No one wants to get the news that a loved one passed away. What makes these situations even more heartbreaking is when the death was the result of an accident or malicious action that could have been prevented.
Many times, individuals act in a reckless, negligent, or malicious manner without thinking about the welfare of others. When this happens, innocent lives are lost.
If you have been affected by a tragic death, you may have a claim for a wrongful death lawsuit.
At Edwards Law Office, P.C., we understand the tremendous difficulties you are facing during this time. Allow our team to handle the legal process while you focus on healing. Contact our Jackson, WY, wrongful death lawyer to find out more about a possible legal claim.
What Is a Wrongful Death?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, unintentional injuries have resulted in 227,039 deaths. In some of these cases, someone else is responsible for these tragic outcomes.
In a wrongful death lawsuit, surviving family members seek to get compensation for a loved one’s death. In all these cases, their death was caused by the negligence, recklessness, or intentional actions of another individual or entity.
These claims seek to hold the responsible party accountable for their actions. Most importantly, it obtains compensation for the losses suffered by the survivors.
In Wyoming, a personal representative of the decedent’s estate can only file the wrongful death claim. Generally, this is the same individual who represents the decedent’s estate. This representative acts on behalf of the surviving family members or beneficiaries of the deceased.
Any compensation awarded in a wrongful death lawsuit goes exclusively to the benefit of the deceased’s beneficiaries, no matter who serves as the wrongful death representative.
Wrongful death cases are very complicated, and they often need the assistance of an experienced legal team. If you believe that the death of a loved one may be a wrongful death, reach out to our Jackson, WY wrongful death lawyer.
Have Any of These Situations Caused the Death of Your Loved One?
Fatalities can happen in any accident. However, when someone’s reckless and negligent vacation is a factor in their death, you may have an option to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit.
The common types of wrongful death cases include:
- Car accidents: Wrongful deaths often result from collisions caused by drunk driving, speeding, or distracted driving, involving either passenger cars or commercial vehicles.
- Medical malpractice: Negligent action by medical staff can lead to deaths from medical errors, misdiagnoses, surgical mistakes, or medication errors.
- Workplace accidents: Fatal incidents in the workplace could occur due to unsafe conditions, inadequate training, or equipment failure.
- Defective products: Manufacturers, distributors, or sellers may be held liable for product defects leading to fatalities.
- Criminal activities: A fatality stemming from an assault, homicide, or intentional harm can be considered a wrongful death.
After a loved one’s death, it can be difficult to think about taking the next step in your life. However, in these scenarios, you have the right to pursue compensation. Reach out to Edwards Law Office, P.C., to learn more about your options.
The Wrongful Death Legal Process.
No matter the circumstances, you must identify the responsible party in a Wyoming wrongful death case. This party, or several parties, can be anyone from a driver, a health care provider, an employer, or a product manufacturer.
After that, you must have some evidence that can help to establish fault. Accident reports, witness statements, photographs, and medical records can all help to build a solid base for your claim. Remember, you need these pieces of evidence to determine negligence and strengthen the case.
When you work with a Jackson WY, a wrongful death attorney can help with this process. During the investigation, they will consult with accident reconstruction specialists, medical experts, or workplace safety professionals. Your case needs to show that if not for the actions of these individuals or businesses, your loved one would still be alive.
During the process, your case will either be settled before going to court or end up in the courtroom. A skilled attorney can help you navigate this process when negotiating with insurance companies or protecting your rights.
What Is the deadline? In Wyoming, there are specific time limits for filing a wrongful death lawsuit. Generally, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of the victim’s death.
Filing in a timely order can preserve your right to seek compensation.
What Type of Compensation Is Available?
Wrongful death lawsuits often result in awards to the family of the deceased. They are either economic or noneconomic awards. In these cases, economic damages are recoverable, such as:
- Medical expenses to treat your loved one before their death.
- Funeral and burial costs related to the funeral and burial of your loved one.
Along with that, if your loved one was the primary breadwinner, you may have lost income and benefits due to their death. Damage awards can include these losses.
However, the loss of a loved one is more than a monetary reward. With their passing, you and your family members may have suffered a loss of companionship, emotional support, and care that the deceased would have provided. These are known as noneconomic damages, and you may be able to recover them with a wrongful death lawsuit.
Keep in mind that every case has its unique circumstances. If you would like to learn more about possible awards, contact a wrongful death lawyer in Jackson, WY today.
Let Us Help with Your Jackson WY Wrongful Death Claim
After you have lost a loved one, especially to a tragic accident, you want answers. Sometimes, a death is caused by the negligent or reckless behavior of another person, business, or entity. In these cases, you have the right to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit. With this legal option, you can hold those responsible parties accountable for your loved one’s death.
While money will not bring your loved one back, these financial awards can help ease the burden of unexpected costs. If you are ready to move forward, Edwards Law Office, P.C. can assist. Schedule a consultation with our Jackson, WY wrongful death lawyer today.