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What Constitutes a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?

What Is A Wrongful Death Lawsuit? - Wrongful Death Doctor talk and patient medical working at office

Wrongful Death Lawyer

The unexpected death of a loved one can be devastating, but when that death is caused by the negligence of another party and was completely preventable had it not been for that party’s actions, the grief and sorrow can be overwhelming. Every state has its own personal injury statutes and these laws also cover wrongful death actions in these types of situations. Although no amount of money will ever make up for your loved one’s death, it is one way to obtain some form of justice.

The following is a brief overview of wrongful death lawsuits. For more detailed information, contact a wrongful death lawyer for legal guidance.

Defining Wrongful Death Under the Law

As mentioned above, each state has its own wrongful death statute that gives victims’ survivors the legal right to pursue damages if there are certain factors that apply to the victim’s death.

The death of the victim was a result of negligence or wrongful act on the at-fault party. Negligence is the failure of upholding the duty of care we all have to others. The at-fault party breached that duty with their actions and the result was the victim died. For example, every driver has a duty of care not to drive if they are under the influence. If a driver gets behind the wheel intoxicated and crashes into another vehicle, killing that driver, they would be liable in any wrongful death action brought by the victim’s survivors.

If the victim had survived their injuries, then they would have had the legal right to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party to pursue damages for any losses their injuries would have caused them.

Types of Accidents in a Wrongful Death Lawsuit

There are many different types of accidents that can result in a wrongful death lawsuit. Whether the at-fault party is individual, multiple parties, a business, or another entity, the victim’s survivors can file a wrongful death action against those who are liable.

The most common types of wrongful death lawsuit accidents include:

  • Car accidents
  • Truck accidents
  • Motorcycle accidents
  • Pedestrian accidents
  • Premises liability
  • Work accidents
  • Medical malpractice
  • Defective or dangerous products
  • Construction site accidents

Damages That Can Be Pursued

When a family files a wrongful death lawsuit, they can pursue financial compensation for the following losses:

  • Funeral and burial expenses
  • Medical expenses for the life-saving care of the victim
  • Loss of the victim’s future income and benefits provided for the family
  • Loss of the victim’s services or household contributions, such as childcare, household chores, yard work, etc.
  • Loss of the victim’s love
  • Loss of the victim’s guidance
  • Loss of the victim’s companionship
  • Mental anguish
  • Grief and sorrow
  • Any other losses that are applicable

If you have lost a loved one in an accident, a wrongful death lawyer can help.

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Ketteline Fleurizard
197 days ago
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I am writing to share my heartfelt review and gratitude for the exceptional service I received from Needle & Ellenberg Prior to coming to this office, I had been rejected by another law firm who did not take the time to listen to my case. However, this Law firm was different; both lawyers actually invited us to the office and truly took the time to listen to our story. Throughout the entire process, Mr. Ellenberg has been nothing but great to us. Cheryl, his assistant, was very warm and welcoming through this difficult moment. She was always professional and readily available. This firm has fought hard to ensure we were compensated, and their efforts have truly changed our lives forever. Turning a bad situation into a better outlook. I highly commend Mr. Ellenberg for his extensive knowledge and expertise in the malpractice field. I would definitely recommend Needle & Ellenberg to anyone seeking dedicated and professional legal representation.
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Kerry Parker
202 days ago
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Andrew Ellenberg represented my family during one of the most painful and frightening chapters of our lives. After my husband and our three-year-old son were involved in a horrific accident, we found ourselves overwhelmed, vulnerable, and unsure of how to move forward. From the very beginning, Andrew approached our case with the utmost professionalism, expertise, and precision; but what truly set him apart was the compassion and care he showed our family. Andrew never treated us like just another case. He understood that behind the legal process was a family going through unimaginable fear and uncertainty. He took the time to explain every step, answer every question, and guide us with patience and clarity when we needed it most. His knowledge and skill were evident in every decision he made, and his dedication to protecting my husband and son gave us confidence during a time when everything else felt uncertain. Despite the worst of circumstances, Andrew worked tirelessly and skillfully to achieve the best possible outcome for our family. His strategic thinking, attention to detail, and unwavering advocacy made an immeasurable difference, and we always felt that he was fighting for us with everything he had. More than a lawyer, Andrew became a steady source of support. During our most vulnerable moments, he was not only legal counsel but also a trusted guide and a genuine comfort. His kindness, integrity, and unwavering commitment to our family helped carry us through an incredibly difficult time. We will never forget the care, dedication, and determination Andrew brought to our case. My family is forever grateful for his advocacy, his humanity, and the peace of mind he gave us during the worst time in our lives. If you are looking for an attorney who combines exceptional legal expertise with true compassion, Andrew Ellenberg is simply extraordinary.
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Julie Dreams
216 days ago
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If you ever feel like you are in a dark place, and you feel that something wrong happened with your love one and need help to correct it and feel that they were treated unfairly and missed informed. I would 1000 percent recommend this firm!! They helped me with my father after a horrible life event happened to him and I’m forever grateful for them !! They guided me and answered all my questions and concerns! They are amazing and I’m blessed that they helped my family!!
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Laurie Scott
229 days ago
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I appreciated how Andrew Needle explained not just the legal concepts, but also whether a case would realistically be worth pursuing. He was thorough and the depth of his experience really came through.
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