Home »
Myrtle Beach Wrongful Death Attorneys
With Law Offices in Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, and Litchfield
Do You Need Legal Help?
Reach Out to Our Attorneys
We Help You Fight Your Charges
Get Your Life Back on Track
Our Legal Team
We understand that the legal system is not set up in favor of defendants or plaintiffs. That is why we have shaped our entire practice to be client-centered and compassionate. Our lawyers take special care to explain the court process and ensure that clients feel heard and understood.
7 Costly Mistakes to Avoid After a Personal Injury in South Carolina
Learn what you should and shouldn't be doing to help your personal injury case in South Carolina. Submit your information below to download our free PDF Guide.
During this most difficult period of time in my life, Margaret Evans and the staff assisted me during my divorce. I needed legal counsel which was provided professionally and efficiently. Thank you for your prompt and courtesy service to me.
- Mark Hafenbreidel
Made the home closing process quick and easy! We appreciated their quick and clear communications, especially since our closing was over the holidays.
- Alyssa Burke
Client Reviews
See what our clients have to say about our law firm and the people who are a part of it.
Myrtle Beach Wrongful Death Attorneys
At McCutchen Vaught Geddie & Hucks, P.A., we understand how difficult it is to lose a loved one due to someone else’s carelessness or wrongdoing. We are here to support you during this challenging time, offering compassionate guidance while helping you navigate the legal process. If you are worried about how to pay your bills after losing a loved one who supported you financially, we want you to know that we are here to help. Our Myrtle Beach wrongful death attorneys are committed to pursuing full and fair compensation for families who have suffered such heartbreaking losses.
When someone you care about has passed away because of another party’s negligence, the grief and uncertainty can feel overwhelming. You may be dealing with funeral costs, medical bills, and the emotional weight of the loss, all while wondering how to hold the responsible party accountable. Our law firm offers free consultations to discuss your case, and we will begin working for you immediately after you hire us. We will not stop until we achieve the best possible outcome for your wrongful death claim.
What is a Wrongful Death Claim?
A wrongful death claim arises when a person’s death is caused by the negligent or intentional actions of another party. In South Carolina, these claims are governed by specific laws that allow certain family members to pursue financial compensation. Wrongful death cases often involve incidents like motor vehicle accidents, medical malpractice, workplace injuries, or defective products. Recent statistics show that wrongful death lawsuits have become increasingly common in South Carolina, with motor vehicle accidents alone claiming the lives of over 1,000 people in the state annually.
The purpose of a wrongful death claim is to provide surviving family members with financial compensation to address the losses they have suffered. While no amount of money can replace your loved one, holding the responsible party accountable can bring a sense of justice and help ease the financial burdens left behind.
Steps to Take After Losing a Loved One in Myrtle Beach Due to Wrongful Death
If you have lost a loved one in a wrongful death situation, there are several important steps to take to protect your rights and begin the process of seeking compensation. First, ensure that you gather and preserve any evidence related to the incident. This can include police reports, medical records, photographs, and witness statements. Next, you should reach out to an experienced wrongful death attorney to guide you through the legal process.
In South Carolina, only the executor or administrator of the deceased person’s estate can file a wrongful death lawsuit, but the damages recovered will go to the surviving family members. Your attorney will help you determine who is eligible to file the claim and ensure all legal requirements are met.
Filing a wrongful death lawsuit involves several steps. Your attorney will first investigate the circumstances of your loved one’s death and collect all necessary evidence. They will also work to identify all potential sources of compensation, which may include insurance policies or liable third parties. Next, your attorney will prepare and file the necessary legal documents in court, ensuring that your case complies with all deadlines and procedural rules. They will represent you in negotiations with insurance companies or in court if a trial becomes necessary.
Types of Damages Available in a Myrtle Beach Wrongful Death Case
In a wrongful death claim, surviving family members may be eligible to recover several types of damages. These damages are intended to address both the economic and emotional losses resulting from the death of a loved one. Economic damages may include medical bills incurred before your loved one’s passing, funeral and burial expenses, and the loss of your loved one’s financial contributions to your household.
Non-economic damages are meant to compensate for the emotional pain and suffering caused by the death. This can include the loss of companionship, guidance, and emotional support. In some cases, punitive damages may also be awarded if the responsible party’s actions were particularly reckless or intentional. These damages are designed to punish wrongful behavior and deter similar actions in the future.
