Wrongful death claims can be filed when the person has died because of the negligence of someone else. Some examples may include medical malpractice, auto accidents and intentional killings. However, these cases may not be as easy as they may seem. To resolve the case and obtain fair compensation, you need to have an aggressive legal representation. Hence, a good wrongful death attorney should be hired, who can handle the case and ensure that the family receives what it deserves.
What do you need to know about wrongful death claims?
The family members of the dead person file the claim so that financial assistance can be obtained. Some of the important facts about these claims are discussed below:
Not all deaths are wrongful
While the grieved people of the family might blame a person or the doctor for the death of their loved one, not all deaths are the result of negligence. Many times, the person dies due to other reasons such as accidents, medical treatment or crimes. That’s why, it is suggested to get in touch with an attorney, who can decide whether the death happened because of negligence or some other reason.
Personal representatives can file a claim
When it comes to filing a wrongful death claim, only the personal representatives can file it. The claim can be distributed among the heirs, who stand to inherit from the victim if there is no will. The creditors will not be able to receive any compensation. There are strict timelines as per the state laws. A good wrongful death attorney will be able to inform you about these deadlines in a better manner.
Punitive damages can also be recovered
Along with the economic losses such as lost inheritance, lost income and other damages, the family members can also claim punitive damages. However, it may differ from one state to another. Hence, you should contact an injury attorney after you have lost someone so that you can decide to recover your losses accordingly.
You need to have a lawyer
Since these cases are more complex than others, you need to get in touch with a lawyer as soon as possible. Moreover, you may not have much time to respond when it comes to wrongful death claims. Hence, you must act as soon as possible and follow the guidelines of your attorney.
A good lawyer can prove negligence in the case and recover the losses.
