A wrongful death lawsuit is a legal claim brought by the surviving family members or the estate of a deceased person against the party responsible for their death. Losing a loved one is one of the most devastating experiences anyone can endure, especially when that loss is caused by the careless or intentional actions of another person.
If you’ve lost a loved one this way, you may have legal options to seek justice and financial compensation. A compassionate Long Island wrongful death lawyer can guide you and your family through this challenging time and pursue a settlement on your behalf. Let’s take a closer look at what a wrongful death lawsuit is and how an attorney can help.
Understanding What a Wrongful Death Lawsuit is
As mentioned above, a wrongful death lawsuit is a legal claim that you can file against the party that caused your loved one’s death. These claims arise when someone’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional actions lead to a fatality.
While no amount of money can ever truly make up for the loss of a loved one, a wrongful death lawsuit can provide you with the damages you need to cope with your losses, cover funeral expenses, and deal with other economic and non-economic losses related to your loved one’s passing.
Fatal Accidents You Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit After
There are a number of potentially fatal incidents that are often caused by the negligence of another person. Whether your loved one was killed in a car crash, slip and fall accident, or another type of incident, you have the right to pursue justice and compensation.
A skilled attorney can file a wrongful death lawsuit for you if your loved one was fatally injured in one of the following incidents:
- Car accident
- Truck accident
- Slip and fall accident
- Construction accident
- Motorcycle accident
- Bicycle accident
- Dog bite incident
- Pedestrian accident
Damages Available in a Wrongful Death Lawsuit
While no financial compensation can truly replace your loved one, a wrongful death lawsuit can help alleviate the financial setbacks and expenses you’ve been burdened with. An attorney can meet with you to discuss your loss and determine which damages you should receive from a lawsuit.
Depending on your unique circumstances, you could receive any of the following damages from a wrongful death lawsuit:
- Economic Damages: Economic damages can cover losses, such as medical bills your loved one incurred before their death, funeral and burial costs, lost wages, and loss of future financial support.
- Non–Economic Damages: These damages can address the emotional impact of the loss, including the pain and suffering, loss of companionship, and loss of consortium you experience due to your loved one’s passing.
- Punitive Damages: In cases involving egregious misconduct or intentional harm, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior.
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Why You Need a Wrongful Death Attorney
Wrongful death cases can be complicated and may require a great deal of experience and effort to handle properly. If you are mourning the loss of a loved one, you’ll want to hire a skilled attorney to help you pursue compensation.
Doing so will increase your chances of getting a fair outcome and give you the time you need to grieve and gather with family members.
Here’s what an attorney can do to support you and make your wrongful death lawsuit as successful as possible:
- Provide a free consultation and compassionate legal advice
- Investigate the circumstances surrounding your loved one’s death to build a strong case.
- Identify all liable parties
- Represent you during negotiations and court proceedings
- Present evidence and legal arguments in court
- Fight for the damages you need to deal with this challenging time
- Answer any questions you have about your case or what a wrongful death lawsuit is
Time Limits for Filing a Wrongful Death Lawsuit
Every state has a statute of limitations that determines how long you have to file a wrongful death claim. In New York, plaintiffs must abide by EPTL 5-4.1. This law gives you two years from the date of your loved one’s death to file a wrongful death lawsuit.
If you don’t act within this restricted amount of time, you won’t get the damages you’re owed. Reach out to a skilled attorney ASAP after your accident to ensure this important filing deadline is satisfied.
Schedule a free consultation with a lawyer to learn more about the statute of limitations and what a wrongful death lawsuit is.
Contact Levine And Wiss for Compassionate Legal Support
If you are still wondering, ” What is a wrongful death lawsuit? ” We encourage you to talk to a lawyer. An attorney can provide the information you’re looking for and help you pursue compensation for the tragic loss you’ve endured.
At Levine And Wiss, we have over 100 years of combined experience and have won hundreds of millions of dollars for clients like you.
You can count on our compassionate wrongful death lawyers to represent your best interests throughout the legal process and fight for the best outcome possible. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and get started on your case.