Related Blogs
Step-by-Step Guide to Filing a Car Accident Claim in South Carolina
If you have recently been involved in a car accident, it’s completely normal to feel [...]
10 Things to Know About Car Accident Laws in South Carolina
If you’ve been involved in a car accident in South Carolina, you’re likely facing a [...]
Understanding Your Rights After a Car Accident in South Carolina
Being involved in a car accident is overwhelming. The confusion, the physical pain, and the [...]
Mistakes to Avoid After a Wrongful Death in Myrtle Beach
Losing a loved one is one of the most difficult experiences anyone can face. When that loss happens due to someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing, the pain can feel even more overwhelming. During this challenging time, it is important to make sure that you do not make mistakes that could affect your ability to seek justice for your loved one. Below are some common mistakes that people often make after a wrongful death in Myrtle Beach and how to avoid them.
Hiring an Attorney Who Is Not a Trial Attorney
When choosing an attorney to represent you after a wrongful death, it is essential to make sure that the attorney you hire has the skills necessary to take your case to trial if needed. Insurance companies are familiar with which attorneys are trial-ready and which ones are not. If you hire an attorney who does not have trial experience, the insurance company may try to take advantage of this by offering you a lower settlement. Having an attorney who is ready and able to go to trial can increase your chances of getting the compensation you deserve. At McCutchen Vaught Geddie & Hucks, P.A., we are experienced trial attorneys who are ready to fight for your rights in court if necessary.
Waiting Too Long to File a Lawsuit
In South Carolina, there is a time limit for filing a wrongful death lawsuit. This is known as the statute of limitations. If you wait too long, you may lose your right to pursue a claim entirely. It is important to act quickly to protect your rights and to make sure that evidence is preserved before it becomes harder to gather. Our team at McCutchen Vaught Geddie & Hucks, P.A. understands the urgency of wrongful death cases and will work with you to ensure that your claim is filed within the appropriate time frame.
Talking to The Insurance Company Without an Attorney
After a wrongful death, the insurance company may try to contact you to discuss a settlement. It is important to avoid speaking with the insurance company before consulting with an attorney. Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts and may try to get you to say something that could hurt your case. Without an attorney, you may not fully understand your rights or what you should and should not say. At McCutchen Vaught Geddie & Hucks, P.A., we can handle all communication with the insurance company on your behalf to protect your interests.
Wrongful Death Videos
Do I need an attorney for a wrongful death claim?
What is the process of a wrongful death claim?
Myrtle Beach Wrongful Death Client Story
This client story is for educational purposes only.
Elizabeth never thought her life would change so suddenly. One crisp afternoon, she kissed her husband, Michael, goodbye as he left on his motorcycle for a short ride. He loved the open road—the freedom, the wind, the sense of peace. She expected him back for dinner, but instead, her phone rang, and her world shattered. A driver, distracted by their phone, had turned directly into Michael’s path. He didn’t survive the crash.
The days that followed felt like a blur for Elizabeth. Grief was her constant companion. She couldn’t sleep, couldn’t eat, and every corner of their home reminded her of the man she lost. But there was something else—anger. Michael’s death wasn’t an accident. It could have been prevented if that driver had been paying attention. Elizabeth wanted justice for her husband, but she didn’t know where to begin.
A friend encouraged her to reach out to the Myrtle Beach wrongful death attorneys at McCutchen Vaught Geddie & Hucks, P.A. At first, she was hesitant. She didn’t know much about legal processes, and the idea of reliving the details of Michael’s death felt overwhelming. But from the moment Elizabeth met Gene Vaught, she felt a glimmer of hope.
Gene listened to Elizabeth’s story with genuine care. He wasn’t just interested in the facts of the case—he wanted to understand who Michael was. He asked about their life together, about the man Michael had been, and what his loss meant to her. For the first time since the accident, Elizabeth felt seen and heard.
Gene assured Elizabeth that she didn’t have to carry this burden alone. He explained the legal steps they could take to hold the driver accountable and to seek compensation for the financial and emotional toll her family had endured. More importantly, he gave her the confidence to move forward. He told her, “We’ll get through this together.”
As the case unfolded, Gene fought tirelessly for Elizabeth. He gathered evidence, interviewed witnesses, and worked to show just how devastating Michael’s loss had been—not only to Elizabeth but to everyone who loved him. Whenever she had questions or concerns, Gene was there to guide her. He was patient, understanding, and determined to get her the justice Michael deserved.
