Wrongful Death Lawyer

Wrongful Death

Wrongful death claims are legal actions brought by the surviving family members or representatives of a deceased person against the party or parties deemed responsible for the individual’s death.

LLF Injury Lawyers, with a low 29%  contingency fee, will fight to get you maximum compensation.

Here are key aspects to consider:

1. Establishing Wrongful Death:

1.1 Duty of Care:

  • To have a valid wrongful death claim, it must be established that the responsible party owed a duty of care to the deceased person. This duty may arise from various relationships, such as employer-employee, doctor-patient, or driver-passenger.

1.2 Breach of Duty:

  • It must be demonstrated that the responsible party breached their duty of care through negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct.

1.3 Causation:

  • There should be a direct link between the breach of duty and the death of the individual. The breach must be a substantial factor leading to the fatal outcome.

2. Parties Eligible to File a Wrongful Death Claim:

2.1 Surviving Family Members:

  • In most jurisdictions, immediate family members, such as spouses, children, and parents, are typically eligible to file a wrongful death claim. Some jurisdictions also allow extended family members or dependents to file.

2.2 Representative of the Estate:

  • If the deceased person had an estate, the appointed executor or personal representative may file a wrongful death claim on behalf of the estate and the surviving family members.

3. Compensable Damages:

3.1 Economic Damages:

  • Damages may include compensation for financial losses such as medical expenses, funeral and burial costs, lost wages, and loss of future earnings.

3.2 Non-Economic Damages:

  • Compensation for intangible losses such as pain and suffering, loss of companionship, emotional distress, and the impact on the quality of life.

3.3 Punitive Damages:

  • In cases of extreme negligence or intentional misconduct, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior.

4. Statute of Limitations:

4.1 Filing Deadlines:

  • Wrongful death claims are subject to statutes of limitations, which vary by jurisdiction. It is essential to file the claim within the specified timeframe to avoid losing the right to seek compensation.

5. Complexities in Wrongful Death Cases:

5.1 Legal and Procedural Complexity:

  • Wrongful death cases involve intricate legal and procedural aspects. Navigating these complexities requires the expertise of a personal injury lawyer.

5.2 Multiple Parties:

  • Determining liability may involve multiple parties, each potentially contributing to the wrongful death. Identifying all responsible parties is crucial for a comprehensive legal strategy.

5.3 Insurance Issues:

  • Dealing with insurance companies and understanding the various insurance policies involved can add complexity to wrongful death cases.

6. Legal Representation:

6.1 Experienced Lawyers:

  • Engaging the services of an experienced personal injury lawyer is crucial. These professionals understand the intricacies of wrongful death law and can guide the family through the legal process.

6.2 Negotiation and Litigation:

  • Lawyers can negotiate with the responsible parties and their insurers to seek fair compensation. If a settlement cannot be reached, they can represent the family in court.

7. Survival Actions:

7.1 Related Legal Actions:

  • In addition to wrongful death claims, surviving family members may also pursue survival actions. These actions seek compensation for the pain and suffering the deceased person endured before their death.

Handling a wrongful death claim requires sensitivity, compassion, and legal expertise. Personal injury lawyers play a crucial role in advocating for the rights of the surviving family members and pursuing justice for the deceased person. If you are considering filing a wrongful death claim, seeking the guidance of an experienced attorney is essential.

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If you have lost a loved due to someone else's negligence, call us today for a free, no obligation consultation.

Causes of Wrongful Death Claims

A wrongful death claim may arise in various situations where the death of an individual is caused by the negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct of another party. Here are different types of accidents and incidents in which a wrongful death claim may be applicable:

  1. Motor Vehicle Accidents:

    • Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, and other motor vehicle collisions can result in fatal injuries, giving rise to wrongful death claims. These accidents may be caused by factors such as reckless driving, drunk driving, or distracted driving.
  2. Medical Malpractice:

    • Negligence or malpractice by healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, or medical facilities, leading to a patient’s death can be the basis for a wrongful death claim. This may include misdiagnosis, surgical errors, medication errors, or inadequate care.
  3. Workplace Accidents:

    • Fatal workplace accidents, including construction site accidents, industrial accidents, or incidents involving dangerous machinery, can lead to wrongful death claims. Employers may be held accountable for inadequate safety measures or violations of workplace regulations.
  4. Defective Products:

    • Deaths resulting from the use of defective or dangerous products may lead to wrongful death claims. This could include faulty machinery, pharmaceuticals, or other consumer products.
  5. Premises Liability Accidents:

    • Accidents on another person’s property, such as slip and fall accidents, swimming pool accidents, or incidents involving negligent security, can result in fatal injuries and wrongful death claims against property owners.
  6. Dangerous or Negligent Property Conditions:

