If you have suddenly and tragically lost a loved one, considering the legal context of the situation is probably the last thing on your mind. However, because family members are often left with burdensome funeral costs and other accumulating expenses following a family member’s death, it’s a good idea to speak with a wrongful death lawyer following the unexpected loss of a loved one—especially if the death may have been caused by another person or entity’s negligence or misconduct.
What is Wrongful Death?
Wrongful death is a broad term that can be used to describe any number of specific causes, such as:
- a railroad accident
- medical malpractice
- a defective product
- a construction accident
Ultimately, a death may be considered wrongful if it can be determined that an entity or person caused the fatal incident due to their own negligence. Some common parties that are often held liable in wrongful death cases include:
- companies/corporations
- product manufacturers
- doctors/medical staff
- individuals
What Damages Can Be Collected On?
If you’ve lost a loved one as a result of somebody else’s misconduct, you may be wondering what purpose it serves to bring the matter to court. After all, there is unfortunately no way to bring your loved one back. However, there are many reasons to consider pursuing a wrongful death case. For starters, doing so gives you the opportunity to seek justice for your deceased loved one and may even prevent the same fateful occurrence from happening to somebody else.
Furthermore, compensation from a wrongful death case can help offset some of the expenses you and your family may have incurred as a result of your loved one’s sudden passing. This may include damages for:
- medical/hospital bills
- memorial and funeral expenses
- pain and suffering
- loss of financial support/companionship
The Importance of Working With an Attorney
More than likely, your family has already been through enough stress and trauma. As such, you may be feeling understandably uneasy about the idea of getting involved with the legal process of pursuing a wrongful death case. However, this is where having an experienced and knowledgeable wrongful death attorney on your side can make all the difference. A legal team will be able to assist you through every complicated step of the process, keeping your best interests in mind every step of the way.
Ginnis, Krathen, & Zelnick, P.A. specializes in wrongful death cases and invites you to contact us today so you can set up your free case evaluation and find out more about how they can assist you during this difficult time.