What Is A Wrongful Death?

remembering a loved one who was in a fatal accident
  • Was the death caused in any way by the defendant’s actions or lack of action?
  • Was the defendant negligent or liable in the victim’s death?
  • Are there surviving family members such as a spouse or child, dependents, or beneficiaries?
  • Is there a financial loss (including medical bills, funeral expenses, and/or loss of income) as a direct result of the victim’s death?

If your loved one has died due to someone else’s actions, you need a wrongful death lawyer. Dealing with the sudden and unexpected death of a loved one is never easy. It can be even more difficult knowing that their death may have been preventable.

Families may experience financial challenges without the assistance of the bereaved, in addition to the emotional sorrow of losing a loved one. A wrongful death lawsuit may be able to assist in alleviating this financial burden. 

Most states allow the bereaved family members to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the negligent party to claim compensation for their loss. Contact Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys today for a free consultation if your loved one’s death occurred because of someone else’s negligence. We are here to help during this difficult time. 

Reasons You Need A Wrongful Death Lawyer

The death of a loved one is often a traumatic experience and the deceased’s family members often have a lot to deal with. Investigating a death and filling out tons of paperwork need not be part of those tasks. Trying to navigate the wrongful death claims process alone is difficult. This is why hiring a wrongful death lawyer can help take the load off your shoulders so that you can focus on the things that matter.

We Investigate Your Loved One’s Death

In certain circumstances, it may be simple to determine a wrongful death. For example, a drunk driver hits an oncoming driver head-on causing a fatal accident. In this case, it is clear who is at fault, and why the deceased has passed. But in other wrongful death claims, it can be difficult to tell what really happened. For example in delayed diagnosis causing wrongful death, there are many more questions that will come up to prove fault. Wrongful death lawyers also investigate when a responsible individual or entity attempts to hide or deflect responsibility in order to avoid accepting any blame. A wrongful death lawyer can analyze the situation and determine what transpired in order to prove the wrongful death claim. This allows them to seek justice for the deceased’s family.

We Provide Legal Counsel

The laws governing wrongful death cases differ from one state to the next. You may not be able to claim for damages depending on the area or state in which you live. In certain areas, the ability to claim is limited to close family members. Extended families and even non-relatives are allowed to file wrongful death lawsuits in certain situations in other states. 

Family members may not be allowed to take legal action at all in some states. Instead, only the deceased person’s personal representative of the estate is allowed to initiate a wrongful death lawsuit. After that, the representative distributes the funds to eligible relatives.

States also have different statutes of limitations. This is the time frame after a person’s death that wrongful death claims may be made. Even if you have a valid wrongful death claim, if you do not file the claim within the allotted time, you can lose your right to pursue the claim. The statute of limitations may be extended in certain situations, but it is best to have a lawyer look over your case as soon as possible to avoid missing the deadline. A wrongful death lawyer who is knowledgeable about the wrongful death law in your state can clarify your legal rights.

We Can Calculate and Claim for Your Damages

Every case is different and comes with its own set of facts and circumstances. It can therefore be incredibly difficult to calculate damages and negotiate a settlement without the help of an experienced wrongful death attorney.

While economic damages, such as the funeral costs, may be easy to calculate, non-economic damages, such as the pain and suffering you experienced, may not be as easy to determine. Insurance companies will try to offer the minimum amount possible, but fair compensation is deserved for families of wrongful death victims.

A lawyer with wrongful death experience can examine all the necessary information and establish a reasonable amount of compensation for your wrongful death claim. The lawyer can file a wrongful death claim on behalf of the surviving family members and try to reach a settlement with the client without going to court. 

While many civil matters are resolved through settlements, there are situations when the parties are unable to reach an agreement. If this occurs, a lawyer may file a wrongful death suit and have a jury decide whether you deserve to be compensated and how much you must receive.

We Fight For Maximum Compensation

Once the prior steps discussed have been completed, it’s time to fight for compensation.  Our attorneys are ready to stand by you and make sure you get the compensation you deserve.

Our sucess is from combined years of trial and complex litigation experience. We founded our practice on the belief that the civil jury system is the best means to provide compensation to injured parties and deter wrongdoers from injuring others in the future.

Call Now

Our attorneys are here for you, call us now to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case. You can focus on grieving, we will focus on getting you compensation for your loss. Talk to a wrongful death lawyer at Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys by clicking the button below.

What Is a Wrongful Death Claim?

Wrongful death claims are legal lawsuits brought by the survivors or immediate family members of someone who died due to someone else’s carelessness or wrongdoing

The law permits the deceased’s family members to initiate a wrongful death action seeking financial compensation in these situations. Wrongful death lawsuits serve to compensate families who relied on the bereaved for both emotional and financial support.

A car accident that happened because someone else was exceeding the speed limit or driving under the influence is commonly the subject of wrongful death cases.

Medical negligence lawsuits and dangerous purposeful activity or criminality that ended in death are further examples.

The results of wrongful death cases are purely monetary. If a decedent’s survivors win a wrongful death lawsuit, the court orders the accused to provide monetary compensation.

A wrongful death lawsuit differs significantly from criminal prosecution. A criminal case is where a guilty verdict leads to criminal charges, including probation, time in jail, and other punishments. A wrongful death suit, on the other hand, is limited to monetary damages.

Family mourns a wrongful death victim.

Wrongful Death Frequently Asked Questions

How Do You Prove Wrongful Death?

What Types of Damages Can Be Claimed in a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?

What Are Common Causes of Wrongful Death?

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?

Is There a Cap on Wrongful Death Claims?

What Is the Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death Lawsuits?

What Does It Cost to Hire a Wrongful Death Attorney?

We Are Ready To Fight For You

The legal team at Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys understands how traumatic dealing with a wrongful death case can be, which is why we approach each client with care and respect. We ensure that you are taken care of, and will fight to the end to make sure you are compensated fairly.

Contact the law firm of Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys for a free case evaluation from a qualified and experienced wrongful death lawyer today!