Wrongful Death Lawyer Sumter, SC

Wrongful Death Lawyer

It is never easy to lose a loved one, but when a family member dies because of negligent action, the pain cuts so much deeper. With over 30 years of combined legal experience, Woron and Dhillon, LLC is the firm you can count on in your time of need. Our Sumter, SC wrongful death lawyer will treat your case with the compassion and respect it deserves while fiercely fighting for financial justice.

Justice For Wrongful Death Claims

In South Carolina, immediate family members are eligible to file a wrongful death suit. Priority is given to surviving spouses and children. In situations where the deceased is not married, a parent may also be able to proceed with a wrongful death claim. This right can be extended to certain representatives depending on how the victim’s estate is structured.

Financial justice for wrongful death claims is broken down into tangible and intangible losses. Our Sumter wrongful death lawyer carefully calculates all of your losses to determine a fair settlement amount. Some concrete expenses we may be able to recover on your behalf include:

• Your loved one’s outstanding medical bills
• Healthcare costs
• Lost income or general financial support

Emotional distress and pain and suffering are some of the intangible losses you can list in a wrongful death claim. These factors can relate to you and your family’s emotional challenges of losing the support and care of your loved one. They can also align with the physical and mental struggles the deceased endured because of the accident.

There are caps to the amount of compensation you can receive based on each factor. Our attorney will review your options and give you an honest assessment of your case and what outcome you can expect.

When To Hire A Wrongful Death Lawyer

Examples of wrongful death cases our firm has represented are:

• Medical malpractice
• Workplace accidents
• Car, truck, or motorcycle crashes
• Product liability
• Pedestrian accidents

If you believe your loved one’s death could have been prevented if another did not act negligently, contact our personal injury attorney right away. We know that discussing the circumstances of their passing can be challenging, and you may be hesitant to engage in legal proceedings while processing grief. However, there is a 3-year statute of limitation for filing wrongful death claims in South Carolina. Waiting too long to meet with our firm could make it impossible to recover losses.

Our lawyers know that no amount of money will replace your family member. However, we also believe that it is important to hold those liable accountable. We take on the job of gathering evidence, consulting specialists, and reviewing medical records to craft a winning legal strategy. No two wrongful death cases are alike, and we have the resources and dedication to get the results you need.

Handling wrongful death litigation is complicated. Don’t try to do it alone. Call Woron and Dhillon, LLC now to schedule a free consultation with our Sumter wrongful death lawyer. We have covered millions for clients. Our approach to delivering trusted advice and proven results will help secure financial justice for the loss of your loved one. Our lines are open 24/7. Don’t delay in getting the legal guidance necessary to get a successful outcome in your wrongful death claim.

Differences Between Wrongful Death And Criminal Homicide

According to our Sumter, SC wrongful death lawyer, when someone dies as a result of another person’s actions, the legal system may respond in more than one way. Two of the most common legal terms associated with such a loss are “wrongful death” and “criminal homicide.” Although they may stem from the same event, these terms represent two separate paths within the justice system. One addresses civil accountability, while the other deals with criminal punishment. We need to understand how these two differ, especially for families seeking both justice and compensation.

Purpose Of Each Legal Process

Criminal homicide is part of the criminal justice system. It is brought by the government to punish someone for violating criminal law. The goal is to hold the accused accountable for breaking the law and to protect society. Punishments can include jail time, fines, probation, or even life imprisonment.

On the other hand, a wrongful death claim is filed in civil court. This process focuses on compensating the family or estate of the deceased for their losses. That could include funeral costs, lost income, emotional suffering, and more. The purpose here isn’t punishment but financial recovery for the surviving family members.

Who Has The Authority To File

In a criminal homicide case, the decision to charge someone lies entirely with the local district attorney or prosecutor. Family members don’t get to file the charges themselves, although they may be asked to provide testimony or evidence. The government is the one bringing the case.

For wrongful death lawsuits, the deceased’s close family or legal representatives are the ones who bring the claim. That could be a spouse, parent, child, or the executor of the estate. These cases are driven by the family’s interests and often proceed even if no criminal charges are ever filed.

Burden Of Proof Is Different

One of the most important legal distinctions is the burden of proof. Criminal cases require prosecutors to prove the defendant’s guilt “beyond a reasonable doubt,” which is the highest standard of proof in law. If there’s any significant doubt, the accused cannot be convicted.

In civil wrongful death claims, the burden is lighter. Plaintiffs only need to show that it is “more likely than not” that the defendant’s actions caused the death. This lower threshold means someone could be found liable in a civil case even if they were not convicted in criminal court.

Outcomes And Penalties Vary

The potential outcomes also differ significantly. In criminal cases, if the accused is found guilty, they face penalties such as incarceration or probation. Our Sumter wrongful death lawyer knows that these punishments are designed to protect the public and provide justice.

Civil wrongful death cases result in monetary compensation. These funds are intended to help the family cover financial losses related to their loved one’s death. The result is not a criminal record or prison time, but rather a court-ordered payment from the defendant to the family.

Cases May Proceed Independently

It’s also important to know that these legal tracks can operate separately. A person might be tried for homicide and either convicted or acquitted, yet still face a wrongful death lawsuit. That means families may still have a chance to pursue accountability through a civil case, even if a criminal trial does not result in a conviction.

At Woron and Dhillon, LLC, we believe families deserve clear legal guidance during the most difficult seasons of life. Whether you’re seeking answers about legal responsibility or financial recovery after a sudden loss, we’re here to walk with you through the entire process. Reach out to our award-winning Sumter wrongful death lawyer today for a confidential, free consultation to discuss your legal options.