Losing a loved one is a very awful event that can happen in life. This is especially the case if it is a sudden and unexpected loss through wrongful death. Wrongful death is when an individual dies as a result of another person’s misconduct. When this happens to a family, they often wish to seek justice and financial assistance for the life that was lost. With the help of an experienced attorney, the family may seek answers and compensation for this loss.
What is Wrongful Death?
When a death occurs as a result of another person’s negligence, carelessness, or behavioral misconduct, it is called a wrongful death. This may happen because of an accident, product malfunction, medical malpractice, unsafe premises, etc. After such a tragic event, the family is left to deal with the aftermath of the unfortunate situation. When a wrongful death occurs, they are dealing with the loss of life in addition to the loss of an income and great suffering.
Types of Cases
There are several ways in which a wrongful death could occur. Lawsuits are typically pursued in the event of an automobile accident, medical malpractice cases, unsafe premises, product liability, and more. These are situations in which death could occur as a result of another person’s misconduct or negligence. There are some cases in which lawsuits for wrongful death may come into play for a workplace accident. This can be if the death was caused by the negligence of someone other than the deceased, their employer, or co-worker.
Compensation
When family members and loved ones take care of a wrongful death case, there is a great financial burden on top of their own emotional suffering. This can include expenses that have to be handled. Because these expenses often pile up, loved ones can seek compensation in order to cover these costs. Doing so can be difficult, which is why it is important to have an experienced attorney at your side while seeking reparations for a wrongful death. In Washington D.C., compensation may be sought for the following:
- Medical expenses before death
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages for the deceased’s future earnings
- Anxiety and emotional distress
- The value of the services the deceased provided to the family
- The loss of guidance a parent provided a child
- The loss of support from a deceased spouse, parent, or child
When seeking compensation for a wrongful death case, it is important to know there is a statute of limitations on filing a claim. A statute of limitations gives an individual a certain amount of time to pursue legal action for a wrongful death. Individuals who file a claim on behalf of the deceased is usually a surviving spouse or domestic partner. Otherwise, a claim may be filed by children, parents, or siblings. The statute of limitations in Washington D.C. to file is two years from the date of the individual’s death.
Contact our Firm
If you or someone you know experienced a loss as a result of a wrongful death, contact Trombly & Singer, PLLC.today.
The experienced personal injury and medical malpractice attorneys at Trombly & Singer, PLLC are prepared to represent clients facing legal matters after being injured due to another person’s negligence. If you require strong legal representation in Washington D.C. or Maryland, contact our firm today to schedule a consultation.
