Few experiences are as heartbreaking and unfortunate as when one of your loved ones dies. But when their death was due to another person's negligence, it compounds your grief, making every activity and obligation a painful reminder of their life. Could you imagine waking up to a knock on your front door in the middle of the night, where police inform you that your aunt was killed by a drunk driver?
It's a troubling thought to ponder, but these events happen every day of every year in the United States. For the family members facing the future without their loved ones, talking about a wrongful death case can be difficult and even feel gross. Is it right to put a price tag on another person's life? While that question isn't easily answered, the reality is that losing someone unexpectedly can have far-reaching financial reverberations.
In the unfortunate event of losing a loved one due to the negligence of another party, pursuing a wrongful death lawsuit can provide both financial stability and hold the responsible party accountable. It's understandable that dealing with such a loss can be emotionally challenging. But seeking legal guidance from an experienced wrongful death lawyer Near Me Garden City, SC, can help you understand your options and confidently move forward toward a resolution.
At Lauren Taylor Law, our team of seasoned wrongful death attorneys has years of collective experience helping people just like you obtain the compensation they so rightly deserve. We know exactly how South Carolina law dictates a wrongful death in our state and, as such, work diligently to ensure our clients are cared for and compensated for the full value of the life they lost.
If your family member or loved one was killed due to no fault of their own, the time to seek legal counsel is now, before the statute of limitations is up. Contact Lauren Taylor Law today for a consultation, so you can make an informed decision about the future of your family.
Despite the popular misconception, wrongful death claims in South Carolina are considered civil suits. These cases are meant to give close family members the opportunity to seek compensation after their loved one dies. Wrongful death lawsuits are separate from the criminal proceedings that often occur when a person dies.
In South Carolina, a wrongful death is defined as a death "caused by the wrongful act, neglect, or default of another." According to South Carolina law, in wrongful death cases, the at-fault person or party will be liable for damages equal to that of the deceased, such as they would have been able to claim through a personal injury case if they had survived.
One of the most commonly-asked questions we receive at Lauren Taylor Law as it relates to wrongful death claims is, "Who needs to file my family's wrongful death claim?" Although a wrongful death claim may bear some similarities to a personal injury lawsuit, it is important to note that they are distinct legal actions. The deceased party cannot represent themselves in a wrongful death suit, so instead, it's up to the remaining family members to determine who is eligible to file the claim.
In South Carolina, a wrongful death claim must be filed by the administrator or executor of the deceased's estate and is usually done so with the guidance of a wrongful death attorney Near Me Garden City, SC. If the estate does not have an appointed administrator, the court can appoint one. It is important to note that even if you are not the executor, you may still receive compensation. The executor acts on behalf of all remaining family members, including children, the spouse, or parents.
If you're wondering whether you can file a wrongful death suit or if one is even feasible to file for your unique circumstances, contact Lauren Taylor Law today. It would be our pleasure to give you the guidance and confidence you need in such a trying time.
A wrongful death claim seeks to compensate surviving family members for the economic and general damages they have suffered and will continue to endure as a result of their loved one's passing. To succeed in such a claim, plaintiffs must demonstrate that the defendant's negligence caused the death. In contrast, a survival action enables the estate of a deceased individual to seek compensation for the pain and suffering they experienced due to the injuries that led to their death. This typically encompasses medical expenses and compensation for the conscious pain, suffering, or mental anguish that the deceased endured prior to passing.
Unlike a survival action, compensation for a wrongful death lawsuit may include:
As a reputable wrongful death law firm in South Carolina, our team has won many types of wrongful death suits. As such, we have a wide range of experience in these types of cases. If you're wondering whether or not you may be able to seek compensation, consider these common wrongful death cases.
Accidents involving large trucks can be extremely devastating due to the substantial size difference between trucks and other vehicles. Such accidents may involve several parties that could be held responsible for negligence, including the trucking companies, manufacturers of truck parts, and the drivers themselves. In such situations, it is highly beneficial to seek the services of an experienced attorney who has extensive knowledge in wrongful death claims and truck accident cases.
When you entrust a facility with the care of your loved one, it's natural to expect that they will be kept safe. Sadly, there have been many instances of abuse and neglect of the elderly in South Carolina.Discovering such news is both heartbreaking and infuriating. If your loved one experienced an unexplained decline in health before passing away, it's possible that they were neglected. Our inquiry into the matter can help hold the nursing home responsible and prevent other families from experiencing a similar loss.
