The untimely death of someone dear to you is never easy and if it was caused by someone else’s wrongdoing, it is even more difficult to bear. If a loved one is no more following the negligence of another, you may qualify to sue and file a wrongful death claim. This is often a daunting emotional process but understanding the legal basics can help.
A wrongful death claim is a legal action that is usually taken if a person died as a result of another party’s negligence. This type of lawsuit exists as a way for family members and others loved ones to apply for damages from the responsible parties, such as high medical bills, lost wages, funeral costs, and more. While there are certainly many steps involved in filing a wrongful death claim, wrongful death attorneys at Kogan & DiSalvo in Boca Raton, FL will help you understand the process and ensure that everything is done correctly.
Eligibility to File a Claim
The first step in filing a wrongful death claim is to determine who is eligible to file. Mostly, this will be the surviving spouse, partner, or children of the victim. If no surviving spouses or children exist, other close relatives may be eligible to file the claim, such as the parents of the deceased.
Once you’ve been determined eligible to file a claim, gather all important documentation and evidence. This will include information on any healthcare expenses or funeral costs that were incurred because of the death of your loved one, as well as any lost wages from time missed from work. The more information you have, the better.
Filing a Claim with an Appropriate Court
Once all your evidence and documentation are ready, contact an attorney to discuss filing a claim on your behalf. This can be done at any time, as many attorneys will work on a contingency basis where they do not charge you anything unless they win the case for you.
Filing the lawsuit with an appropriate court is usually the next step. This is done following the state law, where you will likely be required to be present at the hearing. If your claim is successful, then the judge or jury may decide on an award amount that will cover your losses due to the death of your loved one.
Contact an Attorney for Assistance
If your loved one has died as the result of negligence, then you may be able to obtain financial damages for medical expenses and funeral costs by filing a lawsuit. Filing a wrongful death claim is hardly an easy process, but with legal guidance, it can be done. By understanding what to expect and working with an experienced attorney, you can ensure that your claim is in good hands and that you have the best chance at success.
In conclusion, if someone dear to you is now deceased due to the negligence of another party, you need to file a wrongful death claim in order to recover damages. This process will involve gathering evidence and documentation, as well as filing your claim with an appropriate court and working with an attorney. With the right help, however, you can be sure that your claim is filed correctly and that you have the best chance of success.