Wrongful Death Lawyers Near You

Following the wrongful death of a loved one, you should take the following steps:

• Document the incident that caused or contributed to the death and if it was on purpose or accidental. This includes taking pictures of the accident scene, contacting witnesses, other victims (if appropriate), and getting any police reports. In the event of a death due to a defective product, this includes preserving and documenting any objects involved in the accident.
• Obtain all medical documentation regarding the injury or incident leading to the wrongful death, including medical bills.
• Verify your loved one’s wages or medical treatment before their death. Document how your loved one interacted with your family, including the emotional support they provided.
• Document how the wrongful death affects you and your family. You should include any additional financial expenses as well as any emotional impact on your family life.

Different states have different wrongful death laws. Choosing the state in which to bring a wrongful death action is essential since some states do not allow certain types of damages awards and/or may have different statutes of limitations.

If a government believes a wrongful death occurred because of an employee’s or contractor’s actions, it can charge the individual with a crime if the government wants to punish them. Conversely, a civil case involves the rights and duties individuals and organizations owe to victims. A criminal case involves a higher burden of proof and a criminal sanction, such as imprisonment. A monetary judgment is usually entered against the defendant in a civil case. Either way, you need to have a legal representative familiar with the law by your side.