Losing a loved one is always painful, but when it happens behind bars because of neglect, abuse, or outright disregard, the grief comes with a deep sense of injustice. Families in this situation deserve answers – and accountability. At Evans Moore, LLC, we stand with those who’ve lost someone in custody, fighting to uncover the truth and hold the right people responsible. Hire a South Carolina prisoner wrongful death attorney to help your claim.
Jails and prisons will do everything possible to cover up negligence or wrongdoing, but you don’t have to take their word for it. Your loved one’s life matters, and you have every right to demand justice. We’re here to help. Call (843) 995-5000 for a free consultation. Let our lawyers discuss what happened and share what legal options you have. You don’t have to go through this alone.
What Is a Wrongful Death in Custody?
When someone dies while in police custody, jail, or correctional facilities, there is always the question of whether that death could have been prevented. In far too many cases, inmates die because correctional officers, medical staff, or law enforcement fail to provide proper care or even use excessive force. A wrongful death in custody can happen for many reasons, including:
- Medical Neglect – Inmates have a constitutional right to medical care. That means prison or jail officials are legally required to get them treatment if they are sick or injured. Unfortunately, that does not always happen. Some inmates suffer and die because their medical conditions are ignored or dismissed.
- Excessive Force – Correctional officers and law enforcement have a duty to maintain order. Still, when they cross the line and use unnecessary or brutal force, it can lead to serious injuries or death.
- Suicide Due to Neglect – Jails and prisons are responsible for monitoring inmates who are at risk of suicide. They can be held accountable if they fail to do so or ignore clear signs of distress.
- Violence from Other Inmates – Facilities are responsible for keeping inmates safe, including protecting them from known threats. If your loved one was attacked and killed by another inmate due to lack of supervision or known gang violence, the prison or jail could be liable.
- Unsanitary or Unsafe Conditions – Overcrowding, lack of proper medical care, inadequate food, and overall dangerous conditions can contribute to preventable deaths.
Such deaths can be considered ‘cruel and unusual punishment’ under the Eighth Amendment and can form the basis of a wrongful death in custody claim.
If your loved one died in a South Carolina jail or prison and you suspect neglect or misconduct played a role, it is time to take action. An experienced South Carolina inmate wrongful death lawyer at Evans Moore, LLC can help you get the answers you deserve.
Wrongful Death in Custody: A Widespread Problem in South Carolina
The unfortunate reality is that wrongful deaths in custody happen far too often, leaving families devastated and searching for answers. Between 2015 and 2021, at least 777 prisoners died in South Carolina jails and prisons. Many of these deaths could have been prevented if facilities had taken proper precautions, followed medical protocols, and provided adequate supervision. Prison guards play a significant role in these wrongful deaths, as their actions or inactions can directly impact inmate safety.
When someone is incarcerated, they lose certain freedoms, but they do not lose their right to humane treatment, medical care, and basic safety. Jails and prisons must protect those in their custody. They should be held accountable when they fail – whether through neglect, abuse, or deliberate indifference. Prison abuse is a contributing factor to many wrongful deaths, highlighting the need for proper legal representation for victims. No family should endure this loss without answers, and no facility should be allowed to ignore its responsibilities.
$10 Million Jail Medical Negligence Verdict in Williamsburg County
A recent jury verdict shows exactly how hard Evans Moore, LLC fights for people who are harmed in custody. In Williamsburg County, the firm tried a jail medical negligence case to verdict on behalf of Christopher Williamson, who suffered catastrophic injuries after nearly three weeks without proper medical care while detained at the Williamsburg County Detention Center.
- A Williamsburg County jury awarded $10 million after hearing evidence of nearly three weeks of gross medical neglect, including untreated benzodiazepine withdrawal, multiple seizures, strokes, and the development of stage 4 pressure ulcers while Mr. Williamson was left immobile on a concrete floor.
- The verdict included $700,000 in economic damages for medical expenses and lost earnings and $9.3 million in non‑economic damages for the pain, suffering, and permanent disabilities Mr. Williamson will live with for the rest of his life.
- The jury found both Southern Health Partners, a private healthcare company that contracts with county jails, and its local medical director liable for failing to provide safe and competent care to a person in obvious need.
This $10 million result reflects Evans Moore, LLC’s willingness to take complex inmate medical negligence cases to trial and its ability to hold private correctional healthcare providers and their leadership accountable when they ignore serious medical needs in a South Carolina jail.
Why Choose Our South Carolina Jail and Prison Wrongful Death Lawyers
Families dealing with a death or catastrophic harm in custody need more than sympathy. They need a South Carolina jail and prison wrongful death lawyer with substantial experience, a proven record of results, and recognition for handling high‑stakes cases across the state.
