South Carolina Wrongful Death Lawyer Guides Families Seeking Justice After Fatal Defective Product Accidents
A routine day quickly turns tragic when a trusted product fails catastrophically, leading to the death of a loved one. The defective product could be a household appliance, a vehicle component, or a piece of work equipment. Our wrongful death lawyers understand the devastating impact of these losses and help families throughout South Carolina seek accountability from manufacturers of dangerous products.
When companies value profits over safety, the consequences can be devastating. While no legal action can bring back your loved one, holding negligent companies accountable can offer financial relief and help to prevent similar tragedies from hurting other families.
Common Types of Fatal Product Defects
South Carolina families reach out to us after losing someone to a tragic accident involving manufacturer negligence. Let’s explore some examples of defective products that may justify product liability wrongful death claims.
Defective Vehicle Components
Imagine checking your teenager's car before letting them drive to the store. You trust the airbags will deploy if needed, but what if they don't? Or, what if they go off randomly while your son or daughter drives down I-85? When automotive parts fail, simple fender-benders turn deadly. Wrongful death cases could involve brake systems that quit working, tires that peel apart at highway speeds, and seat belts that snap under pressure.
Dangerous Household Products
That space heater seemed like a bargain until faulty wiring sparked a midnight fire. The tall bookcase looked sturdy in the store, but its poor design made it prone to tipping. Even common items like extension cords and power strips can hide deadly flaws. Manufacturers may have known about the risks but chose not to redesign their products.
Industrial Equipment Failures
Say your spouse headed to work at the factory, trusting their safety equipment would protect them. Instead, a critical component failed. Maybe emergency shutoffs didn't trigger, or safety guards broke under pressure. When machinery lacks proper failsafes or breaks due to poor materials, workers can pay the ultimate price.
When South Carolina Product Liability Laws May Apply
South Carolina courts recognize three main types of manufacturer negligence where companies might be responsible for a death:
- Design defects. Think of a ladder designed with steps too narrow for safe climbing. Even if it's built exactly as planned, its fundamental design makes it dangerous for someone to use.
- Manufacturing defects. Imagine two identical toasters from the same factory. One works fine. The other has wiring installed backwards during assembly, creating a fire risk. That's a manufacturing defect.
- Failure to warn. Some products are inherently dangerous but need clear warnings. A cleaning product that creates deadly fumes when mixed with bleach must say so prominently on the label.
Elements of a Successful Wrongful Death Claim
When we take on a product liability case involving a wrongful death, four key pieces must fit together:
- The product was defective. We'll gather evidence showing exactly what went wrong. Sometimes, this might mean hiring engineers to test identical products or securing internal company documents showing that they knew about problems.
- The defect caused the death. Medical records, accident reconstruction, and expert testimony help draw a clear line from the product's failure to your loved one's passing.
- The product was used as intended. Companies often try to blame the victim, claiming “misuse.” We can help to demonstrate how your family member used the product in a normal, expected way.
- The product hadn’t been substantially modified. If someone altered the product after purchase, it might affect the case. Companies may claim the modifications caused the accident. We examine whether any changes played a role in the product failure.
Legal Time Limits and Possible Damages
Generally speaking, South Carolina gives families three years to file wrongful death claims. While that might sound like plenty of time, building a strong case takes careful investigation. Evidence can disappear. Witnesses' memories can fade. Starting sooner helps protect your rights.
Courts may award several types of damages in wrongful death and survival action claims, including:
- Medical bills from the final injury or illness
- Funeral costs and burial expenses
- Income your loved one would have earned
- Loss of their care and companionship
- Emotional trauma to family members
- Punitive damages when companies show serious negligence
Get Help With Your South Carolina Defective Product Case
At Pracht Injury Lawyers, we understand the mix of grief and anger families feel after losing someone to a dangerous product. Our experienced legal team knows how to investigate complex product liability cases and hold manufacturers accountable for their negligence.
Your family deserves answers and justice. Let us help honor your loved one's memory by preventing similar tragedies from striking other South Carolina families.