Intricate Knowledge of Relevant Laws and Procedures
One of the first factors is an in-depth knowledge of relevant statutes. South Carolina Code of Laws Unannotated Section 15-15-10 outlines the basics of wrongful death civil claims. It describes who can file a claim and under what circumstances. Put simply, a wrongful death case may occur when the decedent may have filed a personal injury lawsuit had they survived.
The type of legal expertise needed for a successful claim, though, extends beyond basic statutes. It also requires excellent knowledge of existing case law. We apply our experience with past cases to your current claim. Having gone through this process many times before, we know what paperwork is needed and which arguments may encourage a more desirable outcome.
Comprehensive Investigation Skills
At the core of a successful claim is proving that liable parties were negligent in their actions. You must also prove that your relative’s death was the direct result of this negligence. Skilled wrongful death attorneys know how to gather and present compelling evidence.
For example, consider a case of nursing home abuse resulting in death. Evidence may include:
- Incident reports
- Police reports
- Medical records
- Staffing records
- Eyewitness reports
- Expert witness testimony
- Video surveillance
- Photo evidence
- Accident reconstruction experts
- Building maintenance records
- Employee background checks
We deep dive into just how the fatal accident happened, determining who’s to blame and why. In some cases, more than one party may be liable for damages.
Communication With Insurance Companies
Insurance companies representing the other parties are motivated to minimize their liability. They may try to bully you into dropping your claim. Or, they may offer you a lowball settlement to close your case. Instead, it’s prudent to let them know you’ve secured legal representation. Your lawyer then speaks on your behalf and ensures your legal rights are protected.
Fierce Negotiation Skills for Maximum Settlements
We present evidence that your cousin deserved better, or that the actions which ultimately resulted in your grandpa’s passing could have been prevented. While no amount of money can ever fully compensate for your losses, a successful claim can offer significant financial relief.
With key experience in wrongful death claims, Pracht Injury Lawyers has helped many grieving families maximize the money they receive. Working with the family of a drowning victim, we successfully secured a verdict of over $20 million. This is the largest verdict in the history of Horry County.
Expansive Referral Network for Added Support
The circumstances around the accidental death of a relative often call for support from many areas. Your lawyer connects you with relevant professionals to aid in this process. This may include help with grief counseling or probate law. To reinforce your claim, we may request getting an autopsy done to support your claim. Whatever support and guidance you need, we’ll help you find it.
Rely on Local Knowledge of South Carolina State Law
General knowledge of legal concepts can be good. Specific knowledge of applicable local laws and case results is even better. Wrongful death laws vary by state. While you may have up to five years to file a claim in Illinois, the statute of limitations here is generally three years. It is crucial to hire a South Carolina attorney who knows how to manage your case in this state.
With years of experience and a compassionate legal team, Pracht Injury Lawyers is proudly passionate about serving our clients, who’ve called us “the best in the upstate,” saying we “truly care about their clients and work hard to deliver amazing results.”