Award Winning
Losing a loved one unexpectedly in North Augusta, Aiken County, or the broader Lowcountry region is devastating. When a death is caused by someone else’s negligence, misconduct or wrongful act, you may be entitled to seek justice and compensation. At Ted Law Firm, our North Augusta wrongful death lawyers help families hold responsible parties accountable and fight for the support and closure you deserve.
Why Choose Us for Your Wrongful Death Case
- We dedicate our practice to catastrophic injury and fatality cases, understanding the emotional and financial strain families face.
- Local experience in North Augusta / Aiken County: we know the roads, workplaces, hospitals, and local legal system.
- Free consultation and you pay nothing unless we win your case. We stand with your family through this most challenging time.
Common Wrongful Death Scenarios We Handle
- Fatal auto or truck collisions on US-25/Edgefield Road, I-20, Martintown Road, or local commuter routes in Aiken County.
- Workplace fatalities at industrial or manufacturing facilities in North Augusta and surrounding areas.
- Medical malpractice deaths caused by hospital or doctor negligence in the region.
- Pedestrian or cycling deaths when a driver fails to yield or causes an unprovoked collision.
- Defective product or equipment fatalities (e.g., vehicle equipment failure, workplace machinery).
What is a Wrongful Death Claim in South Carolina?
Under SC law (S.C. Code § 15-51-10), a wrongful death claim may be brought when someone’s death is caused by a wrongful act, neglect or default of another. Key features include:
- The claim is not for the life of the deceased, but for the losses suffered by the surviving family (financial support, companionship, protection).
- Only the personal representative/executor of the estate may file the claim on behalf of beneficiaries.
- Any settlement must be approved by a court (probate or circuit court) for fairness to beneficiaries.
Who Can Be Held Liable?
A wrongful death lawsuit may hold one or more parties responsible, depending on how the death occurred:
- A negligent driver (auto/truck collision)
- An employer or contractor (workplace fatality)
- A medical provider (medical malpractice)
- A manufacturer (defective product or equipment)
- A public entity (government roadway, municipality) — note special rules and deadlines apply for claims involving government entities.
Damages You Can Recover
The law allows surviving family members to recover losses such as:
- Funeral and burial costs
- Medical bills incurred before death
- Lost future financial support the deceased would have provided
- Loss of companionship, guidance, protection
- Pain and suffering experienced by loved ones because of the death
- In cases of particularly reckless or intentional wrongdoing, exemplary (punitive) damages may be awarded.
What to Do After a Fatal Accident in North Augusta
- Seek immediate help from medical professionals and crisis support for your family.
- Secure the accident/incident scene if possible; preserve evidence (photos, video, workstation, vehicle damage).
- Contact local authorities: North Augusta Police Department or Aiken County Sheriff’s Office, as appropriate.
- Notify your attorney early so they can begin preserving key documents: insurance records, maintenance logs, employer incident reports.
- Do not sign any settlement offers or communicate in detail with insurance companies without legal consultation.
- Gather all reports: police, incident, medical, employer investigation.
- Engage Ted Law Firm we’ll guide you through the claims process, protect your rights, and pursue full compensation for your family’s losses.
Deadlines & Important Legal Considerations
- For wrongful death claims against non-government defendants, you typically have 3 years from the date of death.
- If the claim involves a government entity, the deadline may be as short as 2 years under SC’s Tort Claims Act.
- Because the settlement must be court-approved and the process involves detailed proof of loss, preserving evidence promptly is critical.
Why Acting Quickly Matters
Time is crucial in wrongful death cases:
- Key physical evidence may be lost, altered or destroyed.
- Witness memories fade; documentation may be archived or purged.
- Insurers for the responsible party may attempt early, undervalued settlements.
- Delayed legal action may jeopardize your right to recover.
Five Star Service
We pride ourselves on creating “wow” moments for our clients. That’s why Ted Law Firm has 5 star ratings, a client choice award from Avvo and and clients hire us again and again.
Free Rental Car Help
Many people who have been involved in a car accident don’t know how to navigate their insurance coverage. Our attorneys will review your insurance policy for free* and ensure you’re getting any rental car benefits you’re entitled to.
Next Generation Law Firm
Our firm uses 21st century technology and the latest law to maximize claim value, push your case forward quickly, and keep you informed every step of the way.
Pay Nothing Until We Get You $$$
FREE* Case Review. Immediate work. We even front the cost for ordering medical records, getting police reports, and conducting an investigation while we work up your claim.
30 Day Guarantee
We’ll help you for 30 days, through the roughest part of your wreck. We’re so confident in our client experience that we offer this: If you’re not completely satisfied, you won’t be charged a fee and you’ll be free to do as you please.
FREE Legal Resources
We have created a ton of free videos and guides to get you immediate help on your claim.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Who can bring a wrongful death lawsuit in South Carolina?
Only the personal representative/executor can file the action on behalf of eligible beneficiaries. - How long do I have to file a wrongful death claim?
Usually 3 years from death for private parties; 2 years if a government entity is involved. - What losses can my family recover after a wrongful death?
Funeral costs, medical expenses, lost support and companionship, emotional anguish, future lost earnings. - Can I sue if the death was a result of a medical mistake?
Yes — medical malpractice can be the basis for a wrongful death claim; special rules or shorter deadlines may apply. - What if the deceased didn’t have children or a spouse?
Then surviving parents or next of kin may file under the statute’s beneficiary classes. - Do I have to go to court for a wrongful death claim?
Many claims settle, but because of the complexity and high stakes, having experienced legal representation is crucial. - Will our case be approved by a court?
Yes — in South Carolina any settlement must generally be approved by a court to protect the beneficiaries. - What if the negligent party is a government agency?
Claims against government entities carry specific procedural rules, shorter deadlines, and notice requirements immediate action is essential. - Can punitive damages be awarded?
Yes — if the death was caused by particularly reckless or intentional misconduct, exemplary damages may be available. - How much does it cost to hire your firm?
You pay nothing unless we win your case free consultation, and we only get paid from recovery.
Contact Us North Augusta Wrongful Death Lawyers
If your family has suffered the death of a loved one due to someone else’s negligence in North Augusta, Aiken County, or nearby communities, you don’t have to face this alone. At Ted Law Firm, we’re here to help you through every step from investigation, filing, court approval of settlement, to securing the compensation your family deserves. Call us today for a free consultation. You pay nothing unless we win your case.
