Wrongful death legal protections are important for families who have suffered the unexpected and devastating loss of a loved one. As a result, surviving family members should be familiar with wrongful death legal protections following a fatal accident such as a fatal car accident or fatal workplace accident.
A wrongful death claim is a type of personal injury claim for damages that protects family members of loved ones wrongfully killed because of someone else’s negligence. A wrongful death claim is a legal resource that can help family members recover compensation for their financial and emotional damages. The specific types of damages available depend on the circumstances of the situation and characteristics of the victim but can include medical and funeral expenses; lost prospect of inheritance and lost earnings; and loss of support and services.
A wrongful death claim for damages is brought on behalf of the estate of the lost loved one for the benefit of surviving family members. Which family members can benefit from a claim for damages can vary by state so surviving family members should be familiar with the laws in their state. In general, when a negligent driver, as an example, has caused a car accident that results in the loss of a loved one, the negligent driver may be liable to compensate family members for the harm they have suffered.
Wrongful death legal protections can be crucial for surviving family members who may unexpectedly face financial challenges in the midst of the shock and grief of their loss. Legal resources and remedies such as wrongful death legal options may be able to help them during an understandably difficult time.