Wrongful Death Lawyer in Greenville

How Watson Fowler Attorney at Law Advocates for Families

Our firm approaches wrongful death matters with compassion, sensitivity, and 60 years of collective legal experience earned in courtrooms across the Upstate. Families come to us during the hardest moments of their lives, and our team handles each case with the discretion and respect those circumstances demand:

• Conducting thorough investigations into the cause of death
• Working with accident reconstruction and medical experts
• Identifying every party who may bear responsibility
• Coordinating with the personal representative of the estate
• Gathering evidence of economic and non-economic losses
• Communicating with insurance carriers
• Preparing each case for trial from the outset

What Constitutes Wrongful Death in South Carolina?

A wrongful death claim arises when a person dies as a result of another party’s wrongful act, neglect, or default. Under South Carolina Code Section 15-51-20, the personal representative of the deceased’s estate brings the claim on behalf of the statutory beneficiaries, typically the surviving spouse, children, or parents.

Common Causes of Wrongful Death in Greenville

Wrongful death claims result from several preventable events throughout Greenville County. Tragic incidents along Interstate 85, Interstate 385, Wade Hampton Boulevard, and Woodruff Road appear frequently among the causes our firm sees:

• Car and commercial truck collisions
• Motorcycle and bicycle accidents
• Pedestrian crashes
• Workplace and construction site incidents
• Medical malpractice and surgical errors
• Nursing home neglect and abuse
• Premises liability incidents

What Types of Wrongful Death Benefits Are Available?

Surviving family members can recover compensation for both the financial and emotional consequences of losing a loved one. The deadline to file a wrongful death lawsuit in South Carolina is three years from the date of death, and the available benefits include:

• Medical expenses incurred before death
• Funeral and burial costs
• Lost wages and benefits the deceased would have earned
• Loss of financial support to the family
• Loss of companionship and consortium
• Mental anguish suffered by surviving beneficiaries
• Loss of inheritance
• Punitive damages in cases involving willful or reckless conduct

Determining Liability in Wrongful Death

Establishing liability requires proving that the defendant owed a duty of care, breached that duty, and caused the death as a direct result. That regularly means working with expert witnesses, securing physical and documentary evidence, and reconstructing the events leading up to the fatal incident. Multiple parties may share responsibility depending on the facts, and identifying each one affects the total compensation available to the family.