If you and your loved ones experienced the tragic loss of a family member due to the carelessness or negligent actions of another individual or entity, you might have a legal claim for wrongful death. Suffering the untimely demise of a loved one under any circumstance is traumatic, but particularly so when you suspect another party’s wrongful conduct was responsible.
The sudden loss of a family member can place significant emotional and financial hardships on the survivors. If the deceased was the primary bread-winner, it might be impossible to make ends meet, raising the risk of home foreclosure and bankruptcy. Pursuing a wrongful death lawsuit can help protect your family’s financial future while securing some measure of justice.
Litigation is not something to take lightly, especially when you are grief-stricken. A wrongful death attorney can zealously represent your interests and help seek fair compensation for your losses. Attorneys who specialize in wrongful death claims have in-depth knowledge of the legal elements necessary to achieve a successful outcome.
A wrongful death lawyer will have the resources to conduct thorough investigations, collect evidence, document past and future economic and non-economic losses, and craft the strongest case possible. In addition, they know how to handle the defendant’s insurance company, which may try and exploit your financial desperation.
Every state has a strict statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death lawsuit. Unless a civil action is filed within the specified time limit, any right to recover legal damages will be lost. Your lawyer will ensure court documents are submitted within stated deadlines and motions filed when necessary. They will prepare your wrongful death case for trial if a settlement offer falls short. Perhaps most importantly, they will manage the entirety of the case so that you can focus on healing from your loss.
A qualified wrongful death lawyer will counsel you on how the law applies to your specific claim, what types of compensation can be sought, and the most effective strategies to pursue.
Several categories of damages can be sought in a wrongful death claim to compensate the decedent’s family members for the personal losses they incurred and will continue to suffer due to the death.
Whether procured through a settlement negotiation or a jury verdict, any financial award can help your family better cope with the funeral and burial costs, medical expenses, loss of income, and other economic strains.
Potential damages awarded include:
Some states allow plaintiffs to seek punitive damages in a wrongful death claim. To procure this compensation, your lawyer must demonstrate that the defendant engaged in willful or wanton conduct or behavior so irresponsible that it constituted a conscious disregard for the safety of others.
Each state has statutes regarding wrongful death actions and which parties are allowed to sue. For this reason, it’s crucial to retain the services of an accredited attorney in your area who has in-depth experience litigating wrongful death lawsuits. In most cases, a wrongful death claim is brought by the personal representative of the decedent's estate. Depending on your state of residence, this representative may be:
Whether a workplace accident, surgical error, or car crash caused your loved one’s passing, having a top-notch attorney in your corner can take considerable weight off your shoulders. You can rest assured you have legal counsel who has your family’s interests at heart.
Once you have a trusted lawyer working on the case, all communication – with insurance companies, investigators, or other entities—will go through them, allowing you to take care of yourself and your loved ones without worrying about litigation.
Our mission at the Legal Helpers is straightforward: to connect you with the most qualified attorney to advocate for your rights and secure the justice your family deserves. Use our free legal matching service to find top-notch representation for your wrongful death claim.
We take the guesswork out of choosing the best legal professional for your case. You need compassionate yet skilled representation during this difficult time in your life. A successful lawsuit can help you and your loved ones recover the reparations necessary to move forward after such a tragedy.
It only takes a few moments to get a no-cost claim review and connect with a wrongful death attorney with proven experience. Find a lawyer today!
