Chesapeake Wrongful Death Lawyer
All too often, a sudden accident can result in the tragic loss of a loved one. When this loss occurs as a result of the wrongful actions of another, surviving family members of the accident victim may be able to bring a claim for compensation related to the loss of a loved one. A Chesapeake wrongful death lawyer from Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers can handle the legal aspects of a tragic loss, so you can focus your energy on your family and healing.
A wrongful death claim may allow you to hold those responsible accountable when their recklessness or carelessness caused the death of your loved one. Our compassionate Chesapeake personal injury attorneys can be instrumental in helping you develop a wrongful death claim to pursue those who are at fault for the death of your loved one.
Understanding When a Death is Wrongful in Chesapeake
A wrongful death may occur whenever the careless, reckless, negligent, or otherwise wrongful behavior of others results in a death. This is the case whether the victims immediately perish or suffer injuries to which they eventually succumb. This situation may give the surviving family members of the deceased the right to take legal action against those responsible for their losses.
Wrongful death cases can result from many different types of accidents. These accidents may include:
- Motor vehicle accidents – especially high-speed crashes on I 64, I 464, I 664, or U.S. 460 can cause fatal injuries
- Defective products – poorly designed products can pose serious risks
- Premises liability – accidents or lax security at Greenbrier Mall, Chesapeake Square Mall, and Wal-Mart, or any business in Chesapeake can result in serious injuries causing death
One of our diligent wrongful death lawyers in Chesapeake can help guide you through the recovery process by helping you get compensation for your losses that can help you provide for your future. A sudden death often can result in a loss of income and essential long-term family support, as well as hospital and medical expenses related to the death. This can immediately threaten your financial stability. Holding others responsible for their wrongful actions can be crucial to providing for your family’s future.
How Long You Have to File a Claim
Va. Code § 8.01-244 sets forth the statute of limitations for wrongful death actions in the Commonwealth of Virginia. A statute of limitations is the timeframe when you can file a claim. In general, you must bring wrongful death claims within two years of the date of death.
If you do not meet the statute of limitations, you may not be able to pursue any wrongful death claims. This is the case regardless as to how clearly a party might be at fault for the fatal accident that occurred. The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can help you. Once you contact our dedicated Chesapeake wrongful death attorneys, we can take care of the details so you can focus on what matters.
Damages in Wrongful Death Cases
Virginia Code §8.01-52 of Virginia’s Death By Wrongful Act statute sets forth what certain family member may seek from those who have negligently caused the death of a loved one. Financial compensation in a wrongful death case may include payment for:
- Sorrow, mental anguish, and solace, which includes loss of companionship, comfort, and guidance from the lost loved one
- Medical expenses from treatment prior to death
- Grief and emotional trauma
- Loss of income, consortium, and support
- Funeral and burial expenses
Additionally, punitive damages may be available in some cases. For example, punitive damages can sometimes be sought if a drunk driver kills a loved one. A Chesapeake wrongful death lawyer can help your family build a comprehensive claim that makes sure your future is safe and that you are paid after suffering an unexpected loss.
Calculating Compensation
Often, when someone dies in a wrongful death accident, evidence such as tax records and employment records are necessary to prove damages. For example, if someone is wrongfully killed who was expected to work for 25 years earning $75,000 per year, then the statutory beneficiaries are entitled to claim those various damages.
When claiming those damages, working with experts such as an economist and a vocational rehabilitationist is necessary. In addition, an attorney will gather evidence from the funeral home and testimony from all the statutory beneficiaries to establish a basis for damages. An attorney can further explain the evidence necessary to calculate damages in Chesapeake.
Let a Chesapeake Wrongful Death Attorney Assist You
There is no amount of money in the world that can truly compensate you for the death of a loved one. Nonetheless, obtaining compensation from those responsible for your losses can go a long way toward giving you and your family some measure of security.
Allowing a Chesapeake wrongful death lawyer to handle your wrongful death claim may be a necessary part of your recovery. Although securing legal counsel and compensation through a wrongful death action is probably not your first concern after following a sudden and tragic loss, it is important. While you focus on mourning the loss of your loved one, Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers can focus on protecting your rights and future while you focus on healing.
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