Many people trust doctors to care for and heal them. Unfortunately, sometimes doctors are negligent and ultimately cause the death of a patient. When an unexpected death happens while in the care of a medical professional, it should be investigated by a trustworthy wrongful death attorney Near Me Garden City, SC. An example of medical malpractice is when a doctor provides services outside of their area of expertise or knowledge.
It is important for those involved in creating and selling products to ensure that their products do not pose a risk of harm to the public. If someone dies due to a product's faulty design, defective manufacturing, or lack of warning about potential dangers, it may lead to a wrongful death lawsuit.
Car accidents in South Carolina are a big problem. There seems to be an accident every day, and with accidents come unfortunate deaths and negligence. Some causing factors of car accidents include DUI, driving aggressively, and driving carelessly.
In South Carolina, wrongful death cases revolve around the concept of duty of care. This means that individuals have a responsibility to behave in a certain manner, and failure to do so is considered negligence. For instance, employers are required to provide a safe work environment, and drivers have the responsibility to drive carefully.
A death is wrongful in South Carolina when:
In order to prove wrongful death in a South Carolina courtroom, it's crucial you work with a knowledgeable wrongful death lawyer Near Me Garden City, SC. Without an attorney by your side, proving negligence of the at-fault party is an uphill battle that can cost you large amounts of time, money, and stress.
Speaking of wrongful death lawyers in South Carolina, another common question we hear about is whether or not a person should hire an attorney to oversee a wrongful death case. The simple answer is a resounding "Yes," though every person may have different reasons and goals for doing so.
While grieving the loss of a loved one may take precedence over legal action, it's essential for surviving family members to consider retaining a wrongful death lawyer as soon as possible. Not only can a lawsuit help ease the financial burden that comes with losing a loved one, but there is also a time limit for submitting a wrongful death claim.
This time limit, known as the statute of limitations, varies from state to state and type of lawsuit. In South Carolina, plaintiffs have three years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim. Therefore, it's crucial to act quickly and seek legal representation from experienced wrongful death attorneys, such as those at Lauren Taylor Law.
With a proven track record of recovering compensation that recognizes the value of the deceased, our attorneys can help you through this difficult time. Here are just a few of the most common ways we do so:
For the average resident of South Carolina, filing a wrongful death lawsuit once is enough for an entire lifetime. Wrongful death lawyers, on the other hand, spend countless hours studying and learning about wrongful death law throughout South Carolina. We then put that study into action, implementing years of real-world experience into each and every wrongful death case we accept.
And that's good news, because filing a wrongful death lawsuit can be a lengthy and stressful process in South Carolina, especially when you are already dealing with the loss of a loved one. By seeking the help of a wrongful death attorney, you can rest assured that your case will be handled efficiently, accurately, and with compassion.
Dealing with the aftermath of a wrongful death can leave you feeling overwhelmed and lost. It's normal to struggle with focus and uncertainty about what to do next. That's where a wrongful death attorney can be a valuable resource. They can provide guidance and support to ensure the process goes smoothly.
Your attorney can also help you avoid compromising your case by giving you advice on what to say or do. From insurance company communication to estate settlement, everything has legal implications. With an experienced wrongful death attorney by your side, you can rest assured that you'll be guided every step of the way.
When a loved one passes away due to someone else's negligence, it can be difficult to put a value on their life. However, seeking justice is important. A wrongful death lawyer Near Me Garden City, SC, can help determine the worth of your claim and what you're entitled to. Proving a wrongful death case can be challenging, but an experienced attorney will build the best case possible to demonstrate the suffering your loved one endured before their passing and the impact it had on your family.
Additionally, they have experience in negotiating with insurance companies and handling responsible parties that may try to avoid paying out. Without a lawyer, you may end up settling for less than what you deserve. Your attorney will aim to settle the case out of court, but if needed, they are prepared to take the case to trial with their extensive courtroom experience.
If you're hesitant to hire an attorney for a wrongful death case due to the cost, there are some important factors to consider. While you may be facing steep medical and funeral expenses, investing in a qualified attorney can actually save you money in the long run. They can ensure that the responsible party doesn't take advantage of you while also helping to secure the highest amount of compensation possible.
While wrongful death cases can be labor-intensive and time-consuming, an experienced wrongful death law firm in South Carolina can take control of the case and manage all necessary deadlines. You may need to attend meetings and answer attorney questions, but the overall workload will be substantially less.
