When a loved one has been lost to the negligence of another party, wrongful death legal protections may be able to help their loved ones with some of the damages they are left with. Wrongful death legal protections may be able to help with the financial and emotional challenges family members of victims of fatal accidents face.
How to bring a wrongful death claim for damages
There are several components of a wrongful death claim for surviving family members to be familiar with including:
- A wrongful death claim for damages is brought by the personal representative of the lost loved one’s estate for the benefit of the lost loved one’s surviving loved ones.
- Surviving family members have 2 years from the time of the loss to bring a wrongful death claim for damages.
- Damages surviving family members may be able to recover can include compensation for medical, hospital, funeral and burial expenses and the lost earnings of the lost loved one. Depending on what types of damages are recovered, they may be directed to the estate or may be directed to a surviving spouse or children and the victim.
Wrongful death claims, and how any damages awarded are directed, can quickly grow complex which is why trained guidance through the process can be beneficial for surviving family members experiencing the unexpected loss of a loved one. Negligent drivers and others who cause the death of another person because of their carelessness should be accountable for their actions and may be held responsible for the damages the victim’s loved ones face.
