If you’ve lost a family member due to another person’s reckless behavior, you may be entitled to compensation. A wrongful death lawyer can help you file a lawsuit against the responsible party, and recover damages. While no amount of cash could ever make up for the tragic loss of your loved one, a hefty financial settlement would bring some level of justice to the situation and place further responsibility on the guilty party-something you absolutely deserve.
To file a wrongful death case, you, the plaintiff, must prove that your loved one’s death was caused by another person or entity. Wrongful deaths can occur in a number of different scenarios, including car accidents, medical malpractice, and workplace injuries. Your attorney will conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances of your loved one’s death and identify the defendant as the responsible party.
A wrongful death claim must be filed within your state’s statute of limitations. This time limit varies depending on the incident that led to your loved one’s death. Your attorney can review relevant information and determine the appropriate deadline for your case.
Wrongful death claims must also demonstrate that your loved one’s death was the result of the at-fault party’s breach of duty. This includes establishing that the at-fault party failed to keep your loved one safe, such as a driver who fails to follow traffic laws or a doctor who misdiagnoses a condition leading to death. Your wrongful death lawyer will carefully review all evidence of negligence in your case and present it to the court for consideration.
Once your wrongful death attorney has established the defendant’s liability, you must establish that your family suffered economic losses as a result of your loved one’s passing. These include expenses such as funeral and burial costs, loss of future earnings, and loss of services. In some cases, your wrongful death lawyer can also seek punitive damages, which are intended to punish the liable party for particularly egregious actions.
When determining how much compensation your family will receive, your wrongful death lawyer will take into account the unique circumstances of your case and the beneficiaries involved. Your award may be paid out in a lump sum or distributed over a period of years as dictated by the jury’s verdict.
In addition to compensatory damages, your wrongful death attorney can pursue additional noneconomic damages for emotional distress and mental anguish you have endured as a result of your loved one’s death. While no amount of money can bring back your loved one, a monetary award can ease your financial burdens and allow you to move forward with your life in a more positive direction. Contact an experienced New York City wrongful death lawyer today to get started. A consultation is free and confidential.