Wrongful death legal protections may be able to help families address some of their unexpected concerns following the wrongful loss of their loved one in a fatal accident. Surviving family members should be familiar with these legal protections.
Who can bring a wrongful death claim?
When a death has been wrongfully caused by negligence, the surviving spouse of the victim, as well as their children and parents, may be able to bring a wrongful death claim for damages. In some situations, an adoptive child and adoptive parents may be able to bring a wrongful death claim for damages. Siblings are unable to bring a wrongful death claim for damages.
What damages are available for wrongful death?
Damages that may be available to surviving family members can include compensation for mental anguish; lost inheritance; lost household services; lost care support, guidance or counsel; lost love and companionship; and lost earning capacity. The estate of the victim may also be able to recover compensation for certain damages including for physical pain and suffering and mental anguish prior to their death.
There are important timelines associated with bringing a wrongful death claim for damages. Surviving family members who have unexpectedly lost a loved one should be familiar with what those timelines are and how they can bring a claim for wrongful death.
Wrongful death legal protections may help surviving family members recover compensation for their damages following a negligence-related accident. For that reason, wrongful death legal protections are important to be aware of.