Why a Court Order’s Required Before South Carolina Wrongful Death Settlements for Fatal Accidents Can Be Paid

To prevent insurance companies from taking advantage of grieving family members, South Carolina law requires court approval of death settlements. The best way to avoid insurance company tactics and give you peace of mind in a trying time is to hire a lawyer experienced in these cases to handle the insurance company and protect your right to proper compensation.

A judge must approve any settlement involving a death, regardless of how it occurred: in a car crash, from medical malpractice, from a defective product, anything.

There’s so much involved for a grieving family to protect their rights. Don’t risk losing out on yours. Get your questions answered in a free*, no pressure strategy session by a Spartanburg, SC wrongful death attorney. Call toll free at (864) 582-0416 or fill out a Get Help Now form.

These are the basics of the wrongful death settlement approval process, where the case settles before trial. If it settles during or after trial, it’s a little different:

• Last things first. The judge will hold a hearing for you to present evidence about the claim and settlement terms. You’ve got to have your ducks in a row before then, or you risk rejection of the settlement.
• The claim must be brought by the proper party. Settlements can only be approved if sought by the personal representative or a similar representative appointed by probate court order.
• Paperwork must be in order. A sworn petition must include specific information, including the basis for the settlement and the amount of insurance available to pay it. A good lawyer can try to find out that amount at the beginning of the case, then give you satisfaction he’ll do everything he can to get it all.
• Approval by court order. If the judge approves the settlement, the order includes specific information justifying the amount of the settlement and directing payment to required beneficiaries and certain creditors, such as medical providers.

If your family is forced to consider a legal case involving a fatality, your life is already too tough. Hire an experienced lawyer to fend off insurance company bullies, help you obtain the maximum recovery, and streamline the approval process for you. There’s other great reasons to hire a skilled attorney to protect your rights to maximum compensation in your one and only chance to do it right. Call toll free at  (864) 582-0416 or fill out a Get Help Now form so we can talk about how we can lighten your load and give you peace of mind.

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