Nothing can compare to the tragedy of a wrongful death. After the unexpected loss of a loved one, devastated family members are left grieving and confused. If someone you love died because of the negligence of others, you may have a wrongful death claim under the law — and your family deserves justice.
How Are Wrongful Death Accidents Caused?
Wrongful death lawsuits seek to compensate the families of those killed by the negligent or reckless acts of others. Surviving spouses, parents and children can file a wrongful death lawsuit against any individual or entity alleged to have caused the death of their loved one. The most common wrongful death accidents include:
- Medical malpractice. As much as we trust our healthcare providers, they still make mistakes — which can have grave consequences. Wrongful death from medical malpractice mistakes can include birth injuries, surgical errors, delayed diagnosis, defective medical implants or joints, medication errors, and more.
- Automobile accidents. This includes distracted drivers, intoxicated or impaired drivers, road construction accidents, and pedestrian deaths, the four most common causes of wrongful death lawsuits.
- Truck or commercial vehicle accidents. A collision with a larger road vehicle — especially an 18-wheeler — is one of the most serious categories of motor vehicle accidents, due to the substantial size and weight of the vehicle involved.
- Product liability. Product manufacturers and designers must ensure that none of their products cause risks of any kind to the health and well-being of the public. Any death that results from a defective manufacturing process, faulty design, or failure to warn of risks can be grounds for a wrongful death lawsuit.
How Do Wrongful Death Accidents Affect the Lives of Loved Ones?
The loss of a loved one — especially due to the negligence of another — creates incredible pain and suffering for survivors. It leaves many questions unanswered, and it can also create financial hardship for individuals who are unprepared for the expenses of a funeral and burial. No amount of money can compensate for the loss of your loved one, but a wrongful death lawsuit settlement may provide needed financial support to help with your loss, and that sense of closure may allow you to begin healing.
Understanding Wrongful Death Settlements
A wrongful death claim allows the surviving loved ones of the deceased individual to file a lawsuit against the party who is legally liable for the death. Each state’s wrongful death laws vary, but these lawsuits are commonly filed by a representative of the deceased person’s estate, often on behalf of surviving family members. Here is some helpful information to get you started.
What is a wrongful death settlement average?
Because no two cases are exactly alike, you can’t assign a specific number to expect. Instead, the amount of compensation you may receive will depend on a variety of factors. Regardless, if you have lost a loved one due to the negligence of another individual or entity, it’s important to seek the help of an experienced lawyer in your time of need. A wrongful death attorney can help assess your injury-related costs and pursue all available options for compensation.
How does a wrongful death settlement work?
There is no amount of money that can replace the loss of a loved one. However, there are several types of damages that surviving families may recover from a wrongful death case, including:
- Economic Damages: This covers any losses that can be calculated in monetary value and with reasonable precision, such as:
- Medical expenses. Emergency room visits, ambulance or helicopter transportation, prescription drug costs, surgery expenses, rehabilitation or therapy expenses, and any other medical expenses incurred as a result of the accident may be compensated.
- Future financial support. If you relied on your loved one for monetary support, then their death is a heavy blow to your finances. This compensation often includes the deceased’s potential earnings and wages. Lost benefits, such as pensions or insurance, are also recoverable.
- Funeral and burial expenses. Many families may be financially unprepared for these high expenses, especially if the wrongful death also included unexpected medical costs.
- Non-economic damages: Many states recognize the emotional devastation that families feel after the death of a loved one. These very real losses are difficult to calculate but they are grounds for compensation. These damages are meant as atonement for spouses, children, and other family members for the emotional and psychological effects of the loss of their loved one, including:
- Loss of affection
- Loss of moral support
- Loss of guidance
- Loss of attention
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of protection
Notable Wrongful Death Settlements and Verdicts for JJS Clients
The nationally recognized trial lawyers of Janet, Janet & Suggs have helped grieving families during their time of loss for 40 years. We’ve successfully litigated the following wrongful death cases:
- Death of a child ($4.6 million): Verdict reached in a case of obstetrical malpractice that resulted in the death of a child.
- Medication overdose error verdict ($2 million): Verdict obtained for wrongful death of child who died from complications of brain damage that was caused by a massive overdose of medication he received for treatment of a condition associated with his premature birth.
Locations We Serve
We care about our clients — and their cases. For four decades, the attorneys at JJS have helped the families of victims of wrongful death during their time of need. Our firm is proud to offer compassionate representation for loved ones all over the country‚ including in Baltimore, Chicago, Columbia, NYC, Philadelphia, Minneapolis, Charlotte, and Des Moines.
How Janet, Janet & Suggs Can Help with Your Wrongful Death Case
At JJS, we understand that you’re experiencing an unimaginable loss. Focusing on the healing of yourself and your family should be your priority now, not worrying about a complicated lawsuit. Our experienced wrongful death lawyers are here to advocate on behalf of your loved one and hold the responsible party accountable. We offer compassionate support and tough representation throughout every step of the legal process. As our client, you will pay nothing until we can recover the compensation you and your loved one deserve.
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case. We’ll help you decide the next steps in your case so that you and your family can focus on healing.