When a loved one passes away unexpectedly, there are several things that the family members who are left behind need to think about. One of these is whether they are going to file for a wrongful death claim or not. There are specific requirements for doing this, so you should familiarize yourself with them if you’re considering the option.
The purpose of a wrongful death lawsuit is to seek compensation for the damages associated with the person’s death. This can include their final expenses, as well as other expenses, such as the loss of their income.
Criteria for seeking compensation
Four points that must be present if you’re going to seek compensation via a wrongful death claim.
- Your loved one must have been a human
- Another person’s negligence must have caused the death
- Those who are left behind must be suffering financial harm due to the death
- There must be a personal representative over the person’s estate
The damages you request must be carefully factored into your case. You can’t come back later to seek more if you discover that you have expenses that weren’t covered by the initial award or settlement. For this reason, you need to factor in the past and future expenses that stem from the fatality.
A claim for compensation must be filed by the appropriate party and within the time limits that apply to these cases. Because of these factors, it’s wise to work with an attorney who understands exactly what steps need to be followed to a successful claim. When you’ve suffered a tragic, needless loss, it’s time to seek some assistance.