When a person dies in an accident or due to another party’s negligent actions, their family may have grounds to file a wrongful death lawsuit. It’s important to contact an experienced wrongful death lawyer as soon as possible so that they can identify the liable parties, establish negligence, and work toward a fair settlement.
Wrongful death claims can involve any kind of fatal incident, from car crashes to workplace accidents to medical malpractice. A skilled attorney can use a variety of sources to build a strong case, including police reports and statements from eyewitnesses. They can also examine a scene and review surveillance footage from the accident. They can even ask the defendant’s insurance company to hand over all available evidence.
Many wrongful death cases are filed on the basis of negligence. State laws define negligence in broad terms, describing a failure to use a reasonable degree of care and prudence based on the situation. For example, a driver who rear-ends someone on a busy road might have been demonstrating negligence by failing to check their mirrors or turn signal.
A person who commits a wrongful act that results in the death of another person can be held liable for the victim’s loved ones’ economic and noneconomic losses. A wrongful death attorney can help survivors calculate their losses and seek awards to cover costs like funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial support, and future inheritance. They can also pursue damages for the pain and suffering caused by the deceased’s death.
In addition to economic damages, a wrongful death lawyer can seek punitive damages in certain situations. These are meant to punish the liable party for particularly egregious conduct. They are only available if the lawyer can prove the other party’s actions were willfully or wantonly egregious.
The wrongful death lawyers at Meirowitz & Wasserberg, LLP understand how devastating the loss of a family member can be. We can provide a free consultation to help you determine whether you have grounds for a lawsuit and to guide you through the process. If you decide to hire us, we’ll work diligently to investigate your case and gather all the necessary evidence for a strong argument. Our goal is to secure a fair and just settlement that covers all your losses and allows you to heal from this tragedy. To learn more about how we can help you, contact our New York office today. Our wrongful death attorneys can answer any questions you have and explain the complex statutes that apply to this type of case.