The wrongful death of your loved ones can bring significant emotional stress. Besides emotional burden, it can also put you under financial pressure, such as your future earnings and other elements. Under no circumstances does someone deserve to lose a loved one. However, when the death resulted from someone else’s negligence, you can initiate a wrongful death claim with the help of a Hillsville Personal Injury Lawyer.
Before proceeding with the claim, there are a few critical elements you must be aware of about wrongful death lawsuits.
How long can you file for a wrongful death claim?
In Virginia, you get two years from the death to file for a wrongful death claim. The deceased family member can initiate the wrongful death claim.
What are the damages and settlements you can get from wrongful death claims?
In a wrongful death claim, the jury will decide the damages and settlements if the case goes to trial. The following compensation benefits you can get from a wrongful death:
- Loss of future earnings because of the deceased person’s death.
- Punitive damages for willful misconduct or safety for others.
- Mental pain and suffering.
- Loss of companionship and guidance.
- The expense for medical care associated with the dead person.
- Funeral costs.
The law decides the beneficiaries of the wrongful death claim. Mostly, the children and spouse of the deceased person are the legal beneficiaries. Next in line can be siblings and parents of the dead person. Additionally, other relatives or people who are financially dependent on the deceased person can be beneficiaries of the compensation.
Sometimes the case can be settled out of court. However, if the compensation is not fair, the case can go to trial, where the judge will decide the compensation amount and beneficiaries.
Talk to a lawyer.
While you mourn the death of your loved one, you may become emotionally vulnerable to handle the legalities. Since there is a limited time to file for wrongful death, it would be better to hire a personal injury lawyer who has experience handling wrongful death cases.
A lawyer can work on your behalf to ensure your loved one gets justice for their wrongful death and eliminate your financial and emotional burden. Undoubtedly, no amount can compensate for the death of your loved ones; getting compensation will allow you to gain financial stability and security. Lastly, speak to the lawyer as early as possible after the death.