Virginia Beach Wrongful Death Lawyer
An experienced Virginia Beach wrongful death lawyer understands how the sudden loss of a loved one can leave families in a difficult position. If you tragically lost a loved one due to another party’s negligence, you deserve financial compensation for your suffering. At Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers, we have recovered millions in damages for our clients. We can help you recover medical expenses, funeral costs, loss of companionship, mental anguish, and more.
On This Page
- Why Hire a Wrongful Death Lawyer From Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers?
- Types of Losses in a Wrongful Death Case
- Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
- What incidents can lead to wrongful death cases?
- How Can a Wrongful Death Attorney Help You?
- What is the statute of limitations for wrongful death cases in Virginia?
- Consult with a Virginia Beach wrongful death lawyer
The loss of a loved one can have a devastating impact on surviving family members, especially when the death was not the result of natural causes but due to the carelessness of another party. Families are often left with expensive medical bills, funeral expenses, and the mental anguish of an unexpected death.
If the negligence or careless actions of another person or a company caused a loved one’s death, the family could pursue a wrongful death lawsuit. A wrongful death suit can recover compensation for damages caused by the at-fault person, including the long-term consequences of the decedent’s loss on surviving family members. A Virginia Beach wrongful death lawyer from Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers can help you fight for justice.
Why Hire a Virginia Beach Wrongful Death Lawyer From Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers?
Losing a loved one because of the actions of another can turn your life upside down in an instant. You need experienced legal representation to help you get justice for your loved one and secure the maximum compensation for your financial losses and suffering. At Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers, we are dedicated to helping our clients during this difficult time.
Our compassionate Virginia Beach personal injury lawyer team has decades of experience with wrongful death cases. Here’s what sets us apart from other firms:
- Our accomplished attorneys have over 125 years of combined experience in personal injury law.
- We have the skills and have developed proven strategies to deal with unfair insurance companies.
- We have recovered tens of thousands of dollars in case results for our clients and their families.
- We secured Virginia’s largest car accident claim recovery in 2020—a $6.5 million settlement.
- We have won numerous prestigious accolades and have been recognized as Super Lawyers and Top 100 Trial Attorneys.
- Have an AV rating from peer-rated Martindale Hubbell and a “Superb” rating on Avvo.
- Have a proven track record of professional excellence with staff members who go above and beyond.
If you are struggling after the sudden loss of a loved one and are unsure of your legal options, you are not alone. Contact Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers for a free consultation to get answers to your questions. We will discuss how your family can get the compensation you deserve.
Types of Losses in a Wrongful Death Case
The damages the surviving family members suffer from a wrongful death can be difficult to measure. Some losses endured by a family are not financial or easily quantifiable. VA Code §8.01-52 states that a jury can award damages they deem “fair and just.”
The death of a family member can have profound and lasting impacts on the ones left behind, including financial and emotional struggles. A wrongful death case lets surviving family members claim compensation for the damages the victim could have claimed if that person had lived, including the following:
- Medical bills
- Lost income
- Loss of future earnings
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
In addition, the family can claim losses, both financial and otherwise, that resulted from their loved one’s death, including:
- Funeral costs
- Burial expenses
- Loss of benefits, such as pension or medical insurance
- Loss of inheritance
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of guidance and comfort
- Loss of advice
- Mental anguish to the surviving family
Punitive damages may also be awarded in some cases to punish especially egregious behavior of the defendant, such as drunken driving. Our Virginia Beach wrongful death attorneys will determine the full value of the losses caused by a person’s wrongful death.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
In Virginia, the personal representative on the deceased’s estate may file a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of the deceased’s beneficiaries. That representative is the person designated to handle the deceased person’s estate.
Generally, the executor named in the deceased person’s will is the personal representative. However, if there is no will or executor, a family member or other interested party could come forward to ask to serve as the estate’s administrator.
Under Virginia law, there is a specific order for the beneficiaries who can receive damages for a wrongful death claim. The order of beneficiaries goes as follows:
- Spouses and children: Husbands, wives, children, adopted children, and stepchildren can recover damages from wrongful death lawsuits.
- Grandchildren: If the deceased had no spouse or living children, grandchildren can receive damages.
- Parents and siblings: If the deceased does not have a spouse, children, or grandchildren, the deceased’s parents, sisters, or brothers can receive compensation.
- Dependent family members: Other family members who lived in the victim’s household and were dependent on that person may receive damages if there is no spouse or children to bring the lawsuit.
- Other beneficiaries: If there are no qualifying family members of the deceased, others named in the person’s will may have a right to claim damages with a wrongful death suit.
Determining who can recover compensation in a wrongful death lawsuit can be complicated without legal support. Our wrongful death attorneys can guide you through these steps and file a successful claim.
What incidents can lead to wrongful death cases in Virginia Beach?
Any accident caused by another party’s negligence can result in wrongful death. Common types of accidents that often lead to wrongful death include the following:
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Slip and falls
- Boating accidents
- Railroad accidents
- Medical malpractice
The Car Crash Experts at Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers have seen the devastating results of fatal motor vehicle collisions and other accidents that leave families broken and grieving.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a Virginia Beach car accident lawyer, truck accident lawyer, pedestrian accident lawyer, or wrongful death attorney. We will help you determine if you qualify to take legal action.
How Can a Virginia Beach Wrongful Death Attorney Help You?
While nothing can bring your loved one back, an experienced wrongful death lawyer in Virginia Beach can help your family get the compensation you need and deserve for your loss. Your lawyer will do the following:
- Complete an investigation to uncover what happened
- Gather evidence to build a strong case on your behalf
- Prove all the elements of negligence that caused the wrongful death
- Deal with insurance company adjusters
- File reports and required paperwork
- Handle all the steps of the legal process
- Value all qualifying damages to include in your claim
- Negotiate the maximum settlement for your losses
- Take your case to trial before a jury, if necessary
What is the statute of limitations for wrongful death cases in Virginia Beach?
According to VA Code § 8.01-244, qualifying family members can bring a wrongful death claim up to two years after the death of their loved one. This time limit starts on the day the victim dies—not the day the accident occurred. Because there is a limited time to take legal action, it’s important to speak with a wrongful death attorney immediately to get started on your case.
Consult with a Virginia Beach wrongful death lawyer
Unexpectedly losing a loved one can throw a family into financial and emotional stress. Whenever the negligent actions of another individual or a company cause a loved one’s death, the surviving family members have the right to seek compensation.
If you are unsure if you have a case or don’t know where to start, contact Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers to schedule a free case evaluation with our experienced wrongful death lawyers in Virginia Beach. We will handle the legal process so you can focus on your family and rebuild your life after losing your loved one.
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