A wrongful death lawyer is an attorney who is experienced in representing families in cases involving the untimely death of a family member due to another party’s negligent or reckless action or inaction. Wrongful deaths may result from a wide variety of accidents and incidents, including traffic collisions, medical malpractice, product liability, and workplace accidents. In most wrongful death cases, the deceased person’s relatives are entitled to compensation for financial damages. These include funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and lost wages. In addition, a jury can award noneconomic damages, such as pain and suffering and emotional distress.
To be successful in a wrongful death lawsuit, the legal team must establish several key elements. First, the lawyer must prove that the surviving family members were actually financially affected by the victim’s death. The lawyers must also establish that the other person or entity was responsible for the victim’s death through negligence, either in action or inaction.
When establishing fault, wrongful death lawyer often use evidence such as expert testimonies. Specialists in fields like medicine, accident reconstruction and occupational safety can provide authoritative opinions that clarify complex technical aspects of the incident. Police and accident reports and other official documents are also important sources of information for wrongful death claims. Additionally, lawyers must collect and review the deceased person’s financial records to calculate a claim’s total economic losses.
The amount of compensation a plaintiff receives depends on many factors, including the severity of the negligence and the level of impact on the victim’s family. Juries typically consider the deceased person’s earnings before death, future earning potential and their dependent status. Additionally, juries may award exemplary or punitive damages in cases where the defendant acted with malice or recklessness.
Compensation for a wrongful death case is usually paid by the responsible party’s insurance company. The victims are typically represented by a personal representative appointed by the court. The representative must provide the names of all survivors who are eligible to receive a settlement from the lawsuit. These beneficiaries are often spouses, children and other close relatives. The amount of money that a plaintiff receives can be partially or fully tax-deductible, depending on the nature of the settlement and whether it is compensatory or punitive. It is important to speak with a tax professional before accepting any settlement. In general, a wrongful death settlement is tax-deductible if the payouts are intended to compensate the victim’s loved ones for their losses. Otherwise, the money is considered taxable income. This can lead to complications with tax filings. The lawyers at Varghese Summersett understand this issue and can help clients prepare the proper documentation to file a wrongful death claim.