Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
Wrongful Death Lawyer
Death is inevitable for everyone, and a loved one’s passing could come in any number of ways at any time. Though accidents and health challenges are a part of life, some people’s untimely passing occurs because of someone else’s actions. When another person is responsible for the death, you should consider filing a wrongful death lawsuit. This can bring some peace of mind and closure in the midst of this difficult time. It’s good to know who is allowed to file such a suit.
Spouses and Partners
The unexpected passing of an individual can be emotionally traumatic for a surviving husband, wife, or life partner. There can also be financial consequences. Such a passing can leave spouses and partners in difficult circumstances as they are left to pay medical bills and for funeral and burial costs. Along with these issues, the surviving loved one may be left without a means of support. A wrongful death lawsuit can compensate these individuals to help make their burden lighter. In a wrongful death lawsuit, courts can determine how much money the person who passed away would have earned and provided for the spouse or partner. This figure can be a part of the settlement amount.
Children
Dependent children can suffer the most when a parent dies because of someone’s negligence. A child looks to a parent for physical and emotional support. When that is taken away, the effects can be severe. Children can be involved in a wrongful death suit, seeking compensation to care for their ongoing needs. Even older but unmarried children can file a wrongful death lawsuit, claiming the same needs. Such a child could assert that the parent who died would have left a larger inheritance had he or she lived longer and worked to earn more money to pass on.
Parents
Parents of a child who died at the hands of someone else can also file a wrongful death lawsuit. The death may have been in a car accident, workplace incident, or due to medical malpractice. The wrongful death settlement can cover emotional distress, loss of enjoyment, and other effects that this tragedy caused. Along with parents, other family members including siblings and grandparents can file a lawsuit.
If you fall into any of these categories, talk to a lawyer, like a wrongful death lawyer from Patterson Bray, today. Your attorney can listen to your case and let you know whether you should pursue a wrongful death lawsuit.
