Award Winning
Losing a loved one unexpectedly is one of life’s most painful experiences especially when the loss was preventable. In Summerville, Dorchester County, and the surrounding Lowcountry, fatal accidents happen on the roads, in workplaces, medical settings, and public areas. If someone else’s negligence caused your family member’s death, South Carolina law allows you to pursue justice.
At Ted Law Firm, our Summerville wrongful death attorneys stand beside families during their hardest moments fighting for accountability, closure, and full compensation.
Why Choose Us for Your Wrongful Death Case
- We focus on catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases, ensuring each case receives deep attention and investigation.
- We understand the unique risks in Summerville: I-26 traffic, commercial truck routes, construction growth, and expanding medical facilities.
- We offer a free consultation, and you pay nothing unless we win your case.
- We handle every step: investigation, filings, insurance negotiations, estate coordination, and court approval.
Common Wrongful Death Scenarios We Handle in Summerville
Fatal Auto & Truck Collisions
Including deadly crashes on:
- I-26
- Main Street
- Dorchester Road
- N. Maple St.
- Ladson Road
- US-78
Workplace & Industrial Fatalities
Summerville’s warehouses, industrial centers, and construction sites create risks including:
- Machinery deaths
- Falls
- Forklift incidents
- Chemical exposure
- Construction site accidents
Medical Malpractice Wrongful Death
Including:
- Misdiagnosis
- Surgical injuries
- Birth-related fatalities
- Medication errors
- Failure to treat or monitor
Pedestrian & Bicycle Fatalities
Often occurring near commercial districts, high-traffic intersections, or at night.
Defective Product Fatalities
Including auto defects, unsafe machinery, or unsafe consumer products.
What Is a Wrongful Death Claim in South Carolina?
Under SC Code § 15-51-10, a wrongful death claim can be brought when a person dies due to another party’s negligence or wrongful act.
Key features include:
- The claim compensates surviving family members, not the estate itself.
- Damages focus on financial and emotional losses suffered by loved ones.
- Only the personal representative/executor may file the lawsuit on behalf of beneficiaries.
- Any settlement must receive court approval to protect the rights of all beneficiaries.
Who Can Be Held Liable?
Depending on how the death occurred, liable parties may include:
- Negligent drivers
- Trucking companies or commercial fleets
- Employers or contractors (workplace fatalities)
- Medical providers
- Manufacturers of defective products
- Bars/restaurants (dram shop cases)
- Government entities (unsafe roads, negligent employees)
Our job is to identify every responsible party and pursue maximum compensation.
Damages You Can Recover
Surviving family members may be eligible for:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical bills incurred before death
- Loss of financial support
- Loss of companionship, protection, and guidance
- Emotional suffering, grief, and mental anguish
- Loss of household services
- Punitive damages (if conduct was reckless or intentional)
What to Do After a Fatal Accident in Summerville
- Seek emotional and medical support immediately.
- Preserve any evidence: photos, clothing, videos, workplace equipment, damaged vehicles.
- Report the incident to the appropriate authority (Summerville Police, Dorchester County, employer, medical facility).
- Avoid communication with insurance companies.
- Gather all records: police reports, medical records, employment files.
- Contact Ted Law Firm we handle the legal steps so your family can focus on healing.
Deadlines & Important Legal Considerations
- 3 years to file wrongful death claims involving private defendants.
- Claims involving government entities may have a 2-year deadline.
- Settlements MUST be approved by the probate or circuit court.
- Failing to act quickly can jeopardize evidence, case value, and legal rights.
Why Acting Quickly Matters
Wrongful death cases require immediate investigation because:
- Accident scenes change
- Medical records may go missing
- Witness memories fade
- Vehicles are repaired or destroyed
- Employers may alter internal records
- Insurance companies move fast to minimize payouts
The sooner legal action begins, the stronger the case.
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)
1. Who can bring a wrongful death lawsuit in South Carolina?
Only the personal representative/executor files the claim on behalf of eligible beneficiaries.
2. How long do I have to file?
Generally 3 years, but in some cases only 2 years (government liability).
3. What damages can my family recover?
Funeral costs, medical bills, loss of income, loss of companionship, emotional anguish, and more.
4. Can a medical mistake qualify as wrongful death?
Yes, medical negligence is one of the most common causes.
5. What if the deceased had no spouse or children?
Surviving parents or next of kin may be beneficiaries.
6. Do wrongful death cases go to court?
Many settle, but some require litigation for fair compensation.
7. Do all settlements require court approval?
Yes, South Carolina requires approval to protect all beneficiaries.
8. Can punitive damages be awarded?
Yes, in cases of reckless or intentional misconduct.
9. What if multiple parties caused the death?
We pursue all responsible parties for maximum recovery.
10. How much does it cost to hire your firm?
Nothing upfront you pay nothing unless we win.
11. Can undocumented families file wrongful death claims?
Yes, immigration status does not prevent filing.
12. What if my loved one died in a workplace accident?
You may have both a workers’ comp claim and a third-party wrongful death claim.
Contact Us Summerville Wrongful Death Lawyers
If your family has suffered the devastating loss of a loved one due to another party’s negligence in Summerville, Dorchester County, or the surrounding Lowcountry, you do not have to face this alone.
At Ted Law Firm, we pursue justice fiercely and compassionately helping you obtain closure and full compensation. Call today for a free consultation. You pay nothing unless we win.
