Wrongful Death
The death of a loved one is traumatic. When such a death is caused by the needless actions and carelessness of others, the loss is overpowering. The untimely and unnecessary death of a loved one has taken from you their companionship, love, affection, comfort, protection, and support. While no amount of money can return these things to you, the law recognizes this loss and requires those responsible for the death to pay for the harm they caused.
The thought of going through a legal battle can be overwhelming, especially under these circumstances. We understand the need to handle your case with sensitivity. We have extensive experience in representing families suffering the wrongful or accidental death of a loved one. We can help you tell the story of your loved one, who will always remain in your hearts. We use creativity and insight to help you navigate the legal system, marshaling the evidence necessary to show the wrongful nature of the death, and the how this loss impacted you and your family.
Common Questions
- What is a “wrongful death”?
- Who can bring a lawsuit for wrongful death?
- How can you place a dollar figure on a wrongful death?
- Will I have to go through a court trial?
1. What is a “wrongful death”?
The law considers a death to be “wrongful” if it was caused by the carelessness, neglect, or negligence of another, or by the intentional misconduct of another.
Examples of negligently caused deaths include:
- Vehicle collisions, whether or not the driver is intoxicated
- Construction site accidents
- Defective products or foods
- Medical errors
- Dangerous condition of others’ property
Intentional misconduct usually involves acts of assault, battery, and murder.
2. Who can bring a lawsuit for wrongful death?
The family members (survivors) of individuals who have died as the result of another’s wrongful act are permitted to file a wrongful death lawsuit seeking compensation for medical and funeral bills, loss of financial support, and emotional pain and suffering caused by the death. Please continue for more information on who can file a wrongful death lawsuit.
3. How can you place a dollar figure on a wrongful death?
Certain losses can be easily calculated, such as medical and funeral expenses. Other losses, such as the loss of financial support from your loved one, require expert analysis by an economist. The emotional loss suffered by the family is much harder to value. The law requires those responsible for the death to pay for the loss of your loved one’s companionship, comfort, care, assistance, protection, love, affection, society, and moral support. No precise formula exists to assign a value to this loss, and each case will be different. We have significant experience in these types of cases, and we will help you through the difficult process of fairly resolving your case. We will spend time getting to know your family, and through you, the loved one you have lost, so that we are able to effectively communicate through the legal system the loss you have suffered.
4. Will I have to go through a court trial?
Most wrongful death cases settle without the need for a trial. We work hard to present a compelling case to the defendant and their insurance company, so that you will never have to go through a public trial. However, should the need arise, we are well prepared to present your case to a jury.
