Edgefield County Wrongful Death Lawyer

Rated 4.9 stars on Google

Call Hawk Law Group now to discuss your wrongful death case in Edgefield County and learn how we can help.

How Much Is My Case Worth?

Every case is different. Answer a few questions so our team can review what happened.

Start Your Free Case Review
Featured Case Result
$1,850,000 Wrongful Death

Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every case is different and must be evaluated on its own facts.

24/7 Live Response
71+ Years Combined
5 GA & SC Offices

Client Testimonials.

"

Shawn was the right choice for me in my greatest time of need. He was responsive, knowledgeable, and well respected in the legal community. Very personable and from our meetings and phone calls I can tell he is not only an honorable Lawyer but a good man. I am glad that I trusted him to do a good job, which he delivered on.

Jesse
"

Right from the start when I went in for a free consultation, I knew Shawn Merzlak was the lawyer for me ! Every question I had it’s like he answered without me asking. He is very knowledgeable in what he does and very intelligent…

TIM F.
"

Shawn Merzlak was by far the best attorney for us because he thoroughly explained his plan for us and had the confidence and legal know-how to get our case resolved. He showed more compassion than any other attorney and made me feel confident and better about our legal matter, which could’ve been long and drawn out…

Amanda
"

I want to thank you for all you did for my husband and I regarding our car accident. You and your team went above and beyond- taking care of my medical bills with the insurance company and Medicare. You’re easy to work with, and I must say the whole thing was taken care of without causing me any stress or anxiety…

MS B
"

If you are ever in need of a lawyer. This is something we never know. l would highly recommend Victor Hawk and Group because Mr. Hawk has been around for a long time he is well like and respect in our community. Mr. Hawk and his stuff make you feel comfortable and relax and that means a lot to me…

DEBRA D.
"

Thank God for a great team of lawyers to get the work done with professionalism and tact. This experience could not have been any better without their hard work. This was my very first time dealing with lawyers and suing someone and now I have a very high expectations of lawyers from here on out…

(GOOGLE REVIEW)
"

Good people who care about their clients

BRAD RENTZ
"

He’s very thorough and let’s just say he gets the job done!!

CHRISTY LONG
Edgefield County Wrongful Death Lawyer

Your family might be entitled to compensation if a family member has recently died in an accident in Edgefield County, SC. Don’t try to navigate these difficult days alone. The experienced Edgefield County wrongful death lawyers at Hawk Law Group can help you fight for the accountability you deserve.

Hawk Law Group is a leader in personal injury litigation in South Carolina and Georgia, fighting for victims of tragic accidents and their families. When you choose our law firm, you’ll benefit from a team with 71+ years of legal experience that’s won tens of millions in life-changing financial awards.

Contact our law office to discover why our team is the one you’ll want on your side as you take on insurance companies and at-fault parties. Give us a call or reach out to us online to arrange your free consultation now.

How Hawk Law Group Can Help You After a Fatal Accident in Edgefield County, SC

How Hawk Law Group Can Help You After a Fatal Accident in Edgefield County, SC

While money will not bring your family member back to you, it can make a huge difference as you grieve and move forward with your life. However, insurance companies won’t be sympathetic to your situation - at least not genuinely. They’ll work hard to limit how much money you can get - or if you can get compensation at all.

The best way to increase the odds of a win and give yourself the time you need to grieve is by calling our Edgefield County personal injury lawyers for help.

We have decades of experience handling the toughest personal injury cases in South Carolina. We’re top-rated litigators with a demonstrated ability to win big for our clients.

When you trust us to handle your wrongful death case, we will:

  • Investigate the circumstances surrounding your loved one’s fatal accident
  • Gather and analyze evidence to build and strengthen your claim for damages
  • Defend your family member against allegations that they share blame for the accident that caused their death
  • Seek damages from all liable parties
  • Work closely with leading experts and specialists whenever appropriate
  • Negotiate to get the best possible terms in a settlement agreement on your behalf
  • Have a respected trial attorney bring your case to a jury in Edgefield County if insurance companies refuse to negotiate fairly

Our law office works on contingency, so there’s never an upfront cost to ask for our help. You only pay for our legal representation if we win your case. No win, no fee. Guaranteed.

Get in touch with us by calling our team or reaching out to us online. We offer a free consultation, so contact us to get started now in Edgefield County, South Carolina.

How Do I Know If I Have a Wrongful Death Case?

Wrongful death, defined by S.C. Code Ann. § 15-51-10, refers to a death that is “caused by the wrongful act, neglect or default of another.” 

Simply put, the death would not have happened if the defendant had exercised reasonable care.

As a surviving close family member, you may have the right to file a wrongful death action if, had your loved one survived, they would have had the right to file a lawsuit for damages themselves.

In South Carolina, wrongful death cases can arise after any type of traumatic accident or event, such as:

Here’s the takeaway: any death that could have been avoided, but happened because of someone else’s intentionally harmful or negligent conduct, may give rise to a wrongful death action.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Edgefield County, SC?

