{"id":1467,"date":"2017-05-18T22:43:12","date_gmt":"2017-05-18T22:43:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sinklaw.com\/?page_id=1467"},"modified":"2026-06-12T15:49:48","modified_gmt":"2026-06-12T19:49:48","slug":"wrongful-death","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.sinklaw.com\/personal-injury\/wrongful-death\/","title":{"rendered":"Wrongful Death Lawyers Serving South Carolina, Georgia & North Carolina"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\n
<\/div>\n
\n

Quick Answer<\/p>\n

What is a wrongful death claim?<\/strong>
\nUnder South Carolina law (S.C. Code \u00a7 15-51-10), a wrongful death claim is a civil action that allows surviving family members to seek compensation when a loved one dies due to another party’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional wrongdoing. Families generally have three years<\/strong> from the date of death to file a lawsuit.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Losing someone you love to an accident that should never have happened is devastating. No legal case can undo that loss. But if your family member died because of someone else\u2019s negligence, you have a right to hold the responsible party accountable and pursue compensation that helps your family move forward.<\/span><\/p>\n

At George Sink Injury Lawyers, our wrongful death attorneys have spent more than 40 years advocating for families across South Carolina, Georgia, and North Carolina. Founded by Vietnam Veteran George Sink, Sr., our firm was built on the belief that every family deserves access to experienced, compassionate legal representation \u2014 regardless of their financial situation.<\/span><\/p>\n

We handle wrongful death cases on a contingency fee basis, which means <\/span>you pay nothing unless we win your case.<\/b> Call <\/span>(888) 612-7001<\/b> today for a free, no-obligation case review<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"South
If your loved one was killed because of another’s negligence, talk to a South Carolina wrongful death lawyer at George Sink Injury Lawyers<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

We Know How To Protect Your Rights And We Are Ready To Fight For You! <\/p> Give Us A Call \u00bb <\/a><\/div><\/div>

What Is a Wrongful Death Claim in South Carolina?<\/b><\/h2>\n

A wrongful death occurs when a person dies as a direct result of another party\u2019s wrongful act, neglect, or default. South Carolina\u2019s wrongful death statute (S.C. Code \u00a7 15-51-10) provides a legal pathway for the deceased person\u2019s survivors to file a civil lawsuit against the party responsible for the fatal injury.<\/span><\/p>\n

The legal standard is straightforward: if the deceased would have been able to file a personal injury claim had they survived, their family can pursue a wrongful death action instead. This applies whether the death resulted from an accident, a medical error, a defective product, or even a criminal act.<\/span><\/p>\n

It is important to understand that a wrongful death lawsuit is a civil proceeding, not a criminal case. The burden of proof is lower than in criminal court. Your attorney must demonstrate liability by a \u201cpreponderance of the evidence\u201d \u2014 meaning it is more likely than not that the defendant\u2019s actions caused the death. A separate criminal prosecution may proceed at the same time, and a wrongful death claim can be filed regardless of whether criminal charges are brought.<\/span><\/p>\n

Our Wrongful Death Lawyer Near Me(888) 612-7001<\/a><\/p>

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in South Carolina?<\/b><\/h2>\n

South Carolina law is specific about who may bring a wrongful death action. Under S.C. Code \u00a7 15-51-20, only the executor or administrator of the deceased person\u2019s estate can file the lawsuit. This is a common point of confusion for families \u2014 the surviving spouse, children, or parents are the beneficiaries of the claim, but they do not file it directly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Here is how the process works:<\/span><\/p>\n