle the legal complexities.
Even though the statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death or survival claim lawsuit is generally three years from the date of death (or two years if the death was caused by a government agency or employee), wrongful death cases should be brought quickly due to the need to collect and preserve key evidence. This is why I encourge people to contact me as quickly as possible after their loved one’s fatal injury to discuss their options. Starting the wrongful death legal process early typically results in having more options at your disposal.
Damages in a Wrongful Death Case
In a wrongful death case, damages can include both economic and non-economic losses. Economic losses may encompass medical expenses, funeral costs, lost wages, and other financial burdens resulting from the loved one’s death. Non-economic losses, on the other hand, may cover pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of companionship. In certain cases, punitive damages may also be awarded to penalize the defendant for their reckless or negligent actions. These damages aim to provide financial relief and a sense of justice for the grieving family.
Damages in a Survival Claim
When someone experienced conscious pain and suffering prior to their death, families are entitled under South Carolina law to seek damages for their loved one’s suffering prior to dying. Survival claim damages include not only the physical pain they suffered, but also their emotional suffering. I have handled cases where the survival damages were the most significant category of damages in a case.
In many cases, I bring in an expert physician to help counter any arguments from the defense about whether a family member is entitled to recover survival damages in their case.
