By definition, wrongful death is a fatality caused by negligence or willful and wrongful actions. Examples of wrongful death include medical malpractice and negligence, defective products, criminal behavior, and motor vehicle or workplace accidents, all resulting in avoidable fatalities.
Seeking justice for wrongful death begins with an initial consultation, where an attorney evaluates the case based on evidence like witness statements and medical records. The more evidence available, the stronger the case and the stronger the claim that a named defendant caused death through negligent, wrongful, or intentional actions.
Legal repercussions for wrongful death hold the responsible defendant accountable but also make it possible for the deceased’s loved ones to seek financial compensation for losses and emotional turmoil.
From a legal perspective, wrongful death is often caused by recklessness or negligence. In some cases, actions are intentional, making for a stronger, more solid case with a winning outcome for plaintiffs. Wrongful death suits rarely result in jail time for the defendant; however, the plaintiff can gain significant financial compensation for wage losses, funeral and burial costs, everyday expenses, and suffering.
Some examples of common causes of wrongful death include:
Identifying responsible parties is vital to building a solid case in a wrongful death suit. In the examples above, defendants can include negligent drivers, doctors, nurses, surgeons, employers, manufacturers or brands, and government agencies.
Not everyone can file a claim for wrongful death. The first legal step is a consultation with an attorney, who will assess the case and determine who can file a claim. Typically, a loved one, like a spouse or adult child of the deceased, can file a wrongful death claim.
From there, evidence is gathered and presented to a court of law. The defendant is notified, and both parties can reach a settlement agreement out of court or take the case to trial, where a judge and jury decide the outcome.
Learn more about wrongful death claims by contacting Grewer Law!
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