The sudden loss of a loved one due to the negligent actions of another person can have catastrophic financial consequences for the remaining family members. A wrongful death lawyer can help by identifying who is liable, proving negligence, filing lawsuits, and negotiating with insurance companies to get the best possible settlement for your family. The settlement can cover funeral expenses, lost income, medical bills, pain and suffering, and more. With the help of a knowledgeable wrongful death attorney, you can rest assured that your family will receive the compensation they deserve.

How Can I Choose a Wrongful Death Attorney?

A wrongful death claim is a civil lawsuit filed by the survivors of a deceased individual who suffered due to someone else’s unlawful or criminal behavior. Wrongful death claims are often complicated and time-consuming due to the emotional distress of losing a loved one, and without a legal professional by your side, it can be difficult to understand your rights and how to proceed. Fortunately, a wrongful death lawyer can take over the complex tasks involved in a wrongful death case so that you can focus on healing.

Your wrongful death attorney will need to gather evidence and hire other professionals such as accident reconstruction experts, physicians, and financial consultants to build a strong case that will establish your family’s financial losses, or damages. Proving your family’s financial losses can be very challenging since every wrongful death case is unique, but the goal is to prove that your deceased loved one’s death was a result of the defendant’s wrongdoing or negligence.

If you’re pursuing punitive damages, your wrongful death lawyer may need to show that the defendant’s actions were so egregious or outrageous that they should be punished with a large sum of money to deter others from engaging in similar conduct. Your wrongful death attorney will also need to identify any other factors that contributed to your deceased loved one’s death.

Each state has different laws on who can file a wrongful death lawsuit and the deadlines for doing so. In New York, for instance, only the personal representative named in a will or appointed by the court can file a wrongful death claim. An experienced wrongful death attorney can help you determine who can file a claim, what type of damages your family can recover, and how to meet the state’s statute of limitations. They can also answer any other questions you might have about wrongful death laws in your area.