Unlike many wrongful death law firms, when you hire a wrongful death lawyer Near Me Garden City, SC, from Lauren Taylor Law, you're getting more than a person to file paperwork for you. You're working with a person who truly understands the situation you're in and the grief you're going through. As your advocate, our goal is to work tirelessly to build a rock-solid wrongful death suit on your behalf.
But it's also to provide a shoulder to lean on, so you can focus on healing throughout this admittedly painful process. Yes, we'll handle the day-to-day minutia as it relates to your wrongful death suit. But as our client, we're also here to provide empathy and reassurance during this difficult time in your life.
Unlike many wrongful death law firms, when you hire a wrongful death lawyer Near Me Garden City, SC, from Lauren Taylor Law, you're getting more than a person to file paperwork for you. You're working with a person who truly understands the situation you're in and the grief you're going through. As your advocate, our goal is to work tirelessly to build a rock-solid wrongful death suit on your behalf.
But it's also to provide a shoulder to lean on, so you can focus on healing throughout this admittedly painful process. Yes, we'll handle the day-to-day minutia as it relates to your wrongful death suit. But as our client, we're also here to provide empathy and reassurance during this difficult time in your life.
Our wrongful death attorneys have a deep knowledge of South Carolina Law and have litigated a range of cases, including non-jury and jury. Having studied and practiced law in South Carolina, we know The Palmetto State and its wrongful death laws.
As South Carolina locals, we pride ourselves on providing clients with a personalized experience. You won't find any "big culture" processes or "cookie-cutter" services at Lauren Taylor Law. Unlike some wrongful death firms, our attorneys are responsive and ready with a custom plan of action for your unique case.
With years of experience as wrongful death lawyers, the Lauren Taylor Law team has recovered large sums of compensation for clients. Contact us today to learn more about past cases we've accepted and won.
If the carelessness of another has resulted in the loss of your loved one, they should be held accountable. Contact us today to schedule a consultation. We are here to assist you through this difficult time and to help ensure you receive the compensation you and your family deserve.
GARDEN CITY, SC (WMBF) - For over a year, residents within the Garden City area have expressed concerns regarding the safety of the Cypress Avenue Bridge.RELATED: ‘It needs to be fixed’: Concerns grow over the condition of South Strand bridgeAfter a routine inspection took place, the South Carolina Department of Transportation determined that the bridge needs to be reconstructed.This led to the announcement that SCDOT will be closing the bridge beginning on Nov. 3rd.With the closure, it has left...
GARDEN CITY, SC (WMBF) - For over a year, residents within the Garden City area have expressed concerns regarding the safety of the Cypress Avenue Bridge.
RELATED: ‘It needs to be fixed’: Concerns grow over the condition of South Strand bridge
After a routine inspection took place, the South Carolina Department of Transportation determined that the bridge needs to be reconstructed.
This led to the announcement that SCDOT will be closing the bridge beginning on Nov. 3rd.
With the closure, it has left much uncertainty for residents, and they are concerned about their streets.
“I’m concerned with the traffic when they close that bridge for an extended period of time,” said Robert Withall, Garden City Resident. “People are going to turn on the road I live on that says no outlet, and people keep just keep turning in here and coming back out,”
However, Withall adds that he has lived in the neighborhood for years, and he believes reconstruction was necessary regarding safety, which is the top reason for the closure, according to Hannah Robinson, SCDOT media relations manager.
“Safety is our number one priority,” Robinson says. “Anytime that a bridge is a safety concern, we shut it down immediately, and people can rest assured we are paying attention to these bridges, and this bridge is going to be replaced so it doesn’t further become an issue.”
As the closure officially begins, Robinson says detours will be posted, and workers will be on scene to help watch the traffic flow. However, they are asking residents to be prepared.
“Plan your route ahead. If you know that the first few days of that detour, you may see some traffic that’s more than usual. I would say maybe leave a little bit earlier or use a different route,” said Robinson
Robinson adds that the bridge is expected to be reopened by the Spring of 2026.
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GARDEN CITY, S.C. (WBTW) — One bar owner is still recovering from the high tides and heavy rain this past weekend in Garden City.However, The Bar’s owner and regular patrons say the storm did not dampen their good time.Working in the business for roughly 14 years, Margie Lambert said the weekend’s high tides took her completely by surprise, making her have to act quickly to push out the water that flooded the entire floor inside the bar.“Friday, it was probably about 10 inches inside of the bar,&r...
