Wrongful Death Lawyer

Losing a loved one is difficult enough as it is. When the death is caused by the negligence of another person, it could be even more devastating to deal with. If your family member died due to the carelessness of someone else, you have the right to file a wrongful death lawsuit. However, there are many misconceptions about these lawsuits that people from pursuing compensation.

Here are common myths about wrongful death lawsuits.

People Who File Wrongful Death Lawsuits Are Greedy

It’s a common misconception that those who file wrongful death lawsuits just want to profit from the death of a loved one. This couldn’t be farther from the truth. The person who was negligent and caused your family member’s death needs to be held accountable for their actions. Bringing a wrongful death lawsuit can help bring justice to your loved one and help you obtain compensation for the expenses you’ve incurred from the death.

If I Have Life Insurance, I Don’t Need to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit

If your loved one took out a life insurance policy, that’s great. However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t file a wrongful death lawsuit. Depending on how much the life insurance policy was worth, it might cover all of your current and future expenses. A wrongful death lawsuit, on the other hand, can provide compensation for medical bills, lost future income, pain and suffering and other damages that resulted from your loved one’s death.

Any Family Member of the Decedent Can Sue for Damages

This isn’t true. Only the representative of the decedent’s estate can file a wrongful death lawsuit. However, if there is no will in place, the court will appoint a representative of the estate. 

You Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit at Any Time

You don’t have all the time in the world to file a wrongful death lawsuit. In many states, there is a two-year statute of limitation for filing a wrongful death lawsuit. Once the time has passed, you no longer have the right to sue for compensation. That’s why it’s important to speak to a wrongful death lawyer about your case as soon as possible.

Wrongful Death Lawsuits Always Involve Lengthy Trials

It’s another common misconception that wrongful death lawsuits always go to trial and take forever. However, the majority of wrongful death lawsuits actually settle out of court. That means that many wrongful death claims can settle in just several months. It’s important to work with a qualified wrongful death lawyer, though, to ensure a speedier process.

If you have any other questions about wrongful death litigation, consult with a wrongful death attorney in Wytheville, VA. They know how devastating it can be to lose a family member to someone’s negligence and want to help you get justice. Contact a law firm today for a consultation.

Thanks to The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt for their insight into personal injury claims and common myths about wrongful death.