Surviving Family Members And Eligibility For Filing A Wrongful Death Claim

If you have lost a loved one due to the actions of another person, you may have a wrongful death lawsuit. Whether the death was the result of negligence or was caused intentionally, you may be entitled to retrieve monetary compensation for the injustice you have suffered.

Beneficiaries of a wrongful death lawsuit
Wrongful death lawsuits are typically filed to benefit surviving spouses, children, or other dependents of the deceased. While monetary compensation will not relieve the emotional pain of the loss of a loved one, it may help to relieve the victims family of some of the expenses and lost income that is an issue when a death occurs.

Every state has laws in place that allow immediate family members of a victim of wrongful death to file a wrongful death lawsuit; however, before deciding to file, you will need to contact a local wrongful death attorney to determine exactly which family members can make claims in your particular state. States have varying rules concerning who may file a wrongful death lawsuit. For instance, some states may require the appointment of a legal guardian if the claimant is a minor child; some do not permit parents to file a suit if a child dies in-utero; and some allow even distant family members (grandparents and stepchildren) to file.

Defendants in a wrongful death lawsuit
A wrongful death lawsuit may be brought against an individual or a public agency. The claim may be filed against a person who is at fault in an automobile accident, a work accident, a violent action, a defective drug, or a provider of negligent medical care. Wrongful death lawsuits may be brought against jails, private hospitals, schools, public companies, and nursing homes. However, if the person who caused the death is a family member of the deceased, that person, while subject to criminal charges, cannot be sued by any other family member.

Time Limitations
You have a limited amount of time to file a wrongful death charge (called a statute of limitations), so check with an attorney to make sure you dont let too much time go by between the wrongful death and your efforts to be compensated for your losses.

---

About the Author:
Many scenarios can lead to wrongful death claims, from nursing home neglect to drunk driving accidents. Consult personal injury lawyers as soon as possible to protect your rights.

Article Originally Published On: http://www.articlesnatch.com

Tags: wrongful death , lawsuits , statute of limitations , attorney ,

|

Recent Legal Articles

• Explain Bail Bonds: How It Works By: Reil Miller | Jun 3rd 2012 - There are times when a person is arrested for certain criminal charges. Some people are arrested due to relatively minor offenses. However, there are still people who are arrested due to a more serious criminal offense. If a perso ...
Tags: bail bonds, bail system, bail bonds company
• Bark & Co Solicitors London: Deferred Prosecution Agreements By: barkcosolicitorslondon | Jun 3rd 2012 - The director of the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) and the Solicitor General, Edward Garnier QC, have recently made no secret of the fact that they consider the criminal justice system to be incapable of
  dealing with corporate ...
Tags: bark & co solicitors london, Giles Bark Jones, bark and co s
• Why Should You Use The Internet To Help You Find Dui Attorney Orlando? By: tylu06jnha | Jun 2nd 2012 - When you need to find DUI Attorney, there is one way that you definitely need to use to find them. The best way is to get online and search for them. There are a couple of different reasons why using the internet is the best way t ...
Tags: Parks and Braxton
• Cauda Equina Syndrome - Why A Quick Diagnosis Is Vital By: Julie Glynn | Jun 2nd 2012 - If Your Cauda Equina Diagnosis Was Delayed You May Be Due Compensation
Tags: what is the cauda equina, cauda equina, cauda equina syndrome, cauda equina symptoms, cauda equina symdrome diagnosis...
• Finding The Right Person For The Job: Cpa Vs. Tax Attorney By: Mark Etinger | Jun 2nd 2012 - Learn when to use a CPA and when you need a tax attorney.
Tags: ny tax attorney, irs collections, irs offer in compromise, innocent spouse relief, levies...
• How To Find A Professional Dui Lawyer By: Sunrise Valley | Jun 2nd 2012 - Over the past many years, Garrett T. Ogata has been serving the people of Las Vegas with the most affordable criminal lawyer attorney. They give you assurance on meeting your entire lawyer requirements.
Tags: Las Vegas lawyer, criminal attorney in Las Vegas, law firm
• The Responsibilities Of A Personal Injury Lawyer By: Reil Miller | Jun 2nd 2012 - A lot of people are already aware that there are circumstances and incidents that can lead to injuries. There are victims of accidents and other unfortunate events who have suffered both minor and serious injuries and have sustain ...
Tags: personal injury lawyer, injury attorney, injury cases
• A Rancho Cucamonga Family Lawyer For The Settlement Of Legal Settlement In The Families By: Jeffblackhardy | Jun 2nd 2012 - Rancho Cucamonga family lawyers are expert in handling different types of issues. They provide with effective and valuable suggestions for the betterment of the families.
Tags: divorce lawyer San Bernardino, san bernardino divorce lawyer
• What Is A Lasting Power Of Attorney? By: Nicholas Jervis | Jun 2nd 2012 - What Is A Lasting Power Of Attorney? Who can be granted a Lasting Power Of Attorney? Why would you require a Lasting Power Of Attorney? How do you apply for a Lasting Power Of Attorney? Who can be your certificate provider? Do I n ...
Tags: What is a power of attorney, solicitor power of attorney, lasting power of attorney, kent solicitors, orpington solicitors...
• Why Hire A Private Detective In Nyc To Help Your Criminal Defense Case? By: Executive Investigations | Jun 2nd 2012 - If you have been charged with a crime, it may be a good idea to hire a private detective. NYC residents accused of crimes of all types have found it helpful to let a detective assist their attorney with the case.
Tags: private detective nyc, criminal defense

Comments

Still can't find what you are looking for? Search for it!