Can I Start A Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
Wrongful death suits may be the result of a negligent or intentional act. One of the biggest misconceptions around these lawsuits is that they must be accidental. When people talk about these legal matters, they likely think of things related to work or automobiles. But they encompass a much more comprehensive range than that. Even if the victim’s cause of death was the result of an intentional act, your attorney might still advise you that you can file a lawsuit.
People may seek out the legal counseling of a personal injury attorney after a family member passes away. Because of their loved one’s death, they experience emotional and economic challenges—and are trying to be compensated for it. Many clients are looking to rediscover some stability.
Who can file a wrongful death lawsuit?
Immediate family members can file a wrongful death suit. For example, the victim’s spouse or children can file. Legally adopted children count as immediate family members. If the victim did not have a spouse or children, their parents could initiate a wrongful death lawsuit.
Can multiple people file a lawsuit? You should ask your attorney about the specifics of your case. In most circumstances, only one suit can be filed. There is a possibility that if multiple parties have a valid claim and reason to file, these could merge into one lawsuit.
Other People Who Can File
Depending on your state, putative partners and life partners may also have a valid claim. An attorney will be in the best position to examine your specific circumstances to determine if you are a putative spouse. These are people who act, behave, and believe they are life partners with someone despite not being legally married.
The most significant factor will be your ability to show you suffered financially due to the victim’s death.
The Need For An Attorney
Though you may assume you know who is at fault, allow your personal injury attorney to examine the facts surrounding your case. There may be details you overlooked. For example, if someone was the victim of a workplace accident, you may seek to file a lawsuit against the person’s employer.
Although that is definitely in the realm of possibility, the employer may not be at fault. Was there faulty equipment involved? Who made and sold the equipment to the employer? Or perhaps the equipment required regular maintenance and safety checks that were ignored or missed.
The Law Offices of William C. Robinson
If you or someone you love has been the victim due to someone else’s actions, contact the Law Offices of William C. Robinson. Your first consultation is free. We have more than 35 years of civil litigation experience. Our passion for equal justice under the law drives us to create custom legal solutions for our clients.
