Understanding the Basics of Wrongful Death Lawsuits
Personal Injury Lawyer
If you have recently lost a loved one due to another’s negligence, recklessness or intentional behavior, you are almost certainly overwhelmed not only by grief but also by the weight of the situation that led to your loved one’s death. The emotional and practical toll that losing a loved one in this way takes on family and friends can be oppressive, to say the least. It is therefore important that you understand that you do not have to navigate the legal aspects of this situation alone.
Speaking with a personal injury attorney will allow you to make an informed decision about whether or not to file a wrongful death claim in connection with your loved one’s death. It is important to consult with an experienced lawyer before making your decision, partially because it may be difficult to determine whether you have strong grounds for a claim until you have explained the details of your situation to someone with experience in this area of law.
Filing a Claim
In general, a spouse or an individual charged with representing the estate of the deceased may bring a wrongful death suit. Depending on a family’s circumstances, an adult child or another close loved one may also be eligible to file suit. State law may impose additional restrictions related to filing a claim. An experienced local attorney will be able to advise you of any options you and your family may have in regards to filing a claim.
Potential Wrongful Death Damage Awards
Successful wrongful death suits tend to result in two kinds of financial damage awards. The first is economic damages. These are rooted in specific and objective financial losses tied to the death of a loved one. If the deceased required medical care before passing, medical bills may be compensated. Funeral and burial costs may be awarded. In addition, any wages lost before your loved one passed and future earnings may also be awarded under the banner of economic damages.
In addition, non-economic damages may be awarded as compensation for more subjective losses tied to your loved one’s death. For example, both pain and suffering awards and loss of companionship may be compensated in this way. Of course, there is no amount of money that can possibly compare with your loss. But seeking damages can help families to stabilize the financial challenges associated with a sudden loss, especially when the wrongful death affected a family’s wage earner.
Legal Counsel Is Available
If you have questions about wrongful death claims, please consider speaking with an experienced personal injury attorney. The loss of a loved one due to another’s negligent, reckless or intentional choices is more emotionally taxing reality than anyone should be asked to bear. But if you find yourself in this situation, you do not have to navigate it alone. A wrongful death lawyer Washington, DC trusts is best positioned to help advise you of your legal options. Even if you determine that filing a claim is not the best choice for you and your family, your decision will be informed. And informed decision-making is perhaps the best possible preventative for regret and/or wondering “What if?”
Thank you to our friends and contributors at Frederick J. Brynn, P.C. for their insight into wrongful death lawsuits and personal injury.