Wrongful Death is the death of a family member caused by the fault of another. Fault could be as the result of negligence, reckless or intentional misconduct. Examples of such fault are drunk driving, defective or dangerous products, unsound structure or building, or a physician's failing to diagnose or treat a treatable disease.

Wrongful death lawsuits are filed by husbands, wives, children, parents, brothers, sisters and financially dependent children, whether or not formally adopted.

Claims are filed to recover:

- Monetary damages to cover the earnings the deceased person
- Medical and funeral expenses
- Loss of support
- Lost benefits, such as insurance
- Loss of inheritance from an untimely death
- Loss of love, companionship, comfort, care, assistance, protection, affection, or care
- Punitive damages, intended to punish defendants and deter them from harming others in the future.

The sudden death of a dear family member due to an accident causes shock and disbelief to the survivors. At such time filled with sorrow, the idea of hiring an attorney to investigate the cause of death and protect the rights of survivors is often the last consideration on the minds of family members.

Nevertheless, there are many reasons to hire an attorney immediately when you believe that the death was caused by another's fault.

Very often, those causing death are never held accountable due to the failure of surviving family members to hire an attorney immediately. Important evidence can be lost or destroyed in the days and weeks following the death. Moreover, varying statutes of limitation may eliminate the possibility of recovery if too much time passes before hiring an attorney. Therefore, surviving family members should consult with an attorney immediately.

Mashney Law Offices is ready to help you. Please call us at (800) 555-6655 or submit an online case evaluation.  This is a FREE CONSULTATION.