GARDEN CITY, S.C. (WBTW) — One bar owner is still recovering from the high tides and heavy rain this past weekend in Garden City.
However, The Bar’s owner and regular patrons say the storm did not dampen their good time.
Working in the business for roughly 14 years, Margie Lambert said the weekend’s high tides took her completely by surprise, making her have to act quickly to push out the water that flooded the entire floor inside the bar.
“Friday, it was probably about 10 inches inside of the bar,” she said. “It was pretty bad. Like I said, we’ve never had a king tide that high before.”
Lambert says the weekend’s storm took a team effort to push all of the water out of The Bar’s doors in just two hours. She said by Saturday, there was still flooding, but not nearly as bad.
Locals say despite the rain, they still made their way in for a drink, with water going up to their ankles in some cases. Lines on the walls also showed where water crept in, as well as the cement floors still showing signs of water damage.
Lambert called the whole ordeal frustrating, but she’s thankful she was able to bounce back to business quickly.
“Normally, you know, if it does come into the bar, it might be maybe three or four inches or something like that. But this one was really, really rough,” she said. “You can’t fight Mother Nature. All you can do is just try to clean it back up and go back, and it is all you can do.”
Lambert says the flooding ruined the fan motor in her beer cooler, which cost $200 to fix. Although not a huge expense, she said it’s a reminder of needing to stay prepared for unexpected storms.
Gabby Jonas joined the News13 team as a multimedia journalist in April 2024. She is from Columbus, Ohio, and graduated from Kent State University in May 2023. Follow Gabby on X, formerly Twitter, Facebook or Instagram, and read more of her work here.
Brings a whole different meaning to the term “watering hole.”I could have made a “dive bar” joke too. Though flooding is no joke, there’s really endless, comedic opportunities for a bar that’s flooded. This bar creatively named “The Bar” in Garden City, South Carolina is the focus of this story, and recently had a couple feet of water rush into their establishment.But that didn’t stop them from conducting business as usual.“The Bar” in Garden City seems li...
Brings a whole different meaning to the term “watering hole.”
I could have made a “dive bar” joke too. Though flooding is no joke, there’s really endless, comedic opportunities for a bar that’s flooded. This bar creatively named “The Bar” in Garden City, South Carolina is the focus of this story, and recently had a couple feet of water rush into their establishment.
But that didn’t stop them from conducting business as usual.
“The Bar” in Garden City seems like a wonderful place. There’s not a lot of things in life that won’t ever let you down. This South Carolina watering hole doesn’t appear to ever let down its customers, and describes itself as this:
“Our sandy version of ‘Cheers.’ Garden City’s best kept secret and coldest beer.”
Say less.
South Carolina’s coast got hit with some nasty storms and heavy rain over the weekend. A nor’easter, as they call it, brought tons of rain to the state (and the East Coast) and resulted in coastal flooding. Any low points near the ocean were susceptible to rising waters, and The Bar in Garden City was one of the many places that got hit and had water rush into their building.
Most of the time, the national weather service will put out a statement like “stay home, only get out if you absolutely need to” when flash flooding hits an area. Is going down to your favorite dive bar during a flood considered an “emergency?” Depends on who you ask. If these people were questioned, they’d say that they had to fight the flood waters to get to the coldest beer in Garden City, South Carolina.
The images from the night, which were shared by Meteorologist Eric Graves, are simply hilarious:
“Water came into the restaurant this afternoon in Garden City, SC. Didn’t stop people from coming in.”
I also have to point out a very important detail in the photos… yes, that is Wii Bowling up on one of the television screens. That’s how I knew these pictures weren’t made by artificial intelligence. Only a dive bar like “The Bar” in South Carolina would have a Wii hooked up for bar patrons to enjoy.
And that they did. Someone evidently fired up some Wii Sports while they were wading around in the watering hole, drinking alcohol, and not having a care in the world about the flooding that impacted the area. There’s just something truly beautiful and wholesome about that, is there not?
The comment section of the post was rather entertaining too. Here are just a few of the funnier messages that people left behind on the post about the flooded bar:
“Yeah what’s a little sewage floating by while you’re tipping a tall one?”
“Beer is still cold, that’s all that matters.”
“Until that water hits my a** sitting on a bar stool I wouldn’t be going anywhere.”
“Great place to break out the Crocs.”
“No wind, flood or hurricane will stop me from having my beer.”
“Catching a buzz hell or high water.”
