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An Overview of Wrongful Death Claims

Author: Joseph Franks
by Joseph Franks
Posted: Jul 09, 2020

A wrongful death claim is a kind of personal injury claim that, which is applicable if the victim dies as a result of the defendant’s negligence or unlawful actions. The victim’s successors or immediate family members are eligible to collect monetary compensation for their loss. The victim’s estate trustee or representative can file a wrongful death lawsuit on the behalf of living or surviving relatives. Personal Injury Attorney Greenwood Village, CO states the four basic requirements for qualifying for a wrongful death case:

  1. Firstly, the petitioner has to provide proof against the allegation that the death of their loved one was caused by the carelessness or recklessness of the defendant.
  2. The plaintiff shall demonstrate that the defendant had a duty towards the protection or safety of the victim. For example, in medical malpractice lawsuits, it is evident that the doctor or medic is responsible was maintaining or restoring a person’s health.
  3. The lawsuit filer must elaborate that how the defendant breached his/her duty, and how the unfortunate event could be prevented.
  4. It is important to show that the death of the victim caused considerable damages, including financial loss, pain, and suffering.
Settlement vs. Trial

A wrongful death lawsuit is categorized as a civil action, rather than a criminal case. For this reason, the burden of proof is set lower. Cases proceed on the basis of concrete evidence, instead of liability beyond reasonable doubt. Therefore, the plaintiff has to participate in a number of steps, such as getting acquainted with tort law, carrying out investigation, collaborating with witnesses/other victims, and developing strategies to handle the case tactfully. The legal process of a wrongful death lawsuit normally involves pleas, negotiation, and reaching a reasonable settlement. The majority of personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits are settled out of court.

If the defendant does not offer a reasonable deal, the plaintiff can take the case to court. A judge or jury trial may or may not help increase the amount of compensatory rewards. Professional representation in court can magnify the chances of a successful trial. Wrongful death claims tend to be complicated; quality and credibility of evidence always surpasses the quantity of facts. Hence, it is necessary to hire an experienced and competent attorney to review and maneuver your case.

Coverage

Wrongful deaths are associated with several damages, so you might receive imbursement for the following losses:

  • Cost of medical treatment the victim received before death
  • Pain and suffering between the accident and demise
  • Loss of deceased’s income and other services
  • Loss of love and companionship
  • Inheritance conflicts
  • Funeral and burial expenses
  • Loss of consortium
Who can be sued for a Wrongful Death? Wrongful deaths occur in a wide range of circumstances; hence, the nature of the party at fault may vary. In case of a car accident, you may blame the driver, car manufacturer, the road builder, or the fellow passenger. Similarly, the inventor, distributor, and installer of defective products shall also be convicted. Some government agencies and employees might possess immunity against a lawsuit.
About the Author

John Adams writes about travel and best for He encourages his readers to improve their quality of life by incorporating positive and good things. As he loves to share his insight about life experiences, he has contribute on various online platform in

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Author: Joseph Franks

Joseph Franks

Member since: Sep 12, 2019
Published articles: 43

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