After Losing A Loved One In An Accident
There are two eras in life: the era before the loss of a loved one, and the era after the loss. Everything is different, and it can be devastating.
We know nothing can bring your loved one back. But that does not mean that nothing can be done. The team at Reddick Law is here to help. We will walk with you through the steps of what to do after a loved one is killed in an accident.
While we can’t change what happened, we will do what can be done to make your family’s loss less financially devastating. Call us at 877-930-2080 to speak about what happened and find out what we can do. Your call or meeting with us is always free.
What Is Wrongful Death?
Wrongful death is a type of lawsuit. If someone in your family died because of the misconduct or negligence of someone else, then it is likely that you can pursue a wrongful death case. A wrongful death lawsuit seeks to bring financial compensation to the survivors.
The financial compensation is for several losses. These include:
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of wages
- Hospital expenses
- Funeral expenses
- Other compensation depending on the nature of the accident and injuries
We know this is a difficult matter. We want you to have one less stress, one less worry in the time to come. While financial compensation does not solve every problem, it does ease the burden that this type of loss can cause.
Who Can Bring A Wrongful Death Claim?
The victim’s spouse, parents or children may be able to bring a claim. Different states have different laws, so it’s important to consult a personal injury attorney. Typical wrongful death claims involve suing:
- The driver or the insurance company of the driver who caused the fatal car or truck accident
- The bartender or bar that served a person
- A doctor, medical professional, hospital or facility that was involved in the mistake that caused the death of your loved one
- The owner of a business or property where the death happened
- The assailant or person who directly caused the fatality
If you lost a family member in an accident caused by someone else, including the loss of an elderly adult in a nursing home accident, speak with a personal injury attorney about your rights to pursue a wrongful death case. There are statutes of limitations that vary by state, so it is wise to act sooner rather than later in these matters.
What Determines The Amount Of A Wrongful Death Suit?
The amount is determined by several factors. These factors include both economic losses and non-economic losses. These factors can include how old the person was who died, the medical bills, the cost of the funeral, the pain and suffering of the family and possibly other factors depending on the details of the event. In some cases, the earnings and potential earnings (earning capacity), the value of lost benefits and any inheritance of the deceased are involved in computing the amount to pursue.
How Are Wrongful Death Settlements Paid?
The person, business or entity who was at fault will send a check for settlement to your attorney. Once the fees and costs have been deducted, you or the designated survivors receive the rest. In some cases, the executor of an estate will receive a check from the attorney. The funds can be paid all at once in a lump sum or in a structured settlement. Most cases are resolved in one to four years. Exceptional cases may be resolved more quickly.
Get The Information And Guidance You Need After A Loss
Having information at this stage can be helpful. We offer a free consultation so that you can get answers to the questions you have about what to do next. Call 877-930-2080 or connect with our team via email. We have offices in several states and serve clients across the nation. We have recovered $1 billion for our clients.