The rules and regulations surrounding wrongful death lawsuits vary from state to state, and the length of time that a person has to file a wrongful death lawsuit can be as long as three years. If wrongful death lawsuits are not filed within a given amount of time, the deceased person’s family members are not entitled to any type of damages and are not permitted to file a lawsuit at any time. This is why it is very important to work with a wrongful death lawyer as soon as you decide to file a lawsuit.
Working with an Attorney for Wrongful Death Lawsuits
Wrongful death lawsuits can be complicated, and you need a lawyer by your side to handle negotiations and make sure you are awarded the highest possible amount in your settlement. An experienced wrongful death lawyer will be able to assess all of the damages associated with the situation, make phone calls and write letters on your behalf, negotiate the settlement, and call upon professional investigators or a team of negotiators to assist with the case.
An experienced and qualified wrongful death attorney will also serve as an advisor and coach throughout the litigation process. They will do the work needed to locate evidence, prepare documents, and answer any questions you may have throughout the litigation process.
Calculating Damages for a Wrongful Death Lawsuit
The amount of money you can legally collect from a wrongful death lawsuit varies from state to state and will depend on number of different factors. In most cases, family members of the deceased will be able to recover payment for the injured person’s medical bills, burial expenses, and other costs associated with the incident. Damages for wrongful death lawsuits may also include the amount of wages the person who died would have earned if they had lived, and the pain and suffering experienced by the survivors because of the deceased person’s absence.
A wrongful death attorney is usually involved with calculating the total amount of future earnings the deceased person would have earned, and also the total amount of damages incurred by the family of the person who has died. The types of damages you can receive compensation for during a wrongful death lawsuit include:
- Loss of inheritance
- Loss of care, protection, nurturing and companionship of survivors
- Loss of benefits, including medical coverage and pension plans
- Punitive damages
- Loss of expected earnings between time of death and retirement
- Medical and funeral expenses associated with the death
Wrongful death lawsuits can be complicated and may involve several months of pleadings and court appearances. Working with a wrongful death attorney can help you receive the highest possible settlement amount you and your family deserves.
