What is a Wrongful Death Suit?

If you've lost a loved one because of someone's neglect, you might wonder, what is a wrongful death suit.  In simple terms, a wrongful death lawsuit applies when someone’s actions or their neglect leads to a person’s death.  

The reasons why the family chooses to pursue a wrongful death suit depend on the specific situation, but many times the goals relate to protecting other families from experiencing the same tragedy, to serve to make the responsible party accountable, and bring some comfort to the family by relieving some financial stress.  For legal assistance and guidance, an experienced attorney is essential you can trust Attorney Mynor E. Rodriguez to handle your family’s case.

Here is an overview of the process involved in a wrongful death lawsuit:

Causes of Wrongful Deaths

Most wrongful death lawsuits are caused car accidents since more than 1.3 million Americans die in auto accidents every year. Approximately 225,000 people die because of medical malpractice each year. Overall, various acts of neglect can lead to wrongful death including:

• 18-wheeler accidents
• Government hospital medical malpractice
• Car wrecks
• Industrial accidents
• Motorcycle crashes

Proving a Wrongful Death Case

To prove a wrongful death claim, the following criteria will be central to the lawsuit:

• The ability to prove that the defendant caused the death either through negligence or with the intent to harm.
• You are the eligible party to file the lawsuit.  For example, you are a descendant or financial dependent.

Your attorney needs your cooperation to prepare the best possible case.  Clients who are an asset to the legal team can provide crucial details and information are essential to building a strong case, as much as hiring an experienced wrongful death attorney gives you the best chance to win.

The Damages Available in a Wrongful Death Suit

If you win a wrongful death lawsuit, you may be able to recover economic and non-economic damages.  Wrongful death damages can include:

• Funeral and medical expenses
• Loss of household services – the cost to replace what your loved one did around the house, such as home maintenance and repairs.
• Loss of inheritance and financial support
• Mental anguish, pain, and suffering – aspects that are hard to assign a monetary value.

Money can’t bring back a loved one.  The loss of human life can’t be valued in dollars and cents. However, financial compensation is typically the only available option in a wrongful death suit and may serve to deter others from future negligence.

If you’ve lost a loved one due to the negligence of another, contact Mynor E. Rodriguez today for a free consultation.  Attorney Rodriguez has years of experience handling wrongful death matters and can help your family through this difficult time.