Wrongful Death
Generally speaking, a wrongful death is a death caused by another's
negligence, recklessness, malpractice, or inaction. A pedestrian killed
by a drunk driver, a woman murdered by her ex-husband, a child struck
and killed by a careless teenage motorist - these are all examples of
wrongful deaths. In such cases, the families of the deceased can file
wrongful death lawsuit. These civil lawsuits, which do not bear any
criminal charges, help families recover damages for pain and suffering,
lost wages, mental anguish, loss of companionship, medical costs, and
other expenses. If you have lost a loved one to wrongful death, you
should consult an attorney as soon as possible.
Immediate family members - including parents, spouses, and children,
are almost always eligible to file a claim, although minors may need
an adult guardian to take a wrongful death lawsuit to court. Additionally,
other family members - such as stepparents, grandparents, and dependents,
may also be permitted to file suit in some states.
A personal injury lawyer specializing in wrongful death can help you
and your relative understand the laws in your state.
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