Car Accident Lawyer
Though death will come to everyone, it is never easy to cope with when a loved one passes. You’ll experience grief, sadness, and stress. The person’s passing may even leave you without a means of support. If your family dies in an accident where another party is to blame, you should think about filing a wrongful death action. This lawsuit can help you get the financial help you need and hold the offending person accountable for his or her negligence and behavior.
A Definition
A wrongful death action is a civil lawsuit where a family member holds another person or party liable for a loved one’s death. There are a wide variety of examples in which this death may have occurred, including deliberate killing. In some situations, these lawsuits could be in addition to criminal charges. Even if an accused person is found not guilty in a criminal court, you can still press civil charges.
What Damages to Seek
While a criminal case will determine whether a person should be punished for killing another person, a wrongful death lawsuit aims to compensate surviving family members. A spouse, partner, child, or parent could accumulate massive medical bills on the decedent’s behalf as doctors and other professionals tried to revive or treat the individual. Wrongful death suits will seek compensation for medication the family member received as well as surgeries the person had hospital stays for treatments. Funeral and burial costs can also be steep. This action could ask for payment to cover these expenses.
Other Losses
When a survivor is left without a means of support because of a family member’s passing, a wrongful death action can help financially. Loss of wages and loss of earning capacity can be significant. This lawsuit can grant survivors the compensation that the decedent would have earned had he or she not died. There is also the issue of loss of companionship and enjoyment. Your lawyer will help you determine an appropriate amount of money to seek in the lawsuit. You could experience pain and suffering due to this person’s loss.
Working with a Lawyer
An experienced wrongful death lawyer has the knowledge and training to walk you through the lawsuit process. Your attorney knows what documents to file and when to file them. He or she will also conduct interviews, gather evidence, and negotiate with the defendant’s legal team.
You can have some closure and peace of mind if you file a wrongful death lawsuit. Consult a wrongful death lawyer about your next steps today.