If you lose a loved one due to someone else’s negligent behavior, the law allows you to hold them responsible. A wrongful death lawsuit can recover compensation for your losses, including financial, emotional, and spiritual suffering. However, wrongful death cases are more complex than typical civil lawsuits. An experienced attorney can help you navigate the legal process and ensure your family’s needs are met.
Wrongful deaths can result from all sorts of accidents, from car crashes to medical malpractice. A wrongful death lawyer who has experience with the specific type of accident that caused your loved one’s death can help you understand the laws and procedures in your state. This includes understanding the statute of limitations, which varies from state to state. Some states require that you file a lawsuit within a year of your loved one’s death, while others have exceptions for minors, individuals with a disability, or cases involving fraud or intentional acts.
Your Bronx wrongful death lawyer should be empathetic and compassionate, as well as have the ability to explain complicated legal matters in an easy-to-understand way. Your lawyer should also be able to communicate with you regularly and keep you informed about the progress of your case. They should be ready to answer any questions you may have, and offer support throughout the legal process, recognizing that it is an extremely difficult time for your family.
In order to win a wrongful death claim, you must prove that your loved one’s death was due to the defendant’s negligence. To show negligence, you must prove that the defendant owed your loved one a duty of care and breached that duty by failing to act up to accepted standards in their profession or role. In addition, you must demonstrate that you suffered identifiable damages as a result of your loved one’s death.
A wrongful death lawyer who is familiar with your state’s laws will be able to review the evidence in your case and determine whether it meets the criteria for a wrongful death claim. They can also help you determine the amount of compensation your family deserves. This requires reviewing all the economic and noneconomic losses your family suffered, including funeral expenses, medical bills, loss of income, property damage, and other costs. In some cases, your wrongful death lawyer may need to bring in expert economists to help calculate these losses.
Your wrongful death lawyer will negotiate with the responsible party’s insurance company to obtain a fair settlement for your family. If a settlement cannot be reached, they can take the case to trial and argue for a verdict in your favor. If the verdict is in your favor, your attorney will calculate your final award. Wrongful death settlements are generally not taxable, but it is important to consult with a tax professional to be certain. Wrongful death settlements can help you and your family focus on healing and moving forward with your lives. The compensation you receive is intended to cover your financial losses and honor the memory of your loved one.
