Filing a Wrongful Death by Police Claim
We know that police officers are supposed to “protect and serve” their communities and most of the time they do a really good job. Unfortunately, there are thousands of situations where a police officer’s actions lead to the death of another person. In some cases, the officer is charged with homicide and in others their actions are deemed reasonable based on the circumstances. The family of the deceased person may be able to file a wrongful death action if a wrongful death attorney can show that the officer’s negligence or willful disregard for the law led to the death of their loved one. Unlike a criminal charge, the purpose of a civil lawsuit is to fight for a financial settlement for pain and suffering, medical and funeral expenses, lost companionship, parental care and other damages.
Read MoreWhat is the Statute of Limitations and the Discovery Rule for Wrongful Death Claims?
If you have lost a loved one because of the negligence of another, you’re likely feeling heartbroken and overwhelmed. You may also be wondering how you are going to support your family financially in light of the loss. A wrongful death claim may be a valid option to help your family recover damages such as funeral and medical expenses, lost income and more.
When it comes to all types of personal injury claims – including wrongful death – every state has personal injury laws in place. These laws include a statute of limitations and the “Discovery Rule.”
(more…)
Read MoreWhat to Do if Your Loved One is Killed in A Car Accident
It’s a nightmare scenario: you’ve just received a call that you partner or child has been killed in a car accident. According to the Association for Safe International Road Travel, more than 37,000 people die in car accidents in the United States every year. You will understandably be feeling overwhelmed with grief and shock after receiving this call so it’s important to know what to do before it happens.
What to do if your loved one is killed in a car accident
Read MoreCan I File a Wrongful Death Claim For A Slip and Fall Accident?
While the snow and ice has cleared from the snowstorm in mid-January, the Pacific Northwest isn’t out of the woods yet. Slip and fall accidents increase during winter months because of icy walkways. Snow, sleet and freezing rain can all turn into hazardous traveling conditions. Pedestrians should take reasonable precautions to protect themselves from a fall by slowing down in icy conditions but property owners can reduce the chances of a slip and fall injury on their property by salting or sanding walkways.
Injuries from slip and fall accidents vary in severity from a bruised tailbone to broken bones and yes, even death. Senior adults over the age of 65 are particularly susceptible to slip and fall accidents leading to serious injuries; falls are the most common cause of nonfatal trauma-related hospital admissions among the older population. Each year at least 300,000 older people are hospitalized for hip fractures with more than 95 percent of hip fractures caused by falling. According to the National Council on Aging, one in four Americans over the age of 65 has a slip and fall accident every year. Every 11 seconds, a senior adult seeks emergency room treatment for a fall and every 19 minutes, a senior person dies from a fall. In fact, falls are the number one cause of fatal injury among seniors.
(more…)
Read MoreHow are Wrongful Death Settlements Paid Out? Are Wrongful Death Settlements Taxable?
Wrongful death lawsuits are brought against a defendant accused of legal fault for the death of a loved one. The defendant may be a negligent driver, doctor, employer, caregiver or manufacturer or any other person or entity whose negligence caused the death of your loved one. A representative of the estate brings the claim on behalf of immediate family members or other parties depending on the laws of the state. The purpose of a wrongful death claim is to recover damages through a wrongful death settlement.
Read MoreDo 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.
Read MoreWho Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Washington State?
When a person was killed due to the negligence or criminal behavior of another, they may have suffered a wrongful death. Common wrongful death cases include people killed by:
- A drunk driver
- Physical assault
- A long-haul truck driver high on drugs
- Medical malpractice
- Exposure to toxic chemicals on the job
- A defective product
- Nursing home abuse
Wrongful death lawsuits are filed on behalf of the family who has been wrongfully deprived of a loved one through the negligence or criminal act of another. These lawsuits seek to ease the financial burden of the survivors who are now dealing with unexpected expenses and lost wages. A successful claim will recover for a variety of financial damages including funeral expenses, lost services such as childcare, medical expenses, lost earning potential and inheritance.
Read MoreDoctors Found Negligent in Wrongful Death Case Involving Florida Woman Who Died After Childbirth
As reported by the Miami Herald, doctors who delayed a scheduled C-section for a Florida mom for over 14 hours have been found negligent in her death. The woman bled to death after giving birth to her last child, Lillian, in July 2015 at Broward General Hospital. A Broward County jury awarded $24.5 million to the family of the mom who was 34-years-old at the time of her death.
(more…)
Read MoreRichmond, B.C. Trampoline Park Sued for Wrongful Death of B.C. Man
The family of a B.C. man who died while jumping at an indoor trampoline park in Richmond, B.C. on Jan. 20, 2018 filed a wrongful death claim on June 20. The wrongful death lawsuit claims that Extreme Air Park Inc. failed to meet their duty to ensure Jay Greenwood’s safety.
The 46-year old man died after doing several somersaults and other acrobatic moves into the foam pit at the park. On the final landing the man was seriously injured and went into cardiac arrest.
(more…)
Read MoreWhen Cycling Accidents Cause Wrongful Death
Car accidents are the most common cause of wrongful death cases – when a person is killed as a result of the negligence or intentional act of another person or organization. Cyclists who are hit by motor vehicles, especially trucks, have a very high likelihood of injury and death. Per billion vehicle miles, 1,011 cyclists are killed or seriously injured, compared to 26 car drivers.
Read More