Losing a loved one because of someone else’s negligence or reckless behavior is devastating. The grief, anger, and uncertainty that follow can feel unbearable. No one should have to endure such a loss alone. If you are facing this difficult situation, you’ve come to the right place. A Charleston wrongful death lawyer can assist with all aspects of your claim, hold the responsible party accountable, and improve your chances of obtaining maximum compensation.
Since 1968, Joye Law Firm has been helping families in Charleston, just like yours, seek justice after wrongful deaths. Our caring team will guide you through the legal process while ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.
While no amount of money can replace your loved one, fair compensation can ease financial strain and provide a sense of justice. Our team is ready to listen to your story, answer your questions, and fight for your family. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Our Firm’s Commitment to Seeking Justice for Wrongful Death Victims
At Joye Law Firm, we understand the profound impact of losing a loved one due to negligence. Our experienced attorneys fight to hold those responsible accountable and secure justice for grieving families.
Justice for Avid Cyclist
Kris Cotton, an adventurous spirit and devoted cyclist, was tragically killed while biking along Highway 17 in South Carolina. Despite following traffic laws, he was struck by a negligent driver who claimed Kris veered into his lane. Our investigation, led by attorney Jeff Gerardi, uncovered security footage disproving the driver’s claim. This key evidence resulted in a $1.25 million settlement for Kris’ family, providing justice and financial relief.
Accountability for Annie O’Brien’s Tragic Death
Six-year-old Annie O’Brien was struck and killed by a car while exiting her school bus. Although the initial police investigation found no fault, our legal team uncovered that the bus company violated safety standards and had an unsafe drop-off point. Through diligent investigation and mediation, we secured a confidential settlement, holding the bus company accountable and offering closure to Annie’s grieving parents.
Holding General Motors Accountable for Fatal Roof Crush
A woman tragically lost her life when her 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer rolled over, causing the roof to crush inward. Joye Law Firm filed a claim against General Motors, arguing the roof was defectively designed and failed to provide adequate protection. Our legal team engaged experts to prove the roof’s weakness and General Motors’ awareness of the defect. After extensive litigation across multiple states, Joye Law Firm achieved a confidential settlement, providing the victim’s family with justice and financial relief and leading to higher vehicle safety standards in the industry.
If you’ve lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, you need a law firm experienced in dealing with wrongful death cases. Contact us for a free consultation. We serve clients across South Carolina from our offices in Charleston, North Charleston, Columbia, Myrtle Beach, Summerville, and Clinton.
What Constitutes a Wrongful Death in South Carolina?
Wrongful death occurs when someone loses their life due to another party’s negligent, reckless, or intentional actions. South Carolina’s wrongful death laws allow certain family members to seek compensation when their loved one’s death could have been prevented if reasonable care had been exercised.
Common Causes of Wrongful Death
Many types of accidents and intentional acts can lead to wrongful death claims. Some of the most common causes include:
- Motor Vehicle Accidents: Fatal crashes happen all too often in Charleston, from collisions on Savannah Highway to tragic wrecks along St. Andrews Boulevard and Sam Rittenberg Boulevard. Whether caused by a distracted driver, a drunk motorist, or a defective vehicle, these crashes can leave families grieving and searching for answers.
- Medical Malpractice: A doctor, nurse, or hospital may be responsible for a wrongful death when medical negligence occurs. This can result from a misdiagnosis, surgical error, or medication mistake and can lead to fatal complications. This also covers cases related to nursing home abuse and negligence.
- Workplace Accidents: Dangerous jobs in industries like construction, manufacturing, and shipping put workers at risk of fatal injuries. From accidents at the Port of Charleston to incidents at construction sites, these tragedies often stem from unsafe working conditions or defective equipment.
- Defective Products: Manufacturers must ensure their products are safe. When a defective drug, faulty car part, or hazardous household product leads to death, the company responsible should be held accountable. Many wrongful death claims involving defective products fall under mass tort litigation, where multiple people suffer harm from the same issue.
- Premises Liability Incidents: Property owners in Charleston County, including businesses, landlords, and government agencies, must maintain safe premises. A slip-and-fall, drowning in a poorly maintained pool, or a fatal attack due to inadequate security could lead to a wrongful death claim.
- Negligent Security: When a person is killed due to assault, homicide, or other criminal acts at a place of business, the perpetrator may face criminal charges. However, families can also pursue civil action against the business owner if their actions or negligence led to the wrongful death.
