Portsmouth, VA Wrongful Death Lawyer
An unexpected and unnecessary death, due to another person’s negligence or other wrongful act, is always extremely difficult. If you are struggling to heal from a loss, you probably want and need justice for your loved one’s untimely death. With the help of a Portsmouth, VA wrongful death lawyer, you may be able to get the justice you need and deserve.
If a member of your family died due to another person’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation from the responsible party and their insurance company. A well-versed Portsmouth wrongful death lawyer from Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers can work tirelessly to hold the responsible party accountable and get your family the compensation you need and deserve.
Damages in a Portsmouth, Virginia Wrongful Death Claim
When you unexpectedly lose a loved one due to another person’s actions, you not only have to deal with the emotional repercussions, but also with the financial ones. That is one reason why the state law, VA Code §8.01-50 et seq. allows you to bring a claim. With a wrongful death claim you may be able to recover monetary damages such as:
- Medical expenses for any treatment your loved one received from the injury before dying
- Funeral expenses
- Loss of your loved one’s wages to those depending on that income in the household
Emotional losses and grief damages include:
- Loss of companionship
- Sorrow
- Mental anguish
Putting a value on these losses for the relationships lost is complicated, but an experienced lawyer could help establish the losses. Speaking with a wrongful death lawyer in Portsmouth, VA could help you determine your next steps in seeking compensation.
Potential Beneficiaries
There are classes of individuals who may be able to recover damages for wrongful death, based on their relationship to the deceased. Under the Code of Virginia 8.01-53, the first class of beneficiaries includes the spouse (husband/wife), children, and grandchildren.
If there is not a surviving spouse, child, or grandchild, another class of beneficiaries may be able to recover damages. The secondary class of beneficiaries includes parents, siblings, and dependents. It could be helpful to speak with a wrongful death lawyer in Portsmouth, Virginia about who can get compensation for a wrongful death.
Filing Deadline for a Wrongful Death Lawsuit
There are time limits on wrongful death claims. It is important to follow these time limits when filing your claim, as it can affect your right to recover damages. In Virginia, you generally have only two years from the date of death to file the wrongful death lawsuit. However, you must be qualified as the personal representative of the Estate of the decedent through the court to be allowed to file the case.
Failure to file the lawsuit within the two-year timeframe could mean that you will no longer have the right to recover damages as a court may not hear a time-barred claim. Talking to a Portsmouth, VA wrongful death lawyer as soon as possible could help you make sure you do not miss the deadline for filing a claim.
A Portsmouth Wrongful Death Attorney Can Help
You should not have to worry about expenses and lost income in the midst of your grief. Rather than taking on the stress of handling a death claim on your own, consult a seasoned attorney about your legal options. Reach out to a Portsmouth wrongful death lawyer for evaluation of your claim, if you believe that another person’s negligence caused your loved one’s death. Call Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation.
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