Wrongful Death Claims

Nothing can heal the pain of losing a loved one. However, getting justice in their name is a small victory.

If your family member was killed due to someone else’s negligence, you may be able to bring a personal injury claim in their name. This type of lawsuit (or legal claim) is called  “wrongful death” case. Wrongful death cases can be challenging for various reasons. For one, the prime witness is now deceased, which can lead to difficulties in proving a sequence of events. Additionally, wrongful death cases typically require expert witnesses (such as economists) to prove a person’s lost earning capacity and other damages.

Wrongful death cases also present challenges because of their high monetary “value.” Insurance coverage may be insufficient, and creative avenues must be explored to achieve adequate compensation. Furthermore, an insurance company or attorney is sure to devote substantial resources towards defending a wrongful death lawsuit given the stakes.

Welts, White & Fontaine, PC is well-suited for handling complex and high-stakes personal injury lawsuits such as wrongful death claims. We’re the largest law firm in Nashua, NH, and have decades of experience in all aspects of injury law. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Damages You Can Recover In A Wrongful Death Case

Losing a loved one in a terrible accident is not easy to go through, as a Nashua, NH wrongful death lawyer is aware of. They have assisted many clients over the years, helping them to get justice for their loved one and obtain the compensation that they deserve. If you believe that your loved one has died because of the negligent actions of another person, you may be able to file a claim for them. You can seek legal help from a lawyer at Welts, White & Fontaine, P.C. and they can explain what kind of damages that you may be able to receive. 

Medical Bills

Medical bills can reach thousands of dollars, or even hundreds of thousands of dollars if you lost a loved one. The costs of paying for treatment alone can be steep, especially if your loved one had months or years of long-term care. If you obtain the help of a Nashua wrongful death lawyer, you can recover damages that include the medical bills you and your family have had to pay in order to care for your loved one after their injury. They will review your medical expenses and find out what your family could be entitled to recover. 

Pain and Suffering

The mental and emotional distress that you and your family experienced as a result of your loved one’s death can also be included as part of your damages. Non-economic damages like this can also be included in a wrongful death case. Losing a loved one in a sudden and tragic way can have a strong impact on the mental health of family members. A lawyer will use evidence such as mental health treatment records to argue that you and your family experience severe distress as a result of the loss of your loved one. 

Loss of Deceased’s Future Earnings 

The death of a loved one can dramatically impact your family financially, especially if they had a high income or were a primary earner. Without their earnings, your family may not be as stable. You can face a number of issues. You could be at risk of losing your home because you may fall behind on your mortgage or rent, or struggle to pay other bills. A lawyer will calculate all of your deceased loved ones earnings and find out what amount you can possibly recover. 

Loss of Companionship

The sudden death of a family member means that you no longer have them as a companionship. They will not be there to fulfill their importance. role. They will not be there to provide their love, nurturing, and support. A wrongful death lawyer can include loss of companionship as part of the list of non-economic damages. 

Funeral and Burial Expenses

The funeral and burial expenses can cost tens of thousands of dollars. It is important to include these expenses in your list of damages so that you can recover the costs and won’t have to bear the financial burden. Have a lawyer do the calculations to ensure that everything is accurate. 

For more information about what kind of legal services you can receive for a wrongful death case, schedule a consultation with a Nashua wrongful death lawyer from Welts, White & Fontaine, PC as soon as possible.

As a Nashua, NH wrongful death lawyer understands, It is always difficult when a loved one passes away. That pain can be exacerbated when you believe that the death occurred at the hands of an irresponsible party, such as medical professionals. If you have lost a loved one and think it may have been the result of medical malpractice, read the information below to help you decide whether you may have grounds to file a medical malpractice suit. If any of the following resonates, then consider contacting us at Welts, White, & Fontaine, P.C. as soon as you can.

Relationship to the Deceased

Not just anyone can sue for wrongful death. You must be a dependent or immediate family member in most states in order to be eligible to sue for the wrongful death of a person. This means you typically cannot sue for the death of a significant other unless you are married. However, if you covered medical or funeral expenses for the deceased, you may be able to recover those specific expenses in a lawsuit.

Representative of the Deceased’s Estate

In most cases, an immediate family member will be the representative of the deceased’s estate and no one will dispute that. In some cases such as those with children of the deceased who no longer speak, things can get tricky. Disputes as to who represents the estate will be settled by a probate court in most states.

What Damages Can Be Recovered

When suing for wrongful death in a medical malpractice lawsuit, the plaintiff can typically recover the deceased’s lost wages and employment benefits for those who were dependent upon the deceased at the time of death. This often includes spouses, minor children, and parents (if the parents can prove that the deceased supported them). Additionally, medical bills, funeral and burial expenses, and pain and suffering of the deceased can also sometimes be recovered.

Speak With a Medical Malpractice Attorney

If you think you may have a claim for a medical malpractice wrongful death suit, it would be wise to speak with a Nashua wrongful death lawyer. We have the knowledge needed to assist you in determining whether you have a chance to be successful in your lawsuit. There is no need to put yourself through a long and painful lawsuit if several lawyers feel you only have a minimal chance of recovering any damages. The lawyer you select to represent you will need to see medical and financial documentation from you, so be prepared to provide these documents.

Wrongful death cases tend to be more complex and emotionally charged, understandably. It is our job to help hold you up during this difficult time by holding the offending party responsible for the loss they caused you and your family. Call a Nashua wrongful death lawyer today from Welts, White, & Fontaine, P.C. if you lost a loved one due to another’s negligence or recklessness. We are prepared to assist your case as soon as you are ready.