Wrongful Death Civil Suit

When a loved one dies due to the actions or omissions of another person or entity, it is possible for their family to file a civil suit. This type of case is called a wrongful death civil suit. Wrongful death cases can be filed against private individuals, companies and even government entities. The purpose of the civil suit is to get money damages for the survivors. The compensation is intended to help the survivors cope with their loss and to compensate them for their financial losses such as lost income and funeral expenses. It is also meant to compensate the family for their emotional pain and suffering that they have endured.

What is the cost of injuries?

Survivors of the victim might be entitled to recover damages for their emotional pain and suffering as well. These types of damages are called “non-economic” damages. They might include things like the loss of love, companionship and the enjoyment of life that the beneficiaries might have suffered because of the wrongful death. This is based on the principle that the deceased’s family would have had the right to receive this type of damages had they survived the accident and remained alive.

Wrongful death lawsuits are very different than car accident or slip and fall lawsuits. They can involve complex legal issues and valuing damages often requires expert testimony. It is important to hire an attorney who is experienced in wrongful death suits because they can navigate the complicated legal and factual hurdles that may arise. In addition, the lawyer can help ensure that all parties who might have liens on the settlement are accounted for. These might include the decedent’s creditors, the hospital that cared for them or third party payors such as Medicare or Medicaid.