In South Carolina, a wrongful death lawsuit can only be filed by the victim’s personal representative or executor. This will be the person named in their will or appointed by a judge if there is no will.

The lawsuit, however, is filed on behalf of surviving family members.

Only certain family members can benefit from a wrongful death case. Primary beneficiaries are the victim’s spouse and/or child(ren). 

If the victim has no surviving spouse or child, damages in a wrongful death matter will go to the victim’s parents.

If there are no surviving spouses, children, or parents, damages will be awarded to other heirs.

What Is My Wrongful Death Case Worth After a Fatal Accident in Edgefield County?

The value of a wrongful death case will depend on a number of different factors, such as:

  • The victim’s age at the time of the fatal accident
  • The victim’s life expectancy
  • The victim’s income and the financial support they provided for their family
  • Whether the victim’s own negligence contributed to the accident
  • How the victim’s death impacts surviving family members
  • Out-of-pocket costs for medical bills, a funeral, and other related expenses

While every case is different, personal injury cases involving a fatality are often worth quite a bit of money. According to the National Safety Council, the average comprehensive cost of a fatal car accident is roughly $11.4 Million. 

Of course, every situation is incredibly different. Not everyone will recover seven figures when a family member dies. All of these factors (and more) must be taken into consideration. It’s best to discuss your specific situation with an experienced Edgefield County personal injury attorney. Call Hawk Law Group to get started with a free case assessment today.

What Damages Are Available to Beneficiaries in a South Carolina Wrongful Death Case?

You can expect to recover compensation for your financial losses (economic damages) and pain and suffering (non-economic damages) when you file a wrongful death lawsuit in Edgefield County, SC.

This can include money for:

  • Medical bills paid prior to death
  • Funeral and burial/cremation expenses
  • Property damage
  • Loss of financial support, including wages, benefits, and other income
  • Pain and suffering
  • Loss of care and companionship
  • Loss of experience, judgment, and guidance

If your family member was killed because of another person’s “willful, wanton, or reckless conduct,” punitive damages might be available. This might apply in situations involving drunk driving, hit and run car accidents, or product liability matters where a company intentionally concealed potential risks.

How Long Do I Have to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Edgefield County, South Carolina?

The statute of limitations for wrongful death lawsuits in South Carolina is three years. This gives you three years from the date of a loved one’s death to file a wrongful death claim with an Edgefield County court.

Don’t let too much time go by without taking action. You will lose the right to file a claim and recover compensation if you let the statute of limitations expire.

What Happens If the Victim is Blamed in a South Carolina Wrongful Death Case?

Your loved one isn’t around, and insurance companies and those responsible for their death might try to take advantage of that. How? By pointing fingers and trying to blame them for their fatal accident. 

Under South Carolina law, anyone who contributes to an accident can share responsibility for the consequences. When a victim contributes, their financial award is adjusted based on their role. Once liability is at or exceeds 51 percent, the right to damages goes away.

This means that you may lose the right to recover compensation in a wrongful death action if your family member was at least 51 percent at fault for their fatal accident.

Many times, these allegations aren’t based on facts or supported by evidence. Our law firm will be ready for these tactics and prepared to stand up and give your deceased family member a voice. We’ll work hard to discount the claims and limit how much fault they’re assigned if they do share some blame.

The less liability they share, the more money you can potentially get when your wrongful death case is resolved.

Schedule a Free Case Evaluation With an Edgefield County Wrongful Death Lawyer

Have you recently lost a spouse, child, or parent in a fatal accident in Edgefield County, South Carolina? If so, you may be entitled to compensation for resulting financial costs and your emotional distress. The experienced Edgefield County wrongful death lawyers at Hawk Law Group can help you fight to maximize your financial recovery.

Contact our law office to discover more about our legal representation and why you’ll want our award-winning attorneys in Edgefield County on your side. We’re ready to put decades of experience and a demonstrated ability to win behind your case. Call to schedule your free consultation now - our team is standing by.

Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Edgefield County Wrongful Death Lawyer

Did you sustain an injury at work or develop an occupational illness? If so, hiring an experienced edgefield county wrongful death lawyer can be essential for your fight for benefits.

(888) 771-1110
✓
Five offices across Georgia & SC
✓
Available 24/7
✓
Spanish-speaking support
✓
No fee unless we win

Request your free consultation

    By submitting this form you agree to be contacted regarding your case. No fee unless we win.

    Areas We Serve

    The personal injury lawyers at Hawk Law Group represent accident victims throughout the Central Savannah River Area, including Augusta, Avera, Belvedere, Blythe, Crawfordville, Davisboro, Evans, Gibson, Grovetown, Harlem, Hephzibah, Jackson, Lincolnton, Louisville, Martinez, Millen, New Ellenton, North Augusta, Sandersville, Sparta, Stapleton, Thomson, Warrenton, Waynesboro, and all surrounding communities in Aiken, Edgefield, and Richmond Counties.

    About Our Firm

    Hawk Law Group is a personal injury law firm serving clients in Augusta, GA, and surrounding areas. With over 71 years of combined experience, we have recovered hundreds of millions on behalf of injury victims. Contact us for help today.