What Qualifies as a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
Any incident where someone’s death was caused by another party’s negligence can be cause for a wrongful death claim.
For example, if a drunk driver struck and killed an innocent motorist or pedestrian, the family of the deceased might file a wrongful death lawsuit.
While a wrongful death claim can’t bring back your loved one, it can provide a certain level of justice and financial to help cover expenses related to their death.
What are Some Common Causes of Wrongful Death Lawsuits?
Some common causes of wrongful deaths include:
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Defective products
- Drug injuries
- Slip-and-fall accidents
- Intentional assaults and killings
- Medical malpractice
Why Do I Need a Wrongful Death Attorney?
Filing a wrongful death claim can be an intimidating, difficult process. Our attorneys understand that this is a traumatic time for whoever is filing the claim, so we handle everything about your case to allow you to focus on you and your family’s emotional recovery.
Often, our work – including internal investigations, evidence gathering, and ultimately determining liability – can lead to negotiating a settlement without ever going to court. Not only can this process be complex, requiring an experienced attorney, but hopefully, this can also prevent the family having to further re-live that trauma.
How Do I File a Wrongful Death Claim?
Before filing a claim, you should be sure you’re working with an experienced, proven attorney or firm.
Cory Watson has recovered more than $4 Billion for clients nationwide over 40 years. If you think you have a wrongful death claim, you can call us toll-free at (877) 562-0000 or fill out our contact form.
What is the Statute of Limitations on a Wrongful Death Claim?
The statute of limitations – the period of time following an incident where you can file a lawsuit and pursue damages – varies on a state-by-state basis.
1 year: Kentucky, Louisiana, Tennessee
2 years: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia
3 years: Arkansas, Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Montana, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Rhode Island, South Dakota, South Carolina, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin
4 years: Florida, Nebraska, Utah, Wyoming
5 years: Missouri
6 years: Maine, North Dakota
What Damages Can I Receive from a Wrongful Death Claim?
While damages and compensation are determined on a case-by-case basis, damages often include:
- Funeral expenses
- Medical expenses, including expenses that accumulated for any prolonged period prior to the deceased’s passing
- Loss of the deceased’s future income
- Loss of potential inheritance
- The mental and physical pain and suffering the decease may have experienced before death
Learn more about Wrongful Death Lawsuits here.
ABOUT CORY WATSON ATTORNEYS
Cory Watson Attorneys is a nationally recognized personal injury law firm with offices in Birmingham, Alabama as well as Memphis, and Nashville, Tennessee. The firm has recovered more than $4 Billion for clients across the country. Cory Watson Attorneys are frequently at the forefront of major class actions and multidistrict litigations involving product liability related to serious injuries from defective products and are often appointed to leadership positions in national cases. Firm practice areas include Personal Injury, Product Liability, Class Action, Asbestos, Business & Commercial Litigation, Dangerous Pharmaceuticals, Defective Medical Devices, and Environmental/Toxic Torts