Every year, about 2.5 million people in the US pass away, each leaving behind grieving family and friends as a result. Dealing with the death of a loved one is always difficult, but when the cause of death is a result of someone else’s negligence or a wrongful act, what was already a tragic situation becomes even more complex.
This is where wrongful death law comes into play. Knowing not only what wrongful death is, but what can be done if your loved one was the victim of a wrongful death, can make all the difference.
What is Wrongful Death Exactly? Everything You Need to Know
So what is wrongful death? Wrongful death is a legal term that refers to the death of an individual caused by another’s negligent act. It includes situations where the deceased would have been able to pursue damages had they not passed away. Common causes of wrongful death include the following:
- Medical malpractice
- Automobile accidents
- Workplace injuries
- Defective products
How to Know if You Qualify for a Claim
If you believe that your loved one’s death was caused by someone else’s negligence or intentional act, it is possible to pursue a wrongful death claim. However, a claim that can be classified as a wrongful death can be difficult to determine without legal expertise at your side. As general examples, the following instances have been known to qualify:
- If the deceased person would have had a personal injury claim or lawsuit if they were still alive
- If their death was caused by someone’s negligence or an intentional act
- If their death has resulted in financial hardship for those who are left behind
If Your Loved One Has Been the Victim of a Wrongful Death: What to Do Next?
If you believe that your loved one has been the victim of a wrongful death, it’s important to begin taking steps towards getting justice now that you know more information behind the question, “what is wrongful death?”
1. Get In Touch with a Wrongful Death Attorney
An experienced wrongful death attorney can help you to determine what happened and which steps should be taken next. You want to find one who has top notch communication and negotiation skills, as well as a wealth of resources and experience with wrongful death claims.
2. Gather Evidence
Your lawyer will need evidence in order to get justice for your loved one’s wrongful death. Start collecting any documents, medical records, and other useful information that could provide proof so you have a wrongful death case with a positive potential outcome.
3. Stay Organized
Organizing all of the evidence you have collected into one place will help your lawyer prepare the best case possible. You can do this by creating a folder and staying on top of whatever documents or information you have already collected.
Get the Justice You Deserve at Erjavec Injury Law
At Erjavec Injury Law, we are committed to providing our clients with the best legal representation possible. We understand what a difficult time this is for you and your family, and we work tirelessly to ensure that justice is served by:
- Gathering the facts and evidence to prove what happened
- Providing expert legal representation in court
- Being an advocate of what’s best for each individual case
Don’t search any longer, contact Erjavec Injury Law today for the representation you deserve.