Nothing can prepare you for the loss of a loved one. The loss itself can be emotionally overwhelming. However, if the death resulted from someone else’s negligence or careless wrongdoing, the feeling can be worse, which is why you need to seek justice for your family member by filing a wrongful death lawsuit.
In essence, a wrongful death happens when a victim’s demise results from another individual’s careless, deliberate, negligent, or unlawful actions. A wrongful death lawsuit is a lot like a personal injury claim, but typically, the damages are awarded to the family and beneficiaries of the deceased.
These damages include tangible- like loss of the decedent’s future salaries, hospital bills prior to the decedent’s demise, and other monetary costs- as well as non-tangible damages, for example, loss of a companion or parent.
In most states, wrongful death cases can only be filed by the deceased person’s immediate family members, spouse, children, or parents.
So, How Often as Wrongful Death Lawsuits Won?
In many cases, wrongful death claims never get to the point of trial. In fact, more than nine in 10 cases end up being settled out of court. And even when they get before a jury, settlements are reached before the case is decided.
And how much is the settlement usually worth? Typically, settlements range between half a million to one million. That said, every case is unique, and you may get a couple of millions.
How Do Wrongful Death Attorneys Help?
If you want to sue for wrongful death, you’re probably debating whether to get a lawyer or go alone. Usually, an attorney is a better option as they will:
- Investigate your case: to get the settlement you deserve; you need to be able to prove your case. So, an attorney will conduct all the necessary investigations to gather the necessary evidence and strengthen your claim.
- Calculate damages: some damages, like medical and funeral expenses, are easy to calculate. Others, like emotional distress, are much harder. However, a wrongful death lawyer has the necessary expertise and experience to make a fair estimation.
- Negotiate your settlement: knowing how much to claim is one thing; having the liable party or their insurance pay up is another. This is where wrongful death attorneys come in, negotiating the best deal for you.
- Represent you in court: sometimes negotiating out of court doesn’t always work out, and you may need to go to court to get the damages you are owed. In this case, a wrongful death lawyer prepares your case and represents you in court.
- Advise you throughout the case: an attorney already has experience with your type of case, and they know just what you can expect at every stage.
Give Your Wrongful Death Claim the Best Shot with an Experienced Wrongful Death Attorney
If you have lost a loved one due to someone else’s actions, you can sue for damages. However, the process can be overwhelming, more so when you’re still mourning. That’s why you need good wrongful death attorneys to fight for the justice you deserve.