- What is a wrongful death?
When a death is caused by the misconduct of another person or company it is called a wrongful death. The wrongful death may have been intentional, reckless or negligent.
A wrongful death claim is one in which a surviving beneficiary seeks to claim compensation for the wrongful death of a family member.
- Who can file a wrongful death claim?
Wrongful death claims are generally filed by the immediate family: surviving spouse, children and parents of the deceased. Children under the age of 18 may require a guardian to represent their legal rights in court.
- What kinds of damages are recoverable?
The damages that may be recovered vary from state to state. They also depend upon the relationship of the survivor to the deceased. Here is a list of damages that may be recovered in a wrongful death claim. We will tell you which ones you are eligible for, and we will guide you through these difficult considerations:
- Immediate expenses surrounding the death, such as medical and funeral
- Loss of victim's expected future earnings until retirement or natural death would have occurred
- Loss of benefits such as pension, medical coverage, etc?
- Loss of inheritance
- Pain and suffering or mental anguish to survivors
- Loss of care, protection, guidance and companionship to survivors
- General damages
- Punitive damages
- I believe I have a wrongful death claim. What should I do first?
The first step is to consult an experienced attorney as soon as possible. There are statutes of limitations in each state that define the time frame during which a wrongful death claim may be filed. If you believe you have a valid wrongful death claim, you may still have time. Moreover, the damages you can expect to collect vary from state to state and case to case. You need experienced professionals to guide you through a complex undertaking.
- How much will your firm charge to pursue my wrongful death claim?
You pay nothing until you get a recovery of money. Our fee is a percentage of that recovery. | How long will it take to settle my wrongful death claim?
A majority of wrongful death claims are satisfied with pre-trial settlements. Wrongful death claims are a very complicated area of law and a quick resolution may or may not happen. |
