When you're dealing with a death, it's difficult to see beyond the pain of losing someone; however, if that death was wrongful, you have a limited time to pursue a case and many variables to consider. The following questions and answers should help you determine if you have a wrongful death case and how you should proceed.
1. How Do You Know If The Death Was "Wrongful"?
Everyone dies, eventually, and since death is considered an inevitability, survivors might assume the liability rests with nature or circumstances beyond the control of humans; however, if the death occurred while an individual was in the care of someone or some institution, it could very well have …show more content…
Every state in America grants survivors and family members the right to hold other parties accountable when death occurs at the hands of someone else. It is best to contact a legal expert when determining if the death of someone in your life fits the general criteria of a wrongful death.
2. What Kind Of Damages Can Survivors Sue For?
The type of damage and amount of damage will vary, according to what survivors could have reasonably expected, if the decedent had not passed away. For example, children who have lost a mother, father, or both, are eligible for the damages of lost parenting, something difficult to measure or put a price tag on. A person who has lost a spouse may choose to fight for the financial compensation their partner would have earned, had they lived.
Survivors can also sue for the costs of a funeral and any related medical costs incurred by the deceased. In addition to the financial awards of any wrongful death lawsuit, interest on the amount of earnings or inheritance can also be pursued, meaning if a case you're involved in takes years to resolve in court, the compensation involved could keep growing as time