A wrongful death is usually sudden and unexpected, putting a wrench in a family’s plans. It can cause hardship for the surviving family members as well as a loss of income for a family. While no amount of money can bring back a lost family member, it helps ease the stress of the situation by bringing financial assistance to pay for damages incurred by the accident.
What Is a Wrongful Death?
A wrongful death occurs when someone dies due to the negligence of another. Loss of life due to an accident happens suddenly and usually without warning. The claim is typically filed by the surviving member or members of the victim’s family against whoever was at fault for the accident. Families may need help paying medical bills or getting closure to the situation. Filing a wrongful death suit might help in both of these situations.
Civil vs. Criminal
Wrongful death cases are civil cases, not criminal. This means the party filing the case is seeking financial compensation, not jail time for their loss. Surviving family members can file even if criminal charges are not pursued or obtained against the other party.
Economic Expenses
A wrongful death case usually seeks compensation for costs associated with the death of a loved one. These are financial hardships placed on the surviving family members. They can include:
- Funeral expenses
- Medical bills
- Loss of income
- Loss of benefits like medical coverage, retirement benefits or pension
- Loss of an inheritance
A wrongful death case seeks to recover compensation for the family, providing relief for these extra unexpected bills.
Non-Economic Expenses
There may also be a psychological toll on the family members. Surviving family members can seek out financial compensation for these hardships from the party at fault:
- The mental suffering and anguish of surviving family members
- Loss of care, protection, training, advice, guidance, and nurturing
- Loss of companionship and love
If a loved one died due to a wrongful death, you have the option of opening a case up to three years after their death. Shlesinger & deVillenueve is available for a free consultation to help you get the compensation you deserve. Give us a call today to get started.
