Richmond Wrongful Death Attorney
According to Code of Virginia § 8.01-50, whenever a person’s death is caused by another party’s neglect or wrongful actions and, had the person survived they would have been able to file a personal injury claim for damages, the surviving family members can file a wrongful death suit. Losing a loved one can be an overwhelming tragedy. While it may seem futile to file a wrongful death claim when nothing will bring them back to life, being able to hold the liable party responsible can provide a sense of justice and also ensure your family is financially able to overcome the loss of an income. To learn more about what first steps to take in a wrongful death claim, it is important to seek out the knowledgeable help of a Richmond wrongful death attorney.
Common Reasons For Wrongful Death Suit
According to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, accidents were the third leading cause of death across the state of Virginia in 2017. Common accidents seen include:
- Truck, car, or motorcycle collision;
- Pedestrian or bicyclist crash;
- Workplace mishaps;
- Defective products;
- Medication errors;
- Drownings;
- Falls;
- Poisoning; and
- More.
Who Can Receive Compensation From a Wrongful Death Case?
Survivors of a wrongful death case have two years to submit a claim under Virginia Statute of Limitations. Technically, the personal representative of the deceased victim’s estate is the party who files the lawsuit on behalf of the beneficiaries. These beneficiaries may include the following:
- Spouses and children of the deceased victim have the first right to file a wrongful death claim. If a parent is already deceased, a grandchild may also have first right to file a claim should their grandparent be the victim.
- Next, parents, siblings, and other family members within the deceased party’s household who were dependent on the deceased person can file a wrongful death claim.
- If none of the above parties exist, any part who stood to inherit the deceased victim’s estate can file a wrongful death claim.
What are the Damages in a Wrongful Death Case?
- The medical expenses to treat and care for the individual for the injuries that led to their death;
- Loss of guidance, companionship, and comfort from the decedent;
- Loss of the decedent’s income and services; and
- Funeral and burial costs.
A Richmond attorney can help you compile all of the information necessary to determine what your case is worth. Some of the damages, such as medical expenses, will be easily proven by bills and account statements, while other damages are determined based on precedent and a skilled attorney can provide adequate documentation to support the claim.
Contact a Richmond Wrongful Death Attorney Today
While you grieve for the loss of your loved one, the compassionate Richmond attorneys at MichieHamlett can begin work on your wrongful death claim. We have the skills needed to prove liability, even in complex cases, and will advocate on your behalf against insurance adjusters who attempt to deny or offer the minimum in compensation. Contact us to schedule your free consultation today.
