Wrongful Death Attorney
Dealing with a death of a loved one is among the most difficult times in anyone’s life. Your legal rights are likely not at the forefront of your mind during these emotionally traumatic times. But when someone, whether it’s an individual or a corporate entity, is responsible for causing the death of a family member, it’s important to protect your rights and to bring justice for your loved one with the help of a wrongful death lawyer.
In addition to seeking justice for you and your family member, being compensated for the wrongful death of your loved one can also help lift any financial burdens left in the wake of your tragedy.
Losing a family member unexpectedly is trying enough, but when it’s been caused by someone else’s wrongdoing, it intensifies the emotions of the situation exponentially. If you are seeking compensation through a wrongful death lawsuit, the intensity of those emotions are challenging enough. You will need an experienced wrongful death attorney who can manage the process with minimal concerns on your end while.
What is Wrongful Death?
A wrongful death occurs when someone is killed as a result of negligence or misconduct of another party, whether it’s an individual, a group of people, or a business entity. As such, people who are a dependent or beneficiary of the victim may be entitled to financial compensation.
Scenarios where a wrongful death may occur include:
Vehicle Accidents – In addition to individual liability in a car accident, there are instances in which the automobile company can be held accountable for a wrongful death. For instance, if there is a defective part in the vehicle. This may include instances of single car accidents or when another driver’s vehicle has defective parts, such as bad brakes.
Another example of vehicle-related wrongful death is if a trucking company if a driver breaks laws regulating the commercial trucking industry or if management coerces a driver to break rules related to driving times and vehicle inspections.
Medical Malpractice – There af a number of ways medical professionals, practices or hospitals can be held liable in a wrongful death lawsuit. There may be emergency room negligence by hospital staff, misdiagnosing or discharging a patient prematurely. Anesthesiologists may administer a lethal dose of anesthetic.
Wrongful Death Compensation
States allow family members or heirs to file a wrongful death lawsuit and seek financial compensation when another party negligently causes the death of a loved one. Factors that come into play in determining the amount awarded include:
- The deceased person’s income and savings
- Medical and funeral costs expenses incurred by survivors
- How much surviving family members or heirs depended on the deceased
- The emotional impact of lost companionship
No sum of money can make up for the loss of a loved one. But knowing that responsible parties are held accountable and that your financial future will be secured as you work your way through the grieving process can help relieve related concerns as you work your way through the process of finding some sort of closure in your loss.
While states have laws on the books that protect the rights of individuals, wrongful deaths unfortunately do occur. If you believe your loved one has died as the result of someone’s wrongful actions, contact Attorney Roger Davidheiser, a professional with extensive experience fighting for the rights of victims. Call our offices today to discuss the details of your case and how to best proceed.
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