That last comment probably takes the cake…
GARDEN CITY, S.C. (WBTW) — King tides are once again flooding streets in Garden City and Murrells Inlet this week, creating problems for neighbors and drivers.King tides, which happen a few times a year, is when orbits of the Earth, moon and sun combine to produce high tidal impacts.The Murrells Inlet-Garden City Fire District posted on Facebook earlier this week, reminding residents to stay alert and avoid flooded areas if possible. Officials say even shallow water can be dangerous.For one resident who has lived i...
GARDEN CITY, S.C. (WBTW) — King tides are once again flooding streets in Garden City and Murrells Inlet this week, creating problems for neighbors and drivers.
King tides, which happen a few times a year, is when orbits of the Earth, moon and sun combine to produce high tidal impacts.
The Murrells Inlet-Garden City Fire District posted on Facebook earlier this week, reminding residents to stay alert and avoid flooded areas if possible. Officials say even shallow water can be dangerous.
For one resident who has lived in the neighborhood for 14 years, Jay Campbell, the flooding is nothing special. Campbell says there is more to the flooding than the king tides and that it’s not something residents should have to accept.
“Look, if it’s a hurricane, I get it, the ocean is going to meet the marsh,” he said. “It’s part of the deal that you sign up for when you live here. But this is not part of the deal.”
Campbell said unmaintained drains and a lack of check valves are the problem.
“Every time it floods, or every time the tides come in and they’re high tides, the water comes straight up through the drains and right onto the road first,” he said.
According to Campbell, North Dogwood Drive is a state road, although the county is responsible for the drainage. News13 reached out to both the South Carolina Department of Transportation and Horry County officials to clarify who is responsible and whether there are plans for improvements.
An Horry County spokesperson responded with a statement, saying in part that “storm drains are not designed nor intended to manage tidal waters during king tide events.”
The highest tides of the week are expected Thursday morning.
Jordan Titus is a multimedia journalist and producer at News13. She joined the team in April 2025. Jordan is from Morristown, New Jersey, and moved to the Myrtle Beach area in 2020 and attended Coastal Carolina University. You can read more of her work here.
GARDEN CITY, SC (WMBF) - Plenty of people are now taking time to prepare themselves and their properties, while others are making the most of the king tides.Parts of the South Strand, like Garden City, are expected to see the worst of this week’s king tides, with water projected to reach 8.5 feet on Friday morning.King Tides occur when the orbits and alignment of the Earth, moon and sun combine to produce high tidal effects.“I got out on the paddleboard and paddled down Cypress Avenue and Dogwood,” said...
GARDEN CITY, SC (WMBF) - Plenty of people are now taking time to prepare themselves and their properties, while others are making the most of the king tides.
Parts of the South Strand, like Garden City, are expected to see the worst of this week’s king tides, with water projected to reach 8.5 feet on Friday morning.
King Tides occur when the orbits and alignment of the Earth, moon and sun combine to produce high tidal effects.
“I got out on the paddleboard and paddled down Cypress Avenue and Dogwood,” said longtime Garden City resident David Gee. “I got a lot of looks paddling down the road, but got a lot of thumbs up.”
While some have embraced the flooding all week long, low-lying businesses are treading lightly, as they do every year during the king tides.
“Today the wind was out of the northeast, so we knew it was going to be a little worse than usual,” one business owner said.
Getting higher off the ground, all the office furniture inside Dunes Realty Vacation Rentals is sitting on blocks to prevent water damage.
Owner Ryan Swaim said he is pleasantly surprised the tide hasn’t made its way inside.
“We were expecting to possibly get a couple of inches in today; thankfully, we did not,” Swaim said. “There was virtually no water in the street at 9:30, then high tide was at 11 o’clock, and then by noon it was all gone again.”
Other shops on Atlantic Avenue use sandbags lining the bottom of entryways to stop water from seeping in.
Meanwhile, for Gee, who has lived in Garden City for more than two decades, the only good thing about king tides is that the flooding doesn’t linger very long, so businesses typically stay open.
“Usually, a king tide lasts a couple of hours; it’s just like the tide on the ocean,” Gee said. “It’ll come up, get to its crest, and start back down.”
Leaving behind lots of sand and debris on the streets and sidewalks, Gee is warning others to stay off the roads during Friday’s peak tide.
“The county will block the roads, so it’s just a little bit of an inconvenience because you have to go a few blocks, maybe south or north to get to where you’re going,” Gee said.
Make sure to download our free First Alert Weather app to stay updated on king tides and the coastal storm.
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