Wrongful Death Explained
Learning how to define a wrongful death case is the first step that you will need to take when your goal is to gain compensation. When someone behaves in a way that puts others in danger and someone dies as a result, the victim’s family can file a wrongful death lawsuit to get justice for their loved one. Dog bites, swimming pool accidents, vehicle crashes and construction accidents are just a few examples of factors that can contribute to a wrongful death. Also, if someone goes to the doctor and dies as a result of substandard care, the family of the victim will have a strong case if they decide to pursue legal action.
Economic Damages
Many families have several members working to pay for housing, food and other fees so that they can enjoy a safe and healthy lifestyle. If your family member had provided a source of income before death, the loss can harm your budget and make it difficult for you to pay your monthly bills. In fact, some people even become homeless as a result of losing a loved one to a wrongful death. You already have enough emotional pain without worrying about your financial stability, and you can turn to a wrongful death attorney to get compensation for your economic damages. The amount of money that you can receive will depend on the salary of the deceased and the nature of the accident, and an attorney will help you decide how to proceed.
Other Damages
In addition to losing a source of income, the wrongful death of a family member can cause other damages for which you can seek compensation. The loss of love, protection, a sexual relationship and moral support are just a few of the things that you can list on your lawsuit. The amount of compensation with which the court will provide you depends on your ability to demonstrate how the wrongful death has impacted you on a personal level. Winning your case in court won’t always be easy, but a wrongful death attorney will help you craft a viable case, giving you the best possible odds of success.
How to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit
In a wrongful death case, taking action promptly is the key to enhancing your chances of getting the outcome for which you have been hoping. You will want to collect as much evidence to support your case as possible, such as medical bills, witness statements, and other documentation. To win your case in court, you will need to have the same amount of evidence that you would need to prove a personal injury case, so you must demonstrate that negligence had caused your loved one to die. If you have a strong case and the defense wants to avoid a court battle, they will probably offer to settle outside of court, and you will need to decide whether or not you should accept their deal.
Why You Need a San Jose Wrongful Death Attorney
Although anyone can file a wrongful death lawsuit without the support of an educated legal professional, doing so is not wise and will significantly reduce your odds of winning. If you hire a legal expert to give you a hand, your attorney will take care of the complex paperwork so that you won’t need to worry about it. Your attorney will gather and review the evidence to determine what approach makes the most sense.
When the defense tries to present you with a settlement, your attorney will tell you if you should accept it or take your case to court. The attorney you hire will stand in your corner and fight for your rights if you decide not to take the deal, and you will know that you are in good hands.