Are wrongful death settlements public record? Here’s how you determine what information from your trial becomes public record.
A wrongful death settlement will become public record if the case goes to trial and a judgment is awarded. However, if your case is settled prior to that, the amount of compensation you and/or your family receive will not become public record.
If a settlement is reached before the case goes to trial, nothing about the lawsuit will become public record. The only time information becomes public record is during the trial process; at that point certain information will be published and become public record.
What Information Becomes Public Record In A Wrongful Death Case?
If you have lost a loved one and their death was caused by the negligent or intentional actions of another party, you and your family may be entitled to compensation for your loss. These cases can be challenging, and the wrongful death lawyers at The Jeffcoat Firm are ready to help. Our wrongful death lawyers serve residents of Lexington and Richland counties as well as the surrounding areas, so let us get to work on your behalf today. Here, we want to discuss whether wrongful death settlements become public record when they have been finalized.
Public Records Depend on the Nature of the Case
If you have lost a loved one because of the actions of another person or entity in South Carolina, there are a few ways in which surviving family members may receive compensation for their loss.
These include:
- A negotiated settlement with the at-fault party; or
- Through a wrongful death trial in court
We should note that most wrongful death cases are settled before they go to trial. Sometimes, a case is settled before a lawsuit is even filed. In those instances, nothing about the case will become public record.
If a lawsuit is filed, the filing will become a part of the public record. However, even after a lawsuit is filed, most cases are settled before they reach trial. While the progress of the case can be tracked online, none of the negotiations or discovery within this process will become public record. If the case is settled before it reaches trial, then the settlement amount will not be public record. However, if the case does go to trial and a judgment is awarded, then the wrongful death award will become public record.
Let Us Help You – Call for a Free Consultation
If you have lost a loved one due to the careless or negligent actions of another party in South Carolina, contact The Jeffcoat Firm today. We pledge to conduct a full investigation into your claim in order to secure the compensation that you deserve. Our wrongful death attorneys help clients all over South Carolina. You can contact us for a free consultation of your case by clicking here or by calling us at 803-373-1302.
Columbia, South Carolina Wrongful Death Attorney Review
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