Wrongful Death Attorney

Losing a loved one due to someone else’s negligence or intentional actions is a devastating experience. In such tragic circumstances, a wrongful death claim can provide a means to seek justice and compensation for the surviving family members. If your loved one has died as a result of a wrongful death and you are hoping to move forward with a claim, it is crucial to understand the elements that go into the claim before proceeding.

Duty of Care and Breach

The first crucial element in a wrongful death claim is establishing that the defendant owed a duty of care to the deceased. This duty may arise from various relationships, such as a doctor-patient, employer-employee, or driver-passenger. The next step is demonstrating that the defendant breached this duty by acting negligently or engaging in wrongful conduct. This breach could involve actions such as reckless driving, medical malpractice, failure to provide a safe environment, or manufacturing defective products.

Causation 

To establish a wrongful death claim, it is essential to prove that the defendant’s breach of duty directly caused the death of the individual. This requires demonstrating a causal connection between the defendant’s actions and the fatal outcome. Expert testimony, medical records, accident reconstruction analysis, and other evidence can help establish the link between the defendant’s negligence and the death of the loved one.

Proof of Death 

Another crucial element is providing sufficient evidence that the individual has indeed passed away. Documentation such as death certificates, medical records, autopsy reports, and testimonies from medical professionals can establish the fact of the death. These pieces of evidence support the claim and demonstrate that the loss is not only emotional but also legally recognized.

Survivorship and Damages 

In a wrongful death claim, the surviving family members, referred to as the “survivors,” must establish their standing to bring the claim. Typically, immediate family members such as spouses, children, or parents have the right to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Additionally, damages resulting from the death must be shown. These damages can include funeral and burial expenses, medical bills, loss of financial support, loss of companionship, mental anguish, and future economic losses that the deceased would have provided.

Statute of Limitations 

Filing a wrongful death claim within the specified time frame, known as the statute of limitations, is crucial. An attorney, like a wrongful death attorney from a law firm like David & Philpot, PL knows that each jurisdiction has its own statute of limitations, typically ranging from one to three years. Failing to initiate legal proceedings within this time limit may result in the claim being barred.

Moving Forward With Your Claim 

Wrongful death claims are complex legal matters that aim to provide justice and compensation for the loss of a loved one. Understanding the essential elements, including duty of care, breach, causation, proof of death, survivorship, damages, and the importance of adhering to the statute of limitations, is crucial when pursuing a wrongful death claim. Seeking guidance from an experienced attorney can help navigate the legal process and ensure the rights of the surviving family members are protected. Call your local law office for help with your claim.