The term “wrongful death” usually refers to a legal claim because of an accidental death caused by someone else’s carelessness or negligence. Some examples are:

  • auto, truck, boat, and bicycle deaths caused by negligent, careless, inattentive, speeding, and drunk drivers
  • drowning
  • pedestrian deaths
  • construction accidents and OSHA violations
  • defective and dangerous products

This is by no means an exhaustive list, but provided to give you an idea of some cases where a wrongful death occurs. If the death was caused by the negligence of another person, entity, or company, a wrongful death lawsuit may provide a path to justice – and practical help for those left behind.

Lawsuits for wrongful death can be very complex, especially when the actions of multiple parties contributed to a person’s death. It is impossible to “put a number” on the value of a lost life. But giving financial compensation for the loss that the death has caused is the only practical remedy that civil courts have. Calculating recoverable expenses is a complicated and complex process, but some examples of included costs are:

  • How much did the victim earn?
  • How financially dependent were the survivors on the victim?
  • Health
  • Life expectancy
  • Funeral Costs
  • Medical Expenses

A wrongful death lawsuit is meant to compensate the surviving family members, not necessarily punish the responsible party. Punitive damages may be available, but only in certain circumstances. As with all issues related to an injury you or a family member has sustained because of another person’s actions, the best approach is always to talk with an attorney before making any decisions.

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