If your loved one died due to another person’s negligence, you might be entitled to compensation for the loss. A wrongful death lawyer can help you file the necessary paperwork, meet important deadlines, and negotiate with insurance companies to get you a fair settlement for your losses. They can also represent you in court if an out-of-court settlement cannot be reached.
Wrongful death lawsuits must prove several things in order to be successful, including: that the death was caused by negligent or reckless behavior, that family members suffered damages because of the death, and that the deceased’s estate is eligible to receive compensation. A wrongful death lawyer can review the evidence in your case, interview eyewitnesses, and gather relevant documents and other information.
Some examples of wrongful deaths include car accidents, medical malpractice, and workplace fatalities. The lawyers at Finkelstein & Partners, LLP work diligently to make sure that those who are responsible for your loved one’s death are held accountable.
When choosing a wrongful death lawyer, consider their experience handling the type of accident that caused your loved one’s death. A lawyer with specific experience in the type of crash that your family member died in will be able to review police reports, witness statements, and other relevant evidence in order to determine whether or not your loved one was killed due to another person’s actions.
In addition to determining which parties are responsible, your lawyer can help you pursue compensation for damages including funeral costs, the loss of companionship and guidance from your deceased loved one, medical expenses, and other financial and non-financial losses. Depending on the type of claim, it may also be appropriate to seek punitive damages.
The length of time it takes to settle a wrongful death case varies greatly. Some cases are settled within a matter of months while others can drag on for several years before reaching a resolution. This is typically because of the need to investigate and gather evidence, as well as the fact that wrongful death claims often involve complex legal issues, including proving fault for the accident and attaching a dollar value to different types of damages.
Wrongful death settlements are often paid by insurance companies. For example, if your loved one died in a car accident, the other driver’s auto insurance company will usually pay. Other claims are settled by property insurance policies, such as those that cover hospitals and commercial buildings. When it comes to determining which insurer will pay, your wrongful death lawyer will be familiar with your state’s laws regarding which insurance carriers are required to provide coverage for wrongful death claims.