Do I Have a Legitimate Wrongful Death Claim?
A wrongful death claim is brought when there is evidence that a person died because of the legal fault of another individual or entity. Negligence or an intentional act are the two most common ways to attribute legal fault in a wrongful death case. A wrongful death claim seeks justice for the loss of a loved one through financial compensation, whereas a criminal case seeks jail time for the defendant. Many wrongful death claims arise from car accidents, medical malpractice, physical assault, nursing home abuse, and workplace hazards.
All fifty states have laws that cover wrongful death which means that a claim can be brought in every state but who can file a claim and how long a person has to file a claim varies from state to state. An experienced wrongful death attorney in your area will be best equipped to know whether you have a legitimate wrongful death claim. Seek a free consultation from a wrongful death lawyer who can discuss your legal rights and may be able to handle a wrongful death claim on your behalf.
Do I have a legitimate wrongful death claim?
Before a wrongful death lawyer agrees to take on a wrongful death client, they will look for the necessary elements of a successful wrongful death claim.
These elements are:
- A death caused by the accident or incident in question.
- Evidence that the death was caused by the negligence of the defendant.
- Evidence that the loved one’s death has had a direct and negative effect on the beneficiaries/and or dependents of the deceased.
- Evidence that the death has caused financial hardship for the survivors.
Wrongful death statistics
It is a tragedy when a person dies because of the negligence of another, whether it is unintentional or intentional. Statistics from the CDC show that in 2017 the number of homicide deaths was 19,510 and that there were 169,936 accidental or unintentional deaths from car accidents, medical malpractice, etc. Family members who lose a loved one in a wrongful death scenario have the legal right to compensation.
A skilled wrongful death lawyer will work to establish negligence by completing a thorough investigation into the cause of the death. The high-level work includes reviewing police reports, interviewing witnesses, and retaining expert witnesses in the medical and/or accident industries. From there, the wrongful death lawyer can build a successful case on your behalf; handling settlement negotiations or representing you in court if necessary.
Seek the help of a wrongful death lawyer
If you lost a loved one due to a preventable medical error or the reckless/negligent behavior of another, you have enough to deal with. Let an experienced wrongful death attorney fight for justice on your behalf. It is not uncommon to receive a settlement from the insurance company that is five to ten times larger with the help of a wrongful death lawyer. Call the most experienced practicing wrongful death attorneys Bellingham has at Tario & Associates, P.S. today for a FREE consultation! We have been representing grieving family members in Whatcom County, Skagit County, Island County and Snohomish County since 1979. You will pay nothing up front and no attorney fees at all unless we recover damages for you!
