As much as the unexpected death of a loved one is a personal tragedy, it can become a legal and financial concern as well. If the death was caused by the reckless or negligent actions of another party, surviving family members have the right to pursue justice and compensation through a wrongful death lawsuit.
A wrongful death lawsuit often brings a sense of closure and justice to the surviving family members. Our compassionate and dedicated team can help you navigate the legal process so you can focus on your family and the grieving process.
At Rutter Mills, our clients in Portsmouth and throughout Virginia turn to us when the stakes are high and the losses are immense. An experienced Portsmouth wrongful death lawyer at our firm will work with you to help you understand your rights and how Virginia wrongful death statutes apply in your case. Schedule a free consultation today.
Any untimely death is a tragedy. However, losing a loved one becomes an actionable legal claim only when it results from the negligent actions of another person or entity.
Examples of wrongful deaths in Virginia include the following:
A successful wrongful death lawsuit depends upon facts and evidence that support the plaintiff’s claim that negligence caused the death of their loved one. An experienced Portsmouth wrongful death attorney has the investigative resources to build a strong claim for damages.
In Virginia, wrongful death claims are brought by the personal representative of the decedent’s estate. Surviving family members who stand to benefit financially from the claim are typically the decedent’s spouse and children. Other family members may be entitled to wrongful death compensation, but only if they were financially dependent on the decedent. However, if the victim did not have a spouse or children, beneficiaries could include parents, grandparents, or siblings, depending on the circumstances.
Virginia wrongful death laws allow surviving family members to pursue compensation for economic and non-economic damages, which could consist of the following:
In addition, punitive damages are also possible against a negligent party if they acted with malice or with reckless disregard for the safety of others.
Contact us today for a free consultation to learn more about your options and have your case reviewed by an experienced Portsmouth wrongful death attorney. We’re here for you.
Trust that we will leverage our considerable resources and experience to fight for your right to compensation after the death of a loved one. Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation today.
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