Wrongful Death Lawyers

A wrongful death claim allows surviving family members to seek compensation when a loved one’s death was caused by another party’s negligence or wrongdoing, including medical malpractice, car accidents, defective products, or unsafe conditions. Each state has its own wrongful death statute defining which family members may file and what damages they can recover.

Wrongful death claims are subject to a statute of limitations, the legal deadline for filing a lawsuit. This deadline varies by state and generally runs from the date of death, though exceptions may apply depending on the circumstances. Because deadlines differ and evidence can be lost over time, it’s important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible.

Wrongful death damages commonly include funeral and burial expenses, the decedent’s final medical bills, lost financial support and services the decedent would have provided, and in some cases lost future income. Available damages vary by state, so it’s important to consult an attorney familiar with your jurisdiction.

Wrongful death claims are typically filed by a personal representative of the deceased’s estate on behalf of surviving family members, such as a spouse, children, or parents. Eligibility to file varies by state law.

To succeed in a wrongful death claim, you generally need to show that the death was caused by another party’s negligence or wrongdoing, that this caused the death, and that surviving family members suffered measurable losses as a result.

Most wrongful death attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay upfront and only owe attorney fees if your case results in compensation.

Wrongful death claims can arise from medical malpractice, car and truck accidents, defective products, workplace accidents, and other situations involving negligence. The cause of death plays a key role in determining how the claim is pursued.