Accidental or wrongful death can result from a multitude of causes. If a family member dies as the result of the wrongful conduct of another, the beneficiaries may be entitled to monetary damages. The beneficiary's may be able to recover for any sorrow, mental anguish, and loss of solace suffered by the beneficiaries; any loss of society, companionship, comfort, guidance, kindly offices, and advice of the decedent; any reasonably expected loss in income of the decedent suffered by the beneficiaries; any reasonably expected loss of services, protection, care, and assistance; any expenses for the care, treatment, and hospitalization of the decedent incident to the injury; and reasonable funeral expenses. 

Also, if the wrongful conduct was willful or wanton, or was so reckless as to evince a conscious disregard for the safety of others, then the beneficiaries may be entitled to punitive damages to punish the defendant for their conduct and to deter others from acting in a similar way. 

Legal claims involving wrongful death can involve complex factual, legal and evidentiary issues. The following are a few important considerations when evaluating a wrongful death claim.

• What are the particular facts and circumstances of the wrongful death?

• Did the death involve any aggravating circumstances such as a drunk driver?

• Did the death result from the use of a harmful product?

• What evidence is there to support a claim?

• What was the age of the decedent?

• Where did the decedent work and what was his salary, and loss of income?

• Who are the decedent’s beneficiaries?

• What are the ages of the beneficiaries?

• Has anyone qualified to take care of the decedent’s estate?

• Is there any expected loss of services, protection, or care to the beneficiaries?

• What is the extent of sorrow, mental anguish, and loss of solace suffered by the beneficiaries? 

• What was the extent of loss of society, companionship, comfort, guidance, kindly offices, and advice to the beneficiaries?

• What were the expenses for the decedent’s care and treatment incident to the injury?

• What are the funeral expenses?

• Is there any insurance coverage or assets to satisfy a successful claim?

It is important that a wrongful death claim be evaluated by an experienced legal team. Complex legal and safety issues may be involved. If a friend or a loved one is victim of a wrongful death, you should take immediate steps to protect your or their interest. Do not compromise your rights by making statements to the press, insurance investigators, potential defendants, their representatives, and do not sign anything. Consider the suggestions in our accident guide, and call us immediately. We are here to help. At Larry King, P.C., we recognize the unique issues pertaining to a wrongful death claim. You can call us seven days a week, 24 hours a day, everyday of the year. We also offer a free legal-infoline service, and you can now contact us on this web site by using the following Personal Injury Contact form. We are committed to doing the extra things it takes to help our clients.