Seeking Justice for a Loved One’s Wrongful Passing
Wrongful Death Lawyer
Wrongful death can occur when a person passes away due to the recklessness or negligence of someone else. During this time, the surviving family may be completely shattered and not know what to do next. A wrongful death lawyer Salt Lake City, UT relies on can help you seek restitution for your loved one’s wrongful passing. We understand that you may be experiencing emotional heartache and financial challenges due to the loss of your cherished family member. We will do what we can to help you obtain justice.
In the article here, we have talked more about wrongful death, including the most common reasons it happens, the difference between civil and criminal cases, and how long a family may have to take legal action.
Why Wrongful Death Happens
There are certain situations in which wrongful death incidents can happen more prevalently. The surviving family may be struggling to cope with what has unfolded, and so devastated that their loved one’s life has been taken far too soon. There are always risks to life. But, when someone perishes due to the behavior of another person, that can be a foundation for a wrongful death lawsuit. The most common ways wrongful death occurs are through the following scenarios:
- Medical malpractice – failure of doctor and/or medical staff to provide a reasonable standard of medical care
- Car accidents – due to reckless drivers or vehicle malfunctions
- Nursing home neglect or abuse – medical mistakes, failing to provide care
- Construction site accidents – trench cave-ins, falling from scaffolding
- Faulty products – defective parts, lack of proper warning labels
Difference Between Civil and Criminal Cases
If the surviving family decides to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the party responsible for the death, this is considered a civil case. With this kind of lawsuit, it is typically the family who is attempting to obtain compensation financially for their loss. It is also possible for a criminal case to be filed for the same incident, where the government is trying to see that the offender faces punishment for his or her actions. A civil and criminal case regarding the wrongful death can occur at the same time, but are treated separately. An attorney can answer any additional questions you may have about this difference.
Why to Take Action Now
It can be quite difficult for some family members to have the energy to invest in a legal proceeding during their time of grief. It can be immensely painful for the surviving family to embark in a lawsuit. Despite how difficult it may be to even talk about losing your family member, do keep in mind that the offender may be attempting to clean up his or her tracks. For example, if a doctor failed to diagnose your loved one properly which ultimately led to his or her death, the medical facility may try to hide proof that shows the doctor was at-fault.
Thank you to our friends and contributors at Rasmussen & Miner for their insight into wrongful death.