- Proven results in inmate medical negligence and wrongful death cases – In addition to the $10 million Williamsburg County jail medical negligence verdict for Christopher Williamson, Evans Moore, LLC has secured multiple seven‑figure and high six‑figure results in custody cases, including a $1,325,000 settlement for prison misconduct and medical negligence, a $1,200,000 settlement for prison misconduct and neglect, a confidential settlement in excess of $1 million in a jail misconduct and neglect case, and a $600,000 settlement for the wrongful death of an inmate. To see more jail and prison misconduct case results, visit our case results page.
- Award‑winning trial lawyers – Firm attorneys including James B. Moore III and Scott C. Evans have been selected for Super Lawyers and Rising Stars in South Carolina personal injury law, and have repeatedly appeared on “Top 10 Jury Verdicts in South Carolina” lists as well as national top‑verdict rankings.
- Focus on complex medical and institutional cases – The firm regularly handles medical malpractice, traumatic brain injury, wrongful death, and institutional negligence claims involving jails, prisons, and private correctional healthcare companies, working closely with medical, forensic, and corrections experts to build strong inmate wrongful death and wrongful death in custody cases.
- Client‑first, contingency‑fee representation – Evans Moore, LLC represents families on a contingency‑fee basis with no upfront attorney’s fees, conducts thorough investigations, and keeps clients informed so they can focus on grieving and healing while the firm pursues accountability.
When you hire Evans Moore, LLC, you are choosing a South Carolina inmate wrongful death and jail/prison wrongful death team with a verified track record of holding detention centers, private medical contractors, and their leadership accountable, and winning life‑changing results for people harmed in custody.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit for an Inmate’s Death in South Carolina?
In South Carolina, only certain family members can benefit from a wrongful death lawsuit when an inmate dies due to negligence, abuse, or misconduct. Generally, the right to recover belongs to:
- The surviving spouse
- The deceased’s children
- The deceased’s parents (if there is no spouse or children)
However, the exclusive right to file a lawsuit under South Carolina law lies with the personal representative of the deceased’s estate, who does so on the beneficiaries’ behalf. If you are unsure whether you have the legal right to take action, we can help you understand your eligibility and explore your options for seeking justice on behalf of your loved one.
What Damages Can Be Recovered in a South Carolina Prison Wrongful Death Case?
Losing a loved one in custody is heartbreaking, and when their death could have been prevented, families have the right to fight back. While no amount of money can bring them back, a lawsuit can help bring some sense of justice and ease the financial strain that comes with an unexpected loss. Financial compensation is important for addressing both emotional and economic damages incurred by the families. Families may be able to recover compensation for:
- Funeral and burial costs
- Medical bills related to their injury or illness
- The pain and suffering they went through before passing
- Loss of companionship, emotional support, and guidance
- The financial support they would have provided
Jails and prisons don’t like to take the blame. They drag out investigations, hide information, and try to make it seem like nothing could have been done to stop it. But the truth is, many of these deaths could have been prevented. That’s why having a strong legal team on your side is so important. We dig deep to uncover what happened, hold the right people accountable, and fight to get families the justice they deserve.
Challenges in Wrongful Death Cases Against South Carolina Jails and Prisons
Going after a South Carolina jail, prison, or law enforcement agency for a wrongful death in custody isn’t easy. These inmate wrongful death cases come with many challenges that can make getting justice even harder. Some of the biggest roadblocks include:
- Jails and Prisons Hide Information – They drag their feet on investigations, leave out important details, or twist the story to protect themselves instead of admitting abuse or misconduct.
- Law Enforcement Tries to Dodge Lawsuits – Officers and prison staff often claim legal immunity, making holding them accountable for negligence or wrongdoing tougher.
- Investigations Aren’t Always Fair – In many cases, the same people running the jail or prison are the ones investigating the inmate’s death, which makes it hard to trust the outcome.
The South Carolina Department of Corrections plays an integral role in these cases, providing the legal frameworks for inmate treatment and protections under federal laws.
At Evans Moore, LLC, we understand how to cut through the red tape and demand accountability in wrongful death in custody cases. We have experience handling complex civil rights and inmate wrongful death claims and are unafraid to take on powerful government agencies and prison systems. Families deserve answers, and we are committed to fighting for justice.
South Carolina Jails and Prisons Where Inmate Abuse and Neglect Can Occur
Wrongful death in custody and serious inmate abuse can happen in many types of South Carolina facilities, from county jails to state prisons and even federal institutions. Families we speak with often have loved ones housed in:
- County jails near our offices. Local facilities such as the Georgetown County Detention Center in Georgetown County and the Sheriff Al Cannon Detention Center in Charleston County hold people awaiting trial or serving shorter sentences. These jails are responsible for basic medical care, monitoring for suicide risk, and protecting inmates from violence.
- Other county jails across South Carolina. Inmate neglect and misconduct cases can arise in jails throughout the state, including facilities in Williamsburg County and other counties listed by South Carolina jail and detention resources.
