Getting the news that a loved one passed away in an accident is something that no one wants to think about. However, sometimes, others act in a reckless, negligent, or malicious way that puts the safety of others at risk. They often act in this manner without thinking about the welfare of others. When this happens, innocent lives are lost.
When someone’s actions lead to the unfortunate death of a loved one, you have options. At Edwards Law Office, P.C., we understand the emotional and financial hardships you are facing.
Reach out to our Cheyenne wrongful death lawyer to find out more about taking legal action.
Death Claims in Wyoming
Unfortunately, individuals pass away under tragic circumstances every day. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, unintentional injuries led to 227,039 deaths last year. In Wyoming, 14 reported homicide incidents were committed in 2022, per the Federal Bureau of Investigation Crime Data Explorer tool.
For loved ones grappling with the loss of a family member, they may be able to take legal action against the reasonable parties.
Wrongful death claims in Wyoming are brought when the negligence or intentional wrongful acts of another party cause someone’s death. In Wyoming, the decedent’s estate personal representative can file a wrongful death lawsuit to seek compensation for the loss of their loved one.
In these cases, you need to establish several key elements of the claim. First, your legal team will need to show that the responsible party acted negligently or intentionally. As a result, that led to the victim’s death. In any wrongful death case, there must be a direct connection between the defendant’s actions and your loved one’s fatality.
Also, you must have suffered specific damages as a result of the wrongful death. These can include financial losses, loss of companionship, and emotional suffering.
If you want to recover compensation in Wyoming, make sure to consult with a Cheyenne wrongful death lawyer. With their help, you can determine your options to start the recovery process.
Types of Preventable Death Cases
Unfortunately, fatalities can occur due to the reckless or intentional actions of another person or entity. These careless acts can leave surviving family members with a lifetime of heartbreak.
Wrongful deaths can result from:
- Car accidents: Drunk driving, speeding, or distracted driving can all lead to traffic fatalities.
- Medical malpractice: A health care provider’s negligence can cause a patient’s death through surgical errors, misdiagnoses, or medication mistakes.
- Workplace accidents: Accidents in the workplace, including construction accidents, industrial mishaps, and exposure to hazardous substances can result in fatal incidents.
- Defective products: The manufacturer can be liable when a faulty product causes a person’s death.
- Criminal activities: Murder and assault are all criminal actions that lead to a person’s death
Under any circumstances, you should seek legal advice from our team at Edwards Law Office, P.C. We can help you determine the best course of action for your case.
Wyoming Wrongful Death Laws
In Wyoming, only a personal representative has the legal authority to file a claim for wrongful death. This representative can be a close relative or beneficiary of the deceased. When it comes time to file, a petition must be made in the county where:
- The deceased person lived or passed away
- One or more of the defendants in the case reside
- The event causing death occurred
While the representative needs to file a claim, the surviving family members and beneficiaries are still able to collect any compensation. These individuals may include:
- The spouse
- Children
- Parents
- Other dependents who relied financially on the decedent
If you have questions about filing a wrongful death claim, contact us at Edwards Law Office, P.C. Our compassionate legal team can help you determine your options.
What Type of Compensation Can Be Recovered?
In Wyoming, compensation for wrongful death cases can vary depending on the specific details of each case. There are various types that the surviving family members or beneficiaries can collect.
Economic damages are a major part of wrongful death cases. These damages often include:
- Medical expenses
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Lost wages and benefits
Noneconomic damages address the emotional and psychological impact of the loss. These can include:
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of consortium
In rare cases, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the defendant for intentional or reckless conduct that led to the person’s death.
If you have lost a loved one to these actions, you need to act quickly. Unlike personal injury lawsuits, the time frame to file a wrongful death lawsuit is shorter. Wyoming law only allows you to take legal action two years from the date of the death.
Role of a Wrongful Death Lawyer in Cheyenne, WY
When faced with these unthinkable circumstances, you will want to have a Cheyenne wrongful death on your side. With an attorney’s help, you can avoid many difficulties with these claims.
An experienced lawyer will begin the process to reconstruct the factors that lead up to your loved one’s death, including determining who was responsible for the incident. An attorney can help build a solid foundation for your case with medical records, eyewitness accounts, and other documentation.
As you focus on healing, a wrongful death attorney will represent your interests at every step of the case, helping to advocate on your behalf. Many times, insurers and other legal teams will try to stall the case for as long as possible, hoping you accept a low offer. However, an attorney is right there to negotiate and get the appropriate compensation for the family.
Allow Our Compassionate Team to Take on Your Case
After losing a loved one, you might not want to deal with a long legal battle. However, at Edwards Law Office, P.C., we can ensure that you get the compensation and justice you deserve.
If you want to learn more about your legal options, contact our law office to talk to a Cheyenne wrongful death lawyer today. We are here to provide you with legal guidance throughout this difficult time.