Top 5 Mistakes People Make after a Wrongful Death

After a death in the family, things can be chaotic and complicated.  You may be wondering what your various rights and options are.  One of the most important things you can do after a wrongful death is avoid making classic mistakes that many people make in the aftermath of wrongful deaths.  Read on to discover the top five mistakes people make after a wrongful death, as well as what you should do instead.

Giving a Public Statement

Depending on the nature of the wrongful death, the media may be attentive.  You or a loved one may be asked to give a statement on what happened.  For instance, a local media outlet may contact your family.  Avoid making any kind of statement on the events, particularly if you intend to seek out a legal remedy.  A public statement can really only harm your cause. 

Waiting too Long to File a Claim

It can be difficult to think about the legality of a situation after the death of a loved one.  However, it is important to take quick action to secure your rights and any potential remedies.  In South Carolina, you have only three years to pursue your wrongful death claim.  After that, what’s called the statute of limitations will have expired; you will have bumped up against the non-optional deadline and will not be able to file your claim.  Remember that it takes a long time to gather the necessary information and paperwork to prepare to file the claim.  Instead, take action quickly.

Communicating with the Other Side

Insurance companies and those representing the other side’s interests are not representing yours.  They may seem helpful, but are generally gathering additional information to be used in the case.  Even a seemingly innocent conversation may potentially be used against you.  Instead, speak only to your attorney about the matter, and ask before divulging potentially damaging information about your claim to other parties.

Accepting a Low Settlement

A wrongful death settlement should adequately cover the compensation of medical expenses, funeral expenses, loss of consortium, loss of future earnings, and pain and suffering of the decedent.  Insurance companies and those representing the other side of your claim may attempt to pressure you into a settlement.  Think very carefully about it before settling and speak to your attorney, who can advise you. 

Not Hiring a Skillful Attorney

If you are going to pursue a wrongful death claim, you want only the best at your side.  Wrongful death claims are not like other types of personal injury claims, and should be handled by an attorney with experience handling wrongful death claims.  A skillful Columbia wrongful death attorney will be able to tell you whether you have a claim at all and whether your case is worth pursuing.  Contact one today at The Stanley Law Group.  Call 803-799-4700 and set up a consultation.

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