Do you understand the finer details of wrongful death?

On Behalf of | Jan 17, 2017 | Workers' Compensation, Wrongful Death |

When a person dies as the result of the negligence of another party, surviving family members have the right to file a wrongful death lawsuit.

Although it sounds simple enough to file a wrongful death lawsuit, there are many details associated with this. For example, this type of lawsuit can only be filed by a personal representative of the deceased individual’s estate.

The following elements must be present in order to receive compensation as the result of wrongful death:

— A person must have been killed.

— The person must have died as the result of another person’s negligence.

— A surviving family member must suffer monetary injury as the result of the death.

With all this in mind, you may have questions about the types of circumstances that often result in a wrongful death lawsuit. Consider the following:

— A motor vehicle accident, such as one involving cars, trucks, or a motorcycle.

— Medical malpractice, such as when a doctor makes a mistake during surgery.

— Occupational exposure to a dangerous substance or condition.

Nobody wants to be in a position where they have to learn more about a wrongful death lawsuit. This often means that a loved one has passed on due to the negligence of a third party.

If you find yourself in this unenviable spot, learn more about the details of a wrongful death lawsuit and how to move forward. The more you understand the easier it becomes to make sound decisions. If nothing else, you want to know your legal rights and how to proceed.

Source: FindLaw, “Wrongful Death Overview,” accessed Jan. 17, 2017