South Carolina lakes, rivers, and coastal waterways attract thousands of boaters every summer, but what begins as a day of relaxation can instantly turn tragic. When a loved one is killed in a boating incident, families are left devastated, grieving, and unsure of what legal steps to take.
At David W. Martin Accident & Injury Lawyers, we help families understand their rights, and the potential for a wrongful death claim is an essential part of finding accountability and financial relief after such a heartbreaking loss.
Boating Fatalities in South Carolina Are More Common Than You Think
From Lake Wylie and Lake Hartwell to Charleston Harbor and the Intracoastal Waterway, South Carolina sees a high volume of recreational boating traffic during the summer months. Unfortunately, this increase in activity also means a rise in fatal incidents. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) consistently reports deaths caused by capsizing, collisions, falls overboard, and impaired operation.
Many of these tragedies are preventable; when they occur due to negligence, families may have the right to pursue legal action.
When Is a South Carolina Boating Death Considered Wrongful?
A wrongful death claim may be possible if a person’s death was caused by another’s careless, reckless, or intentional actions.
In the context of boating, common causes of wrongful death include:
- Operator intoxication or impairment.
- Excessive speed or reckless navigation.
- Failure to provide life jackets or safety gear.
- Inattention or failure to keep a proper lookout.
- Defective or poorly maintained vessels.
- Unqualified or unlicensed operators.
If your loved one’s fatal boating incident involved any of these factors, you may have grounds to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the at-fault operator, boat owner, rental company, or another responsible party.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim After a South Carolina Boating Fatality?
In South Carolina, the wrongful death claim must be brought by the executor or administrator of the deceased’s estate, but the compensation awarded benefits certain surviving family members.
These may include:
- A surviving spouse and children.
- Surviving parents (if there is no spouse or child).
- Legal heirs (if no immediate family survives).
A successful wrongful death case can recover damages for funeral and burial costs, medical bills, loss of financial support, and the emotional suffering of those left behind.
How Our South Carolina Lawyers Help After a Boating Tragedy
At David W. Martin Accident & Injury Lawyers, we understand that no amount of legal action can replace your loss, but pursuing a claim can help bring accountability and prevent future harm. A strong legal team is crucial because boating insurance is optional in South Carolina. Our team thoroughly investigates boating fatalities by examining police and SCDNR reports, interviewing witnesses, reviewing vessel maintenance records, and identifying all sources of liability.
We’re here to support families through every step of the legal process with compassion, experience, and relentless advocacy.
If your family has suffered the loss of a loved one in a South Carolina boating fatality, contact us today at (803) 302-3989 for a free consultation. Let us help you pursue the justice and closure you deserve.