Richmond Wrongful Death Lawyer

An unexpected death is always life-changing for a family. When the death occurred due to a preventable accident, the loss can be even more difficult to bear.

Unfortunately, surviving family members are often left with a tremendous financial burden at a time when they deserve to grieve. The purpose of a wrongful death lawsuit is to bring both comfort and financial stability to the decedent’s family.

A Richmond wrongful death lawyer may be able to help. Compassionate personal injury attorneys can work to establish that another party is responsible for the death and that they carry financial responsibility to make you whole again.

Legal Rights Following a Wrongful Death

Like other personal injury claims, most wrongful death lawsuits stem from accidents. In fact, Virginia Code § 8.01-50 says that the definition of a wrongful death lawsuit is one where the incident could have given rise to a personal injury lawsuit had the victim survived. Even though the death was an accident, negligent defendants can still be held liable in civil court for their actions. A Richmond wrongful death attorney can help families understand the legal processes involved in wrongful death cases.

How a Wrongful Death Affects a Family

An untimely death affects every family differently. However, the Commonwealth’s laws define the damages a plaintiff may claim in a wrongful death lawsuit. Available sources of compensation typically include:

• Direct financial damages that result from the death, such as outstanding medical bills and funeral costs
• Lost earnings from the decedent
• Loss of companionship or guardianship that the deceased would have provided to a spouse, child, parent, or another family member

There is no cap on the compensatory damages that can be awarded in a wrongful death case. According to Va. Code § 8.01-52, juries in these cases may award damages in any amount that they deem to be fair and just. In extreme cases, this can include punitive damages intended to punish especially reckless behavior and to serve as a deterrent to others. A wrongful death lawyer in Richmond could help the family members of the deceased evaluate the monetary value of their losses and demand appropriate payments.

Contact a Richmond Wrongful Death Attorney

A wrongful death forces a family to take stock of what they have lost and how they will move forward. In many instances, an unexpected death can impact both their emotional wellbeing and their financial stability. It is unfair that a family’s future may be insecure due to medical bills, funeral costs, and lost income.

Fortunately, a wrongful death lawsuit could help to ease these financial burdens. Whenever another person or company is responsible for the incident that led to your loss, you can hold them accountable. There is no limit to the potential compensation in a wrongful death case, and juries may award punitive damages to grieving families when the defendant’s behavior is especially egregious.

A Richmond wrongful death lawyer could take the lead in your case by identifying the proper plaintiff, gathering strong evidence, measuring your losses, pursue at-fault defendants for the compensation needed to set things right. Call today to make an appointment.