Wrongful death
You do not have to decide anything today.
When someone dies because of another person’s mistake, the law lets certain family members bring a claim. We explain who can, what it can include and which deadlines apply, then we wait for you.
What we can tell you in a first call
Who may bring the claim, which depends on state law and on who survived
What a claim can include, such as funeral costs, lost income and lost company
Which deadlines apply, so a call this month helps even if you are not ready
What we check, in order
We ask for little from the family while we do this.
How it happened
Reports, records, video and witnesses, gathered so the family does not have to chase them.
Who is responsible
A driver, an employer, a property owner, a manufacturer or a hospital: we look at each and say which ones the facts support.
What a loss is measured by
Income, support, the care someone gave and the years they would have had. We explain how each is counted.
Asked on every first call
Who can file?
It depends on the state and on the family. Spouses and children are usually included; others sometimes are. We explain it for your case.
Is this the same as a criminal case?
No. A criminal case is brought by the government. A wrongful death claim is a civil claim by the family, and it can go ahead whether or not anyone is charged.
Will we have to go to court?
Most claims settle. If an offer is not fair, we explain what filing a lawsuit would involve and the decision stays with the family.
Call when you are ready.
There is no deadline on the call itself. A lawyer will listen first and explain after.
No attorney’s fee unless we recover money for you. Case costs (records, filing fees, experts) are explained in your written agreement, including whether you would owe them if nothing is recovered.