Losing a beloved family member is never easy, but the loss of a loved one under wrongful circumstances can be especially hard to deal with. If your family member passed away because of someone else’s wrongful actions, call our legal team immediately.
Wrongful death claims might involve a whole host of injuries and accidents. A few common examples include auto accidents, workplace injuries, and negligent medical care. It is important to understand who can and cannot file a wrongful death claim. Generally, claims are limited to immediate family members of the deceased, including spouses, children, and parents. Damages in wrongful death cases tend to be substantial, with economic and non-economic injuries considered. It is best to begin working on your legal case as soon as possible, as the statute of limitations might already be counting down to your filing deadline.
If you have lost a family member under wrongful circumstances, contact our Bucks County wrongful death lawyers by calling The Reiff Law Firm at (215) 709-6940 and set up a review of your claims for no cost.
Examples of Wrongful Death Claims in Bucks County
What exactly makes a death wrongful in a legal sense? A wrongful death is defined under Md. Code Cts. and Jud. Proc. § 3-902(b) and includes death caused by wrongful actions, neglect, or omissions. This is certainly a broad definition, and wrongful death claims might involve any number of accidents and injuries related to someone else’s negligence.
A very common example of wrongful death is death caused by auto accidents. Accidents on the road are fairly common, and those involving death must be investigated to determine who is at fault. If the other driver is at fault for the crash, you can sue them for the wrongful death of your loved one.
Another unfortunately common claim in many wrongful death cases is that the deceased person passed away because of a workplace accident. Many fatal workplace accidents involve inherently dangerous jobs. For example, it is not unusual to hear about someone being gravely injured by heavy machinery at a factory job. However, fatal accidents might also occur in other areas, like offices or retail jobs.
A major concern in many wrongful death claims is medical malpractice. A doctor’s negligent mistake might cost someone their life. If your loved one sought medical treatment and passed away after treatment went wrong, talk to our wrongful death lawyers about the possibility of medical malpractice.
People Who Can File Wrongful Death Claims in Bucks County
While the loss of a loved one can be painful, not everyone close to the deceased person can file a claim for wrongful death. Generally, these claims are limited to spouses, children, and parents of the deceased person. Other extended family members or close friends unrelated by blood or marriage are usually ineligible to file a claim.
In some cases, other relatives might be able to file a claim if no other eligible beneficiaries exist. For example, if the deceased person was unmarried, childless, and predeceased by their parents, other family members might file the claim. If you find yourself in such a situation, talk to a lawyer right away.
Beneficiaries are awarded damages based on how they would inherit from the deceased person’s estate. If there is a will, damages are apportioned according to the will. If there is no will, damages are awarded based on state probate laws.
Potential Damages Available in Your Bucks County Wrongful Death Case
Damages in wrongful death cases may vary from case to case, but they tend to be high in cases involving death. The loss of a family member may take a significant financial toll on family members left behind. On top of that, the emotional distress from losing a loved one to wrongful circumstances can weigh heavily and affect family members for years.
Economic losses should include the costs experienced by the family and costs experienced by the deceased person before they passed away. For example, after losing a spouse, you might claim the value of their lost income. If they passed away in a car accident, you might also claim the value of their damaged vehicle and various lost personal items.
You can also claim the value of lost services from your deceased family member. If your family member provided caregiving services or childcare services, you can claim the costs of those services.
Non-economic injuries may include various painful emotional losses and psychological turmoil. If the deceased person was your spouse, you might claim the loss of consortium or companionship. A child might claim the loss of parental guidance and support.
Special damages may also be included. These damages include the costs of hospital stays, nursing services, medical bills, funeral expenses, and expenses of estate administration.
When is a Good Time to Initiate a Wrongful Death Claim in Bucks County
One of the biggest complications in a wrongful death case is deciding when to file a claim. Ideally, it would be best if you talked to a lawyer as soon as possible. In reality, many surviving family members take some time to mourn the loss of their loved one before they pursue legal action.
Even so, you should not wait too long before consulting with a lawyer. The statute of limitations is usually 2 years from the date of death. If you wait too long, you might lose your right to sue for damages.
Remember, the statute of limitations begins on the date of death. In some cases, this might be later than the date of the accident and injuries. Often, people might live with their injuries for days, weeks, or longer before finally succumbing.
Contact Our Bucks County Wrongful Death Lawyers for Support
If you have lost a loved one under negligent or wrongful circumstances, call our Bucks County wrongful death lawyers at The Reiff Law Firm at (215) 709-6940 and arrange a review of your claims for no charge.
