Wrongful death
The loss of a loved one cause by the wrongful conduct of another can give rise to wrongful death and survivorship claims. A wrongful death claim can be asserted for various elements of damages such as the mental anguish and loss of support one suffers from the loss of a loved one. State law dictates who can assert a wrongful death claim such as a parent, spouse, or child of the deceased. A survivorship claim is compensation for damages such as the physical pain and mental anguish suffered by a person prior to passing away, and is typically awarded to the estate of the deceased. Wrongful death and survivorship damages can be substantial and may require the use of an economist to calculate. It is important to hire an experienced attorney as soon as possible so that steps can be taken to preserve evidence, and to assure that the victim family is fully compensated.
