Hampton Wrongful Death Lawyer
After the sudden loss of a loved one, legal matters may be the last thing on your mind. However, if your loved one’s death resulted from someone else’s carelessness, you may be entitled to seek compensation. Our Hampton wrongful death lawyers are here to ease some of the burden, allowing you to focus on your grief and healing.
The compassionate injury attorneys at Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers are dedicated to guiding you through this challenging time, so you can prioritize what truly matters. Contact us online or call (757) 333-3333 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.
Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers Is Here To Help You Move Forward
In the aftermath of your loved one’s untimely death, a legal battle is the last thing you need. When you choose Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers, we’ll handle every detail of your wrongful death case from start to finish, allowing you to focus on grieving your loss and caring for your family. Our team has over 120 years of combined experience representing injury victims and their families. In that time, we’ve recovered hundreds of millions of dollars in high-value case results for our clients, including:
- $1.5 million for the family of a van driver killed in a truck accident.
- $1 million for the family of a passenger killed by a drunk driver in Hampton Roads.
- $800,000 for the family of a woman killed in a tractor-trailer accident.
Wrongful death cases often involve challenging negotiations with insurance companies determined to avoid paying you fair compensation. Our team has the resources and experience needed to take on these large companies and fight for every dollar you deserve. From negotiating with insurance adjusters to collaborating with experts, Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers is ready to go the distance for you and your family.
What Is Considered “Wrongful Death” in Hampton?
When someone’s “wrongful act, neglect, or default” leads to another person’s death, they may be liable for wrongful death. A wide range of incidents can lead to a wrongful death claim, including motorcycle accidents, truck accidents, or pedestrian accidents, medical errors, and unsafe property conditions. Our Hampton wrongful death attorneys can help you determine liability for your loved one’s death.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Hampton?
Under Virginia Code § 8.01-50, only the victim’s personal representative may file a wrongful death claim in most cases. This is the person designated by a court to administer their estate. Our wrongful death attorneys can help you get appointed as personal representative by the appropriate court. Though the personal representative must file the lawsuit, the victim’s “statutory beneficiaries” receive the compensation.
Virginia Code § 8.01-53 specifies who is considered a statutory beneficiary in a wrongful death claim. The victim’s spouse and children have priority. The victim’s grandchildren may also have priority if their parent—the decedent’s child—is also deceased.
If there is no surviving spouse, child, or grandchild, other family members may have the right to receive wrongful death compensation. These include parents, siblings, and another relative who lived with and depended on the victim before their death. Determining who is eligible to receive wrongful death compensation can be complicated. Our attorneys can evaluate your case and ensure that the proceeds are distributed correctly.
Available Compensation in Hampton Wrongful Death Cases
A Hampton wrongful death claim is an opportunity to receive financial compensation for the losses you incurred due to your loved one’s death. Although no amount of money can undo what happened, wrongful death compensation can ease financial burdens and provide a sense of justice.
Your wrongful death compensation will likely include both economic and non-economic damages, such as:
- Medical expenses related to the victim’s fatal injury
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of financial support
- Loss of companionship or guidance
- Sorrow, mental anguish, and solace experienced due to the loss
Some cases also result in punitive damages meant to punish the liable party for egregious misconduct. Though fairly rare, our legal team will fight for punitive damages if appropriate in your case.
Common Questions About Hampton Wrongful Death Cases
It’s normal to have questions when considering pursuing a wrongful death claim. Our Hampton wrongful death attorneys have answered a few
common questions below to help you understand more about these cases.
1. How Long Do I Have To File a Wrongful Death Claim?
You typically have two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim under Virginia’s wrongful death statute of limitations. Missing this deadline may result in losing your right to seek compensation. While filing a lawsuit may not be your top priority immediately after a tragic loss, it’s best to give your legal team plenty of time to gather all available evidence and build a strong claim on your behalf.
2. How Much Does It Cost To Hire a Wrongful Death Attorney?
There is no upfront cost to hire a Hampton wrongful death lawyer at Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers. We work on a contingency basis, which means there is no fee for our services unless we obtain compensation for you. If we do, our fee will be calculated as a predetermined percentage of your total award. We also offer free consultations so you can learn about your legal rights at no cost to you.
3. Will I Have To Appear in Court?
Probably not, as most wrongful death cases settle out of court. This can be reassuring if you feel overwhelmed by the idea of testifying in court. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached through out-of-court negotiations, we have what it takes to prepare your case for trial. We will strive to reduce the stress you and your family experience as much as possible.
“When these accidents happen, a lot of times, the family is feeling so burdened by the loss of their loved one that they don't really want to go to court or have to testify and talk about it anymore. We understand that, and we have ways to work through that with you to have as little negative impact upon you and perhaps any children that you have so that we can pursue the case against the insurance company and hopefully get a resolution that will not necessarily require you to have to go and testify in court.”
Rely on the Legal Team at Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers
We’re here to serve your family during this difficult time. If you believe you may have grounds for a wrongful death lawsuit, contact us online or call (757) 333-3333. We offer free consultations so you can learn about your rights and options.
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