The loss of a loved one can be a challenging experience. Losing a spouse, parent, child, or another family member can be particularly difficult when it occurs due to someone else’s recklessness or negligence. In cases where the loss is due to someone else’s negligence, consulting with an experienced DC wrongful death attorney is essential to understand and protect your rights. You may be eligible for compensation for the wrongful death, which can provide financial assistance to help you focus on emotional recovery.
The DC wrongful death law firm of Regan Zambri Long has the expertise to manage your wrongful death claim with care. We are dedicated to ensuring you receive the financial support and compensation for pain and suffering that your family is entitled to.
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A wrongful death action is brought when a person dies due to the negligence or misconduct of another party. Negligence is a legal term that refers to activity that is careless, irresponsible, or without reasonable care. If negligence plays a part in a wrongful death, the deceased’s surviving family members may take legal action against the responsible person.
According to Washington, DC law, a wrongful death suit can be filed if the death of an individual was “caused by the wrongful act, neglect, or default of another person or corporation.” Examples of wrongful death lawsuits include:
Wrongful death can be difficult to prove on your own. You will need to show that the other party is at fault for the accident that caused the death. This means you will need evidence to prove the wrongful death claim, understand how much the case is worth, and negotiate a settlement with the insurance company covering all your expenses. You need an experienced wrongful death attorney who can navigate the claims process and help get you and your family the compensation you need.
The DC wrongful death lawyers at Regan Zambri Long have represented families in wrongful death lawsuits for decades. In addition to obtaining compensation for the tragic loss of a loved one, we can help families obtain a sense of justice stemming from the devastating event. Our Washington, DC personal injury lawyers know what you and your family are going through now; this is why we will take the burden off your shoulders and fight for your loved one’s rights. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
A personal representative of the victim usually files a wrongful death claim. For example, a spouse can file a lawsuit on behalf of their deceased spouse. If the victim wasn’t married or had a domestic partner, then the wrongful death lawsuit can be brought by the next of kin. This includes:
In many cases, the victim’s closest family members will receive damages, especially those who relied on the victim for financial support.
The amount of money awarded to the surviving family members is based on the losses they experienced following the death of their loved ones. If the deceased had a will, the estate’s representative will distribute the damages among the family members. However, if the victim died without a will, known as intestate, then the damages will be distributed in the following way:
Damages can be awarded to the survivors to cover any expenses from the accident. These expenses include:
In rare cases, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the defendant for their conduct and prevent any other individual or organization from acting similarly.
However, in Washington, DC, beneficiaries are not awarded any damages for grief, mental distress, or the loss of affection. Also, there is no limit on how much money can be awarded in damages for a wrongful death lawsuit.
Let’s say a drunk driver gets into a car accident that kills the other driver. In order for the family of the victim to bring a valid claim against the drunk driver, a Washington, DC wrongful death lawyer will need to prove the following factors:
One or multiple parties can be held responsible for the death of a loved one. For example, in a medical malpractice case, the family could hold the medical professional, the healthcare facility, and any of the medical staff responsible for the accident. Other examples include a restaurant or bar that overserved a drunk driver and allowed them to drive home; automobile manufacturers who created a vehicle defect that resulted in a fatal accident; and a trucking company that didn’t train a truck driver properly.
A wrongful death case will not only make the irresponsible party accountable for their acts, but it can also lessen the financial burden unjustly forced on your family in the aftermath of the death of a loved one. We recognize that money and dealing with the person who caused the death of your loved one are likely the last things you and your family want to do while in sorrow. Our DC wrongful death lawyer can relieve you of this burden; we will handle your wrongful death lawsuit while you and your family mourn the loss of a loved one.
We will not charge you any upfront or out-of-pocket fees. And our initial consultation is entirely complimentary.
You do have a time limit to file a wrongful death claim. Understandably, while a family mourns the loss of a loved one, the last thing on your mind is to dealing with a personal injury lawsuit.
In Washington, DC, you have two years after the death of a loved one to file a lawsuit. Under certain circumstances, the statute may be shorter or longer in a particular case. Our mission is to provide the very highest level of legal representation to our clients effectively and compassionately.
Our DC wrongful death lawyers have the knowledge, experience, and resources necessary to investigate and prosecute wrongful death claims. Our wrongful death attorneys will guide your family through difficult and confusing times. We do so with an unwavering commitment to obtain just settlements and verdicts.
You should never have to manage the aftermath of a loved member’s passing on your own. This is especially true when the death was the result of another person’s carelessness. Personal injury legislation is complicated, as is the legal process following an accidental death. You and your family will have numerous questions about the best action. We will respond to your queries, assist you in completing the necessary documentation, and negotiate with insurance companies and other attorneys on your behalf.
Our experience allows us to assist in determining which evidence will be most persuasive to a jury and in ensuring that evidence is acquired efficiently and promptly. After losing a loved one, the last thing you and your family want to consider is what proof you need to prove that someone else was at fault. However, it is better to act promptly, as certain evidence may be lost or become more difficult to locate as time passes. In addition, rigorous procedures control the admissibility and presentation of evidence before a jury. Our personal injury attorneys are adept at navigating these obstacles.
Lastly, you may require an expert witness to support your argument. This occurs when your case incorporates scientific or technological knowledge. We can discover and engage subject matter specialists for your case. In addition, we will prepare them for trial and ensure they are ready to refute any experts retained by the irresponsible parties.
If you lost a loved one because of someone’s negligence, our Washington, DC wrongful death lawyers are here to help. Losing a loved one triggers grief, sadness, and sorrow, especially when the death is sudden and caused by a negligent act. During this time of grieving, your family may see income diminish and experience a large financial debt from medical bills. Unfortunately, creditors will be unsympathetic about your circumstances, and at a time when you need to be mourning the loss of a loved one, you will need to contend with the debt. By hiring a Washington, DC wrongful death law firm, you will have someone on your side to fight the battle while your family takes the time to heal.
If you lost a loved one in an accident and need help filing a wrongful death claim, contact a DC wrongful death lawyer at Regan Zambri Long today to schedule a free consultation.