An unexpected death is devastating. It is often difficult to deal with the emotional pain associated with losing a loved one.
At the same time, they will need to consider how to pay for outstanding medical bills and funeral costs and evaluate how this loss will affect their futures. One way to seek stability for the future is to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit against the parties responsible for your loved one’s untimely passing.
A skilled personal injury attorney from Berry Law can help you seek compensation for outstanding costs, loss of companionship, and loss of income. A Papillion wrongful death lawyer will explore your legal options after suffering the unexpected loss of a loved one.
When is a Wrongful Death Suit Appropriate Under the Law?
Any death in Papillion that is the result of another person’s negligence may form the basis of a successful wrongful death claim. Specifically, Nebraska Revised Statute §30-809 states that a wrongful death lawsuit is appropriate when the death resulted from a wrongful act, neglect, or default of another party.
Furthermore, a wrongful death action can only be filed if the decedent would have had the right to demand compensation had they survived the accident. As a result, any claim involving a person’s untimely passing must center around acts of negligence or intentional conduct that would have otherwise justified a personal injury claim.
Common examples of incidents leading to wrongful deaths include:
- Auto collisions
- Tractor trailer crashes
- Motorcycle accidents
- Bicycle collisions
- Pedestrian accidents
- Slips and falls
- Medical negligence
- Nursing home abuse
- Defective products
- Intentional acts of violence
An attorney from our firm could provide more information about the basis for wrongful death claims in Papillion. Our team can also gather the necessary evidence to show that a defendant was responsible for the decedent’s death.
What Compensation Can a Grieving Family Seek?
In some ways, wrongful death claims are similar to most other instances of personal injury when it comes to filing a claim. It still falls on the plaintiff to prove a defendant’s fault and how that fault ultimately led to the passing of a loved one.
However, wrongful death claims in Papillion are distinctive in several notable ways. For example, Neb. Rev. Stat. §30-810 states that only the decedent’s personal representative has the authority to bring a wrongful death claim for the exclusive benefit of the decedent’s spouse and next of kin.
Additionally, the available compensation differs from a typical personal injury case in that the damages can include losses suffered by family members as well as the victim. It is not unusual for wrongful death plaintiffs to seek compensation for:
- The decedent’s remaining medical bills
- Funeral and burial costs
- Lost income that the decedent would have earned in their lifetime
- Pain and suffering of the deceased
- Loss of care, companionship, guidance, and other consortium
Reach Out to a Papillion Wrongful Death Attorney Immediately
If you have recently experienced the unexpected death of a loved one, you have the right to seek compensation from responsible parties. These can include negligent drivers, companies that produced a defective product, or doctors who failed to provide proper medical care.
These lawsuits can demand compensation for not just costs associated with your loved one’s untimely passing, but also payments for lost companionship and future income. A compassionate Papillion wrongful death lawyer can help you and your family pursue compensation during this difficult time. Contact Berry Law today for a free consultation to learn more about your options.