Watertown Wrongful Death Lawyer
Losing a loved one is devastating. On top of the obvious emotional pain that a family may experience, a death can leave people with extensive debt and uncertainty concerning the future. If another party’s negligence contributed to the passing of a family member, the effects could be even more significant.
A Watertown wrongful death lawyer may be able to help families collect compensation to secure financial stability after the loss of a loved one. With the help of an experienced personal injury attorney, family members could recover payments for medical care costs, funeral expenses, and loss of companionship.
The Legal Basis for Pursuing a Wrongful Death Claim
According to state law, the executor or administrator of a decedent’s estate may pursue a claim for wrongful death on behalf of surviving family members. Filing a lawsuit is appropriate when a defendant’s actions would have allowed a victim to pursue a personal injury claim had they survived. Common examples of incidents that can lead to wrongful death lawsuits include:
- Situations of intentional violence resulting in a death
- Collisions involving cars, trucks, motorcycles, or bicycles
- Medical malpractice claims against doctors, hospitals, or nursing homes
- Deaths that result from injuries caused by defective or dangerous products
To prevail in a wrongful death lawsuit, a plaintiff must demonstrate that a defendant acted negligently or recklessly caused harm. However, the requirements for proving recklessness will change based on the nature of the incident. A skilled attorney in Watertown could help build a powerful claim against a defendant responsible for a family member’s wrongful passing.
Available Sources of Compensation in a Wrongful Death Claim
Connecticut General Statute §52-555 provides a list of the potential sources of compensation that plaintiffs in wrongful death claims may pursue. The most obvious is the financial losses that a household endures because of a loved one’s death. These expenses include medical bills incurred before a decedent passing away as well as funeral costs connected to a burial or cremation. In addition, the statute allows plaintiffs to demand compensation for:
- Loss of consortium and companionship and grief of a spouse
- Emotional pain and anguish a decedent suffered before their death
- Economic damages due to a lack of an earner in the family
Depending on the circumstances, a court may also order a defendant to pay punitive damages in cases of extreme recklessness or intentional violence. However, there is a time limit of two years from the date of death to file the lawsuit. A hardworking lawyer could help a surviving family member in Watertown fight for appropriate payments within the legal timeframe.
Speak with a Watertown Wrongful Death Attorney Now
The unexpected loss of a loved one could significantly impact a family’s present and future, leaving them with thousands of dollars in medical bills, funeral costs, and lost income. However, a wrongful death claim may help provide financial stability to surviving family members. State laws also allow spouses and children to demand payments for emotional trauma and loss of companionship.
A Watertown wrongful death attorney could help families pursue these claims against the party responsible for their loved one’s passing. While the emotional trauma may be too much to handle now, state law places a strict time limit on when these claims are appropriate. Contact a Watertown wrongful death attorney today to make an appointment.