Wrongful Death

Is a Wrongful Death Lawsuit Handled like a Criminal Trial?

A wrongful death lawsuit is not the same as a criminal trial.

If a criminal trial does occur, the trial is filed on behalf of the state, and the defendant is tried for breaking some state statute or law.

However, a wrongful death lawsuit is filed by a family member, friend, or associate of the diseased.

A wrongful death lawsuit can be filed subsequent to a criminal trial, even if the defendant is found innocent in the initial trial.

A wrongful death attorney will represent someone filing a civil lawsuit for wrongful death.

In most cases, the wrongful death lawsuit will follow similar procedures and use the same evidence as a criminal trial.

Because the defendant is being tried for damages, rather than a crime, the standard of proof is lower in a wrongful death lawsuit.

In a criminal trial, the accused must be found to be guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

In a wrongful death lawsuit, the plaintiff must only prove that the defendant was responsible by a preponderance of the evidence.

Can I File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit on Behalf of Someone Else?

Family members are typically the most common plaintiffs in wrongful death lawsuits, but people outside of familiar

In order to be eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of another person, you must be considered a personal representative of the decedent’s estate.

Defining “personal representative of the decedent’s estate” differs on a state-by-state basis.

Each state has a “wrongful death statute” that defines who is considered eligible to file a lawsuit.

Contact a wrongful death attorney to be sure that you are eligible before beginning the process of filing a wrongful death lawsuit.

Generally, the following are eligible to take on the role of a personal representative of the decedent’s estate:

• Immediate family
• Surviving spouses, life partners, financial dependents
• Extended family members
• Any persons who suffer financially because of the death
• Parents of the deceased (including a deceased fetus)

Eligibility is not limited to this list, and special circumstances can arise in which others are eligible to take on the role.

Contact a wrongful death attorney right away if you have any questions regarding eligibility.

What Type of Incident is Considered a Wrongful Death?

Again, wrongful death is considered an incident in which a person’s death results from negligence or misconduct by another person.

There is a wide array of incidents that could fall under the definition of wrongful death.

Some of the more common include:

• Personal injury – any incident that may fall under the umbrella of a personal injury claim
• Car accidents or other automobile accidents
• Medical malpractice
• Occupational accident or exposure to hazardous workplace
• Criminal behavior
• Death during a supervised activity

If a loved one or family member has suffered a loss of life due to another party’s negligence, you should contact a wrongful death attorney immediately.

Damages Awarded in a Wrongful Death Lawsuit

There are three (3) types of damages available in a wrongful death lawsuit:

1. Economic Damages

The total value of financial contributions the victim would have made to the estate-holders if he had not have died.

Also, any costs associated with death, such as funeral expenses.

2. Non-economic Damages

Non-tangible losses suffered by estate holders, such as emotional distress, pain & suffering, loss of care, loss of consortium.

3. Punitive Damages

Additional damages to punish the defendant for their negligence that caused the death of your family member or loved one.

How Can I File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?

If you believe that you have a case and want to hire a wrongful death attorney, please contact our law firm.

TorHoerman Law offers a no-obligation free consultation for any potential wrongful death lawsuit.

Do not wait to take action.

A wrongful death lawsuit requires time-sensitive information – there are strict statutes of limitation in most states.

We will help you get the compensation that you deserve for the death of your family member or loved one.

Hiring a Wrongful Death Lawyer

If you lost a loved one due to another party’s actions and you believe that legal action is something you want to pursue, you should consider contacting a wrongful death lawyer to represent your interests.

TorHoerman Law has a team of experienced wrongful death lawyers that are available for consultation, free of charge and no obligation required.

Contact our firm today to learn how we can assist you.