    • Deaths caused by dangerous property conditions, such as poorly maintained premises, inadequate security, or building code violations, may lead to wrongful death claims.
  7. Construction Accidents:

    • Fatalities on construction sites, whether due to falls, equipment failures, or other construction-related incidents, may result in wrongful death claims against contractors, site owners, or equipment manufacturers.
  8. Intentional Acts:

    • Deaths caused by intentional acts, including assault, homicide, or other criminal activities, can lead to both criminal charges and wrongful death claims.
  9. Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect:

    • Wrongful death claims can arise if a nursing home resident dies due to abuse or neglect. This may include inadequate care, medication errors, or physical abuse.
  10. Airplane or Aviation Accidents:

    • Fatalities resulting from airplane crashes or other aviation accidents can lead to wrongful death claims against airlines, manufacturers, or other responsible parties.
  11. Boating Accidents:

    • Deaths occurring in boating accidents, such as collisions, drownings, or incidents involving negligent boat operation, may lead to wrongful death claims.
  12. Train Accidents:

    • Fatalities resulting from train accidents, including derailments, collisions, or incidents at railroad crossings, may give rise to wrongful death claims.
  13. Recreational Accidents:

    • Deaths during recreational activities, such as sports events, amusement park rides, or adventure sports, may result in wrongful death claims if negligence is involved.
  14. Criminal Acts:

    • Deaths resulting from criminal acts, including assault, robbery, or other violent crimes, may lead to wrongful death claims against the responsible parties.

It’s important to note that the circumstances surrounding each case are unique, and the viability of a wrongful death claim depends on various factors, including the specific details of the incident, applicable laws, and the relationship between the deceased and the party being held responsible. If you believe you have a wrongful death claim, consulting with an experienced personal injury lawyer is crucial for understanding your rights and pursuing legal action.

Call us today for a free, no obligation consultation.
866-666-0126

More Types of Wrongful Death Claims

Wrongful death claims can arise from a wide range of circumstances, and some cases involve unusual or unique situations. While the majority of wrongful death claims stem from more common incidents such as car accidents, medical malpractice, or workplace accidents, there have been cases that involve distinct circumstances. Here are a few examples of unusual types of deaths in which wrongful death claims have arisen:

  1. Defective Household Products:

    • Deaths resulting from the use of defective household products, such as appliances, electronics, or furniture, can lead to wrongful death claims against manufacturers, distributors, or sellers.
  2. Theme Park Accidents:

    • Fatal incidents at theme parks, including accidents on rides or due to inadequate safety measures, may result in wrongful death claims against the park operators or ride manufacturers.
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  3. Police Shootings:

    • In cases where a person dies as a result of a police shooting, the family may file a wrongful death claim, alleging excessive use of force or violations of the individual’s civil rights.
  4. Negligent Security:

    • Deaths occurring due to inadequate security measures, such as in cases of assault or criminal activity on a property, may lead to wrongful death claims against property owners or operators.
  5. Amusement Ride Accidents:

    • Fatalities resulting from malfunctions or accidents on amusement rides, whether at a theme park or a local fair, can be the basis for wrongful death claims.
  6. Animal Attacks:

    • Deaths caused by animal attacks, particularly if the owner was aware of the animal’s dangerous propensities, may lead to wrongful death claims against the animal owner.
  7. Carbon Monoxide Poisoning:

    • Deaths resulting from carbon monoxide poisoning, often due to faulty heating systems or appliances, may lead to wrongful death claims against property owners or manufacturers.
  8. Recreational Activity Accidents:

    • Fatalities occurring during recreational activities, such as sports events or adventure tourism, may give rise to wrongful death claims if negligence or inadequate safety measures are involved.
  9. Pharmaceutical Complications:

    • Deaths caused by complications or side effects from prescription medications may lead to wrongful death claims against pharmaceutical companies or healthcare providers.
  10. Cyberbullying-Related Suicides:

    • In cases where a person takes their own life due to severe emotional distress caused by cyberbullying, the families may pursue wrongful death claims against the individuals responsible or the platforms that allowed the harassment.
  11. Parasailing Accidents:

    • Fatalities resulting from parasailing accidents, whether due to equipment failure or operator negligence, may lead to wrongful death claims against the parasailing company.

It’s important to note that the legal viability of a wrongful death claim depends on various factors, including the specific details of the incident, applicable laws, and the relationship between the deceased and the party being held responsible. Each case is unique, and the circumstances surrounding the death will influence the legal strategy pursued by the family. If you are considering filing a wrongful death claim in an unusual or unique circumstance, consulting with an experienced personal injury lawyer is crucial to understand your rights and navigate the legal process effectively.

Consulting a Wrongful Death Attorney

LLF Injury Lawyers, with a low 29%  contingency fee, will fight to get you maximum compensation.

Call us today for a free, no obligation consultation.
866-666-0126