If someone else’s negligence forces you to plan a funeral, you have the right to sue that person for damages and restitution through a wrongful death lawsuit. A wrongful death lawsuit holds the responsible party monetarily liable, relieving you of the weight of funding for your loved one’s burial through reimbursement.
When a loved one dies, the grieving process is ultimately very difficult for the family. Depending on the family member or loved one, the grieving stages per person vary. However, when a loved one dies due to wrongful death of someone else’s negligent behavior and could have been avoided, the family of the dead will likely experience wrath and bitterness towards the opposite party and situation. Aside from the grief, the loved ones may deal with stress in covering expenses for the funeral.
There are several situations that might give rise to wrongful death lawsuits, including car accidents, particularly those brought on by drunk drivers, hazardous road conditions or defective equipment, workplace accidents, abuse or neglect, medical negligence, and deliberate deaths.
Reimbursement Following a Wrongful Death Lawsuit
A wrongful death lawsuit is typically filed by the individual who was most significantly effected by the unfortunate incident, either financially or emotionally, or by that person’s agent. Because a wrongful death case is a civil action, the individual at blame is financially liable.
Depending on your state, the following funeral expenditures may be covered:
- Body preparation
- The price of admission to see and visit
- Mourning ritual
- Services for the dead
- Site of burial
- Expenses for getting to and from the funeral home
- The coffin or urn
- Tombstone
- Flowers
- A death notice or obituary
- Agent commissions
- Cremation
It’s crucial to speak with a wrongful death lawyer as soon as your loved one passes away. The majority of first insurance settlement offers are modest; before accepting the offer, consult with a lawyer. To reduce their out-of-pocket costs, insurance firms are ready to provide a cheap settlement.
Reimbursement of Additional Costs After a Wrongful Death
In the case of a wrongful death, further damages in addition to funeral expenses may be yours to receive. After all, expenses associated with the funeral and burial of your loved one are not the only losses you will endure. Prior to their passing, the dead person could have incurred medical costs, and they might also have been the family’s main source of income. You may submit a claim as the survivor for additional recoverable costs such as:
- Before your loved one passed away, you experienced medical expenses and emergency room costs.
- The pain brought on by the deceased’s absence of company
- Loss of salary and benefits the dead would have received if they had kept working and supporting their close relatives or dependents financially
- Costs associated with administering the estate after the death
The purpose of pain and suffering damages is to provide surviving family members with financial support. Only the surviving spouse, kids, or parents of the dead are eligible for these damages. Even if no surviving relatives exist, the deceased’s estate may be entitled to extra damages. This includes medical and hospital costs, and office and funeral fees.
Contact an Attorney Today
Do not settle with the insurance company before seeking legal counsel from a wrongful death personal injury attorney. If you lost a loved one as a result of someone else’s carelessness or negligence, give our office a call at 310.943.1171. After your devastating loss, having an expert on your side might help you receive recompense.
Additionally, visit this link for more information on potential cases you also may have.