A Rochester NY wrongful death lawyer will investigate the circumstances surrounding the wrongful death to determine whether a lawsuit is appropriate. In some cases, it may be possible to pursue the suit without the assistance of a legal representative. The wrongful death victim’s spouse, children, or parents may be the primary beneficiaries in other cases. These people are entitled to compensation for the loss of their loved ones. A faulty medical decision can lead to an extended period of pain and suffering.
Duty Of Care
A wrongful death lawsuit must show that the defendant owed a duty of care to the deceased. This can include a reckless or careless act. The attorney must prove that the breach of duty caused the damages to win a wrongful death lawsuit. The negligent person may face jail time, fines, or both in some cases. However, the legal representative must directly connect the breach of duty and the damages.
Despite the similarities, a wrongful death civil case requires a different standard of proof. The plaintiff must show that the negligence caused the victim’s death by a preponderance of the evidence. The burden of proof is other than in a criminal case. A wrongful death plaintiff must prove the negligence by most of the evidence. A successful underlying issue will have evidence that corroborates the other party’s negligence.
Potential Lawsuits
A wrongful death lawsuit must be filed within two years of the victim’s death. If filed in time, the case will be dismissed. The case will then have to be refiled in a year. It is vital to understand a strict deadline in the District of Columbia for bringing a wrongful death lawsuit. In many cases, a criminal death lawyer will be able to secure a substantial financial award for the victim’s family.
In a wrongful death case, the plaintiff will file a complaint. The complaint initiates the litigation process. The defendant has two years to respond. Failure to respond will result in a default loss. The wrongful death lawyer will provide a monetary settlement or verdict for the family. It will also ensure that the court reaches an appropriate outcome. The wrongful death lawsuit will help the victim’s family receive monetary compensation.
Final Thoughts
A wrongful death case will take time. A wrongful death lawsuit can last for one to four years, depending on the case’s complexity. It may take a few years to be settled, or it may take more than four years to be tried in court. In either event, the wrongful death lawyer should provide legal counsel for the victim’s family. If wrongful death is the cause of the wrongful death, the family may receive damages for funeral costs, medical expenses, lost wages, loss of future earning capacity, and pain and suffering. And whenever death comes into play, it is incredibly complicated to calculate the individual’s worth. The attorney will be your best ally in the fight against insurance companies.