Wrongful death lawsuits are not uncommon. A person may file one after a loved one has passed away due to an accident or the deliberate actions of the perpetrator. Wrongful death events can occur due to medical malpractice, automobile accidents, workplace incidents, murders, and other incidents. Many different family members can file a wrongful death lawsuit and recover damages. Before you pursue a case, you should understand whether you would be able to bring a complaint to a court. Speaking to an attorney can also give you the answers you need.
Spouses
Perhaps the most obvious person to file a wrongful death lawsuit would be a spouse of the person who died. A husband or wife would be left with medical bills and funeral costs, not to mention a heavy weight of grief and distress. The spouse can recover damages to pay for these costs. The settlement can also help the surviving person with money that the decedent would have earned had he or she lived. There is also a component of pain and suffering that the person could explore. The court may award the individual a settlement for having to cope with loss of companionship and loss of enjoyment.
Children
Losing a parent can place a child in a difficult predicament, especially if the child is a minor and depended on the parent for physical and emotional support. A child or multiple children can claim damages in a wrongful death lawsuit. This would enable the child to claim the parent’s lost income and future earnings. An attorney can also help the child to recover damages from the pain and suffering and other emotional effects of the death.
Parents
No parent wants to even think about outliving a child. If this happens because of another person’s negligence, the parent or parents should speak to a lawyer about filing a wrongful death lawsuit. A cash settlement forms the suit could pay for any medical costs, including treatments, surgeries, hospital stays, and medication. The settlement should also pay for funeral and burial costs. The lawyer can help the family claim emotional distress damages.
Others
Some states allow distant relatives to file wrongful death suits. Such people could include grandchildren, cousins, siblings, and grandparents.
If you lost a loved one because of another person’s actions, talk to a lawyer, like a wrongful death lawyer, today. You can find some peace of mind by getting the compensation you deserve and holding the offending party accountable.