What is a Wrongful Death, and What Are Your Options?
Steps to Take After a Wrongful Death
Have you ever dealt with the unbearable grief of losing a loved one? If you have, then you already know how difficult it is to accept such a grim truth. Can you imagine how much more your grief would be compounded if your loved one’s death was directly caused by someone else’s carelessness?
When a person’s life is cut short by negligence, victims have legal recourse. Loved ones can seek out compensation in court through a wrongful death lawsuit. What constitutes wrongful death, and what do you need to prove to pursue a case in court? Learn all the answers below.
What Constitutes a Wrongful Death?
In short, a wrongful death occurs when someone’s negligent or intentional behavior takes the life of another. This behavior often crosses over into criminal law, so it’s very possible that one person can be held liable for a death in both criminal and civil court. In other situations, a crime hasn’t been committed, but the person’s recklessness still caused the loss of life.
Common Types of Wrongful Death Situations
What types of situations can lead to a wrongful death lawsuit? Below are some of the most common types:
- Car accidents
- Intentional crimes (murder, assault)
- Birth injuries
- Medical malpractice
- Occupational hazards
In every case, a person who had a duty to reasonably provide for another’s safety failed to act with care. As a result, a human life is lost.
What You Need to Prove in a Wrongful Death Lawsuit
Are you considering pursuing a lawsuit to recover financially? If so, then it’s important to understand the elements you must prove in court. Here’s a brief overview:
- A human’s life was lost
- The death was directly caused by someone’s negligence
- The survivor is suffering monetary losses as a result of the death
Many of the losses associated with a lost life are immeasurable. Loved ones most commonly seek out the following types of compensation:
- Loss of support
- Lost prospect of inheritance
- Medical expenses prior to death
- Funeral costs
- Loss of services
These losses are often calculated based on the age, earning capacity, health and life expectancy of the victim. If you need further assistance, then don’t hesitate to reach out to an experienced wrongful death attorney.
Contact a Red Bank Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Wrongful Death Case in New Jersey
Has a loved one been taken away due to a wrongful death in New Jersey? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at Drazin and Warshaw, P.C. P.C. represent the families of victims of wrongful death in Keansburg, Freehold, Shrewsbury, Brick and throughout New Jersey. Call 732-333-8141 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 25 Reckless Place Red Bank, NJ 07701 as well as offices in Hazlet and Brick.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.