In the end, the case was resolved with a settlement that provided Elizabeth with financial security. It wouldn’t bring Michael back, but it gave her the peace of mind to focus on healing. More than that, it was a reminder that Michael’s life mattered—that his death wouldn’t be dismissed as just another accident.
Elizabeth often says that reaching out to McCutchen Vaught Geddie & Hucks, P.A. was the best decision she made during the darkest time in her life. Gene Vaught wasn’t just her attorney—he was her guide, her advocate, and a source of strength when she felt weakest.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wrongful Death Claims in Myrtle Beach, SC
Losing a loved one due to someone else’s negligence is a devastating experience, leaving families with questions about their rights and options. Below are answers to common questions people have when seeking justice for a wrongful death in Myrtle Beach.
What is a wrongful death claim, and who can file one in Myrtle Beach?
A wrongful death claim is a legal action brought against a person or entity whose negligence or intentional actions caused someone’s death. In South Carolina, the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate is responsible for filing the claim. This individual is typically named in the will or appointed by the probate court. Although the representative files the claim, any damages awarded benefit the surviving family members, such as the spouse, children, or parents.
What damages can be recovered in a wrongful death case?
In Myrtle Beach wrongful death cases, the law allows families to seek compensation for several types of losses. These may include medical bills, funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial support, and the pain and suffering endured by the deceased before their passing. Families can also seek damages for the emotional pain and loss of companionship they have experienced due to the death of their loved one. Each case is unique, and the specific damages recoverable depend on the circumstances of the loss.
How long do I have to file a wrongful death claim in Myrtle Beach?
The statute of limitations for wrongful death claims in South Carolina is typically three years from the date of the loved one’s death. Missing this deadline can result in the case being dismissed, so it is important to act promptly. Consulting Myrtle Beach wrongful death attorneys as soon as possible ensures that critical deadlines are met and evidence is preserved.
What if the deceased was partially at fault for the accident?
South Carolina follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means that as long as the deceased was not more than 50% responsible for the accident, the family may still recover damages. However, the amount of compensation awarded will be reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to the deceased. Myrtle Beach wrongful death attorneys can review the details of your case to help determine how this rule may apply.
How do wrongful death attorneys in Myrtle Beach help with these cases?
Attorneys experienced in wrongful death cases provide support by handling legal paperwork, negotiating with insurance companies, and advocating for your family’s rights in court if necessary. They can investigate the circumstances of the death, gather evidence, and work to build a strong case to seek fair compensation for your losses. Hiring the right attorney allows families to focus on healing while legal matters are managed on their behalf.
How much does it cost to hire a wrongful death attorney in Myrtle Beach?
Many wrongful death attorneys in Myrtle Beach work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if they recover compensation for you. This fee structure makes pursuing justice more accessible because families do not have to worry about upfront legal costs. During an initial consultation, attorneys can explain their fee structure and answer any questions about costs.
Contact Our Myrtle Beach Wrongful Death Attorneys For Help Today
Losing a loved one because of someone else’s carelessness or wrongful actions is one of the hardest things any family can face. During such a difficult time, you deserve compassionate legal help to hold the responsible parties accountable and to seek justice for your loved one. At McCutchen Vaught Geddie & Hucks, P.A., our Myrtle Beach wrongful death attorneys understand the emotional and financial struggles families face after such a loss. We are committed to providing the guidance you need and pursuing the compensation you deserve.
Our firm offers free consultations to discuss your wrongful death claim and determine the best steps forward for your family. We understand how overwhelming this process can feel, which is why we make it as stress-free as possible. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you never owe any legal fees unless we achieve a successful outcome in your case. This ensures that everyone has access to justice, regardless of financial circumstances.
If you have lost a loved one due to wrongful death in Myrtle Beach, SC, do not wait to reach out. Time limits exist for filing a claim, and acting promptly helps preserve important evidence and strengthen your case. Call McCutchen Vaught Geddie & Hucks, P.A. today to schedule your free consultation. Let us help you seek justice and find the path toward healing.
I have used this law firm for years. Not only are they professional but very personal and compassionate. Everyone there has been such a blessing in times when I needed it the most. Gene Vaught has been my attorney for the past 24 years and has always gone above and beyond in any and every way. So thanks y’all and keep up the great work.