Developments in Three Major South Carolina Wrongful Death Lawsuits

Over the past few days and weeks, three major wrongful death lawsuits in South Carolina have seen notable developments. Some have ended with settlements, while others are still in their early stages. If nothing else, these cases illustrate the potential legal options families might have after losing their loved ones. Contact an experienced wrongful death lawyer in South Carolina to determine whether a claim might be possible.

Family of Deceased Firefighter Sues City 

In May of 2025, it was reported that the family of a deceased firefighter had decided to sue the City of Columbia and Richland County. They claim their loved one died due to poor training and communication. The lawsuit stems from a 2023 that the decedent tried to help battle. While on the second floor of the burning building, the upper two floors collapsed. His family claims that the building collapse occurred because the firefighters outside used their powerful water guns on the roof.

Trapped underneath the rubble, the dying victim tried to make a Mayday call with his radio. However, the message never got through. His family says this was due to poor communication strategies, radio traffic, and various misunderstandings. After holding out for about 45 minutes, the firefighter suffocated and died. The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health seemed to agree with the family’s allegations, publishing a report outlining “critical miscommunications” at the blaze.

Family Settles Lawsuit With Boeing After Whistleblower Death 

Last year, a former Boeing employee made national headlines after he was found dead in Charleston from what local authorities say was a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was in the process of testifying against Boeing, one of the most powerful aerospace and national defense contractors in the nation. This led to various conspiracy theories, although investigators seem convinced that the “personal distress” of his testimony led him to take his own life.

Whatever the truth may be, the family believes that Boeing contributed to his death. As a result, they sued the company – claiming their loved one experienced harassment, abuse, and intimidation. They argued that this psychological and emotional abuse led to such humiliation that he was forced to take his own life. Boeing decided to settle the lawsuit for an undisclosed sum.

Family Sues School District After 13-Year-Old Stabbed 

Also in May, the family of a deceased student sued the Chester County School District and the social services department in connection with the fatality. They say that the school staff should have taken more decisive action when they became aware of another student’s violent tendencies. The murderer was the brother of the victim’s girlfriend, and he allegedly bragged about what he was going to do before carrying out the stabbing.

Can a Wrongful Death Lawyer in South Carolina Help Me? 

A wrongful death lawyer in South Carolina might be able to help if you have recently lost a loved one. If you believe that the accident in question was caused by negligence, you may be able to hold various parties accountable. A wrongful death claim can help you pay for funeral costs, outstanding medical bills, lost future income, and other damages. Learn more by contacting Mickelsen & Dalton, LLC today.

Sources: 

firerescue1.com/legal/lawsuit-alleges-fireground-missteps-led-to-s-c-ffs-death-in-apartment-collapse

spectrumlocalnews.com/sc/south-carolina/news/2025/05/14/family-of-boeing-whistleblower-settles-wrongful-death-lawsuit–

heraldonline.com/news/local/crime/article305817361.html