The loss of a loved one caused by another party’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional actions can leave families facing not only deep grief but also sudden financial strain. A wrongful death claim offers a way to seek accountability while addressing expenses such as medical care, funeral costs, and the loss of financial and emotional support.
A North Myrtle Beach wrongful death lawyer can assist families by explaining their legal options, identifying liable parties, and guiding them through each stage of the process. The attorneys at Derrick Law Firm have years of experience handling sensitive cases of this nature and support families as they pursue justice for their loved ones.
Types of Wrongful Death Accidents in North Myrtle Beach
Wrongful death cases often stem from preventable accidents that result in devastating losses. In North Myrtle Beach, these tragic incidents can arise from various circumstances. The following are among the accident types handled by wrongful death attorneys.
Fatal Car Accidents
Busy roads in and around North Myrtle Beach, including U.S. Highway 17 and other major routes, are frequent sites of car collisions that can turn deadly. Some reasons for these accidents include:
- Drunk driving. Impaired drivers pose a significant threat to public safety. Alcohol reduces judgment, coordination, and reaction times, making collisions more likely and often more severe. Families affected by these tragedies may have grounds to pursue wrongful death claims against the negligent driver.
- Speeding and reckless driving. Excessive speed and aggressive maneuvers, such as weaving through traffic or ignoring red lights, increase both the likelihood of a crash and the severity of injuries sustained.
- Distracted driving. Using a phone, adjusting in-car technology, talking to passengers, or any other distraction can take a driver’s eyes off the road at the wrong moment. Even a brief lapse in attention can lead to fatal consequences.
A North Myrtle Beach wrongful death lawyer can investigate the circumstances of a fatal car accident, determine whether negligence played a role, and help families protect their rights.
Fatal Truck Accidents
Collisions involving large commercial trucks often result in catastrophic outcomes due to the size and weight of these vehicles. Fatal truck accidents may involve:
- Driver fatigue
- Inadequate training
- Violations of federal trucking regulations.
- Poor vehicle maintenance
- Negligent hiring or supervision by trucking companies
Truck accident cases can be complex, often involving multiple responsible parties such as the driver, trucking company, maintenance provider, or even manufacturers of defective equipment. Derrick Law Firm’s attorneys are experienced in sorting through these complications to identify potential liability.
Deadly Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable on the road due to the lack of protective barriers that cars and trucks provide. In North Myrtle Beach, motorcycle accidents can quickly turn fatal due to:
- Driver negligence. Accidents may occur when drivers fail to notice motorcycles, cut them off, or violate their right-of-way. Intersections and lane changes are particularly dangerous points of impact.
- Road hazards. Uneven pavement, potholes, debris, or poorly marked construction zones can be far more dangerous for motorcycles than other vehicles, sometimes resulting in deadly outcomes.
- Defective motorcycle parts. Faulty brakes, tires, or steering mechanisms may cause riders to lose control, with fatal consequences.
A North Myrtle Beach wrongful death lawyer can help families address the unique challenges in motorcycle fatality claims, including common biases against motorcyclists.
Fatal Boat and Jet Ski Accidents
With North Myrtle Beach’s access to the Atlantic Ocean and nearby waterways, boating and jet ski accidents are unfortunately not uncommon. These incidents may result from:
- Operator inexperience. Individuals operating boats or jet skis without sufficient training may make poor decisions, putting passengers and others at risk.
- Boating under the influence. Alcohol-related boating accidents are a leading cause of waterway fatalities in South Carolina. Impaired judgment and delayed reactions can quickly lead to tragedy.
- Equipment failure. Defective engines, steering mechanisms, or inadequate safety equipment may turn what should be a safe outing into a fatal event.
Derrick Law Firm’s attorneys are familiar with boating laws and can apply this knowledge when helping families after a fatal maritime accident.
Workplace Fatalities
Workplace deaths occur when safety precautions are overlooked or dangerous conditions exist. Industries such as construction and manufacturing carry particularly high risks. Common causes include:
- Falls from heights. Workers may fall from roofs, ladders, or platforms without proper guardrails, harnesses, or scaffolding, often with fatal consequences.
- Heavy machinery accidents. Equipment such as cranes, forklifts, and presses can cause deadly injuries when improperly maintained or when workers lack adequate training.
- Exposure to hazardous materials. Prolonged or sudden exposure to toxic substances such as asbestos or harmful chemicals may cause fatal illnesses or accidents.
- Although workers’ compensation provides certain benefits, families may have additional legal options if third-party negligence contributed to the accident. Our North Myrtle Beach wrongful death lawyers handle workplace injuries throughout South Carolina, and can evaluate whether further claims are appropriate.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in South Carolina?
South Carolina law outlines who is permitted to bring a wrongful death lawsuit. Under S.C. Code § 15-51-20, a wrongful death claim must be filed by the personal representative of the deceased’s estate. This individual pursues the claim on behalf of the deceased’s surviving family members, who may include the following:
- Spouse
- Children
- Parents
- Other financial dependents
A North Myrtle Beach wrongful death lawyer can provide guidance in determining who the proper representative is and how to move forward with a claim.
Compensation in Wrongful Death Cases
While no legal outcome can undo the devastation of losing a loved one, wrongful death compensation may help reduce the financial stress survivors face. Potential damages may include:
- Medical expenses. These may cover the deceased’s final medical care, including hospital treatment, surgeries, or emergency response.
- Funeral and burial costs. Families often incur significant costs when arranging services for their loved one. Compensation may offset these expenses.
- Lost wages and future earnings. If the deceased provided financial support, families may pursue compensation for the loss of income and benefits that would have continued over time.
- Loss of consortium. Families may seek damages for the emotional toll of losing companionship, affection, and guidance.
- Pain and suffering. This includes both the emotional anguish suffered by surviving family members and any conscious pain endured by the deceased before passing.
- Punitive damages. In rare cases of gross negligence or intentional harm, courts may award punitive damages to penalize the responsible party.
A North Myrtle Beach wrongful death lawyer can assess what types of damages may be available and help families understand the potential scope of compensation.
How a Wrongful Death Lawyer May Help
The legal process following a wrongful death is often complicated, requiring careful investigation, negotiations with insurance companies, and sometimes litigation. An experienced attorney provides support by:
- Conducting a thorough investigation of the accident, including reviewing police reports, medical records, and witness statements
- Identifying all potentially liable parties, whether individuals, companies, or manufacturers
- Negotiating with insurance companies to prevent unfairly low settlement offers
- Filing lawsuits within the legal deadlines, as wrongful death cases in South Carolina generally must be filed within three years of the death (S.C. Code § 15-3-530) but there are exceptions.
With an attorney's guidance, families may be able to focus on grieving while legal matters are handled with professionalism and care.
Why Choose Derrick Law Firm for Wrongful Death Representation?
While past results do not guarantee future outcomes, Derrick Law Firm has over three decades of experience representing families in wrongful death and personal injury cases across South Carolina. The firm is committed to:
- Providing personalized legal strategies. Each case is unique, and tailored approaches help ensure families receive attentive representation.
- Offering clear communication. Clients are kept informed about developments in their case and the legal options available.
- Advocating for accountability. The firm has a long history of pursuing justice against negligent parties and supporting families as they seek compensation.
While no legal claim can erase the pain of losing a loved one, seeking representation from a North Myrtle Beach wrōngful death lawyer may help families understand their options and provide experienced guidance during one of the most difficult times of their lives.
