Exploring Wrongful Death Cases

Posted on: 12 May 2020

Wrongful death occurs after somebody dies as a result of negligence, recklessness, or illegal actions. The death could have been prevented if those responsible acted responsibly.

If somebody you love is the victim of a wrongful death, you may be eligible to receive compensation for the loss. It all starts by talking to a wrongful death attorney and determining if you have a strong case.

What Are Examples of Wrongful Death Cases?

Wrongful death cases come after many different injuries and accidents, including:

  • Car accidents, perhaps from reckless or intoxicated driving
  • Medical malpractice
  • Defective products
  • Medical injuries and medication errors
  • Motorcycle accidents
  • Nursing home abuse
  • Premises liability injuries
  • Workplace injury

By no means is this an exhaustive list of cases for which you may pursue a wrongful death claim, but it does provide some insight into what types of cases are successful.

What Damages Can You Recover After Wrongful Death?

After a wrongful death situation, those who are left behind may recover damages for economic and non-economic losses.

Economic losses include the costs of a funeral and burial in addition to medical bills and loss of financial contribution to a family. Non-economic losses include those that do not necessarily have a price tag attached.

You can also recover loss of benefits, loss of consortium, loss of companionship, and mental anguish. In some cases, you may also recover damages associated with property issues.

Sometimes a judge will also award a victim punitive damages. Punitive damages are essentially a type of punishment.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Suit?

You may be able to file a wrongful death suit if you have a close relationship with the deceased. This can include a spouse or adult child of the deceased. If neither exists, the parents of the deceased may be eligible, as might somebody be if they are a personal representative for the deceased.

What Can You Do After a Wrongful Death?

If you believe you have a wrongful death claim, you should speak with a wrongful death attorney. Not only can a wrongful death attorney hold a responsible party liable, but they can also help you recover funds that allow you to move forward.

While no compensation can make up for the loss of your loved one, the compensation can help you move forward. You may be able to pay off the medical debt you are left with, making things a bit easier for your family.

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