- South Carolina state and federal prison facilities. People serving longer sentences may be housed in South Carolina Department of Corrections institutions or in federal facilities such as FCI Williamsburg or other federal prisons in the state, where similar duties to provide reasonable safety and medical care apply.
No matter where your loved one was held, whether in a county jail near Georgetown or Charleston, a South Carolina state prison, or a federal facility, our South Carolina jail and prison wrongful death lawyers can review what happened and advise you on your options.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wrongful Death in South Carolina Jails and Prisons
Losing a loved one in custody raises many questions, and it’s not always easy to get clear answers. Below, we address some of the most common concerns families have about wrongful death cases against South Carolina jails and prisons.
How do I know if my loved one’s death was wrongful?
If neglect, abuse, medical malpractice, or excessive force by South Carolina jail, prison, or medical staff contributed to their death, you may have a wrongful death claim. Deaths resulting from cruel or unusual punishment or deliberate indifference to serious medical needs may also be considered wrongful. An attorney can help investigate the circumstances.
Can I still file a lawsuit if the jail or prison claims the death was from natural causes?
Yes. Many facilities try to label deaths as “natural” to avoid liability, but an independent investigation in South Carolina may reveal neglect, misconduct, or abuse that contributed to the death.
What if I was never notified of my loved one’s death in custody?
Unfortunately, some South Carolina families only learn about a death long after it happens. If you were not properly notified, legal action may be necessary to obtain records, answers, and accountability from the jail, prison, or agency involved.
How long do I have to file a wrongful death lawsuit in South Carolina?
The time limit to file a lawsuit depends on the case, but in South Carolina, you usually have three years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim. It’s essential to act fast – waiting too long can make it harder to get the evidence you need from the jail, prison, or law enforcement agency.
Can I sue if my loved one was in a private prison or a federal facility in South Carolina?
Yes, but different laws and procedures apply. Our firm handles wrongful death claims involving South Carolina county jails, state‑run prisons, private facilities, and certain federal detention centers, and we can explain which rules apply in your situation.
What happens if a settlement is reached in a South Carolina jail or prison wrongful death case?
If a settlement is offered, we will review it with you to determine if it fairly compensates your family under South Carolina law. If it is not fair, we are prepared to take the case to court and continue fighting for justice.
For answers to any questions about your legal options after a death in a South Carolina jail or prison, contact Evans Moore, LLC today. We are here to give you the answers you need and fight for the justice your loved one deserves.
How Evans Moore, LLC Can Help You With Your Prison or Jail Wrongful Death Case
If you believe your loved one’s wrongful death or abuse in custody was unlawful, taking immediate legal action is critical. Contacting an experienced South Carolina prisoner wrongful death attorney as soon as possible can help protect your rights and build a strong case. What do you do if your loved one dies in jail or prison? Here is how we can help:
If you believe your loved one’s death or abuse in custody was unlawful, taking immediate legal action is critical. Contacting an experienced South Carolina jail and prison wrongful death lawyer as soon as possible can help protect your rights and build a strong case. If your loved one dies in jail or prison, here is how we can help:
- Conduct a Thorough Investigation – We gather evidence from South Carolina jails and prisons, including medical records, incident reports, security footage, and witness statements, to uncover what really happened.
- Pursue Claims for Abuse, Neglect, and Wrongful Death – We bring claims against the responsible parties, whether a county jail, the South Carolina Department of Corrections, private correctional contractors, or individual officers and medical staff, and we pursue compensation in inmate wrongful death cases.
- Work With Qualified Experts – We collaborate with medical professionals, forensic specialists, and corrections experts who understand jail and prison standards and can help prove abuse, neglect, or misconduct in custody.
- Fight for Justice and Accountability – Whether through settlement negotiations or in court, we work to hold South Carolina jails, prisons, and officials accountable and to make sure your loved one’s death in custody does not go unanswered.
Our firm has experience representing families in wrongful death and inmate abuse cases, and we understand the deep pain and frustration that comes with losing someone to a system that had a duty to protect them. You do not have to face this battle alone – our South Carolina inmate wrongful death lawyers and jail and prison wrongful death attorneys are here to help.
Contact a South Carolina Jail and Prison Wrongful Death Lawyer Today
Losing a loved one in custody is painful, and you should not have to search for answers alone. Jails and prisons often conceal the truth, but at Evans Moore, LLC, we don’t let them get away with it. Our team of prisoner wrongful death lawyers in South Carolina can uncover what happened and fight to hold them responsible.
Your loved one’s life mattered, and your family deserves justice. Don’t let officials sweep this under the rug. With offices in Georgetown, South Carolina, and Charleston, South Carolina, our attorneys are ready to meet with you and discuss your case. Call (843) 995-5000 for a free consultation with our South Carolina jail and prison wrongful death attorneys, or visit our contact page to get started.
