Georgetown Attorneys for Wrongful Death by Electrocution

Losing a loved one in an accident that was someone else’s fault is devastating. Along with the emotional impact of losing companionship and possibly having to continue on as a single parent, survivors often shoulder the financial burden of reduced income as well as high funeral costs. It’s difficult enough to handle your grief alone. You shouldn’t have to face financial hardships as well.

Did you lose a loved one in an electrocution accident because of someone else’s negligence or recklessness? If so, you might be entitled to compensation, and we can help. Our dedicated Georgetown wrongful death attorneys of Evans Moore, LLC are standing by to give you a free consultation. Call us today at (843) 995-5000 to get started.

Electrician at risk of death of electrocution working on power lines

Common Causes of Wrongful Death by Electrocution

According to the latest data from Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI), electrical fatalities accounted for 126 deaths in a single year. Most people use some form of electrical energy every day, and many use or interact with machinery and devices that could cause electric shock.

An electrocution death could be caused by:

Power Lines – Contact with power lines (either underground or overhead) can cause electrocution. This typically happens when equipment touches the wires, such as cranes, ladders, or other tools.
Exposed Electrical Sources – Appliances and electrical outlets that have not been properly maintained can lead to cases of electrocution. Faulty or exposed wiring can present a hazard, as can frayed electrical cords and surge protectors with high-power loads.
Power Company Negligence – Power companies have an obligation to trim trees that could potentially make contact or interfere with ungrounded lines or supply conductors. When they neglect to do so, tree trimming professionals and others are put at risk of electrocution injury or death.
Premises Liability – Property owners have a duty to maintain safety in and around their premises. This includes ensuring that the public is not exposed to hazardous electrical objects and wiring and that all outlets are properly secured. Swimming pool owners who don’t undertake regular, appropriate maintenance put swimmers at risk. Faulty pumps, lamps, and wiring can all cause swimmers to be electrocuted.
Wall Outlets – Consumer appliances that have not been properly grounded or are otherwise defective can cause electrocution. Negligent construction or repair work can also create electrocution hazards, even at standard household current. Along with electrocution risk, faulty or aging wiring in the home can cause a substantial fire risk as well. Contractors and property owners can be found liable for hazardous wiring as well as unsafe conditions in the home.

What Is the Legal Duty of Care?

Product manufacturers have a duty of care to ensure their products are free of defects. Manufacturers might be liable for their products that malfunction and cause electrocution.

Business owners and those who own and operate public areas like swimming pools and amusement parks owe a duty of care to anyone on the property who is legally entitled to be there. Owners of apartment complexes owe a duty of care to tenants that the property is free from hazards, such as faulty wiring and defective appliances.

Why Does the Legal Duty of Care Matter for Wrongful Death by Electrocution?

If someone you love has been killed in an electrocution accident caused by someone else, a wrongful death attorney can work to prove that the at-fault party breached their legal duty of care, and that’s what caused the accident. Your lawyer’s investigation might result in any of the following:

Proving that there was an electrical hazard present on the property
Establishing that the liable party did not properly maintain equipment or appliances
Proving that the at-fault party did not properly train employees and that lack of training led to the hazardous condition
Showing negligence in some other way, such as refusing to keep up with regular safety checks

Once a Georgetown attorney for wrongful death by electrocution can establish that the defendant breached their legal duty of care, they could work to recover compensation for you and your family based on several different types of losses.

What Types of Compensation Is Available in a Wrongful Death by Electrocution Case?

While no amount of compensation could be sufficient for the horrible loss that you and your family have suffered, it could help ease some of the financial strain that you’re facing in this difficult time.

After filing a wrongful death claim or lawsuit, your South Carolina injury and victim’s rights attorney could pursue compensation for you to cover:

Medical expenses and hospital bills related to the accident
Funeral costs and miscellaneous burial expenses
Loss of future income and reduced quality of life
Loss of decedent’s benefits (insurance, retirement account, pension)
Loss of companionship, support, care, and love

The specific total amount of compensation will depend on the circumstances of the accident and the particular losses that you and your family have suffered, but a Georgetown attorney for wrongful death by electrocution will be able to give you a clearer idea of what to expect following a consultation.

Who Can Receive Compensation in South Carolina for Electrocution Wrongful Death Cases?

Any wrongful death claim in South Carolina must be filed by the executor of the deceased’s estate. If they have no executor, then a court will appoint one for the family. The executor will then file on behalf of the beneficiaries.

Under South Carolina law, section 15-51-20 holds that wrongful death beneficiaries are as follows, in the order that they are listed:

The deceased’s surviving spouse and children
If the decedent has no surviving spouse or children, then their surviving parents
If they have neither surviving parents, children, or spouse, then their legal heirs

Evans Moore, LLC Can Help You with Your Electrocution Wrongful Death Case

Here at Evans Moore, LLC, we advocate for our clients and fight for justice on their behalf. Attorneys James Moore III, Scott Evans, and James Moore, Jr. have over 70 years of combined experience. If your loved one died because of someone else’s negligence or recklessness, we could help. Our consultations are free, and you pay nothing unless we get compensation for you. Call our Georgetown attorneys for wrongful death by electrocution today at (843) 995-5000 to get started.