Wrongful death lawsuits are very complex and require a lot of preparation. Nevertheless, it is a strict legal procedure that will allow you to recover damages if you can prove that your loved one was killed because of someone else’s carelessness. The following guide will help you understand how wrongful death lawsuits work and how you can successfully pursue a case against the defendant.
Experts
Expert witnesses can add a lot of value to a wrongful death lawsuit. This is because they provide a professional perspective and can help clarify a case’s facts. They can also help quantify noneconomic damages, such as pain and suffering.
Experts in wrongful death lawsuits may be accountants, accident reconstructionists, or medical experts. They typically act as witnesses but can also be consulted before taking on a case. Depending on the circumstances of the case, they may be asked to draft an expert witness report or testify at a deposition.
The type of wrongful death lawyer you hire depends on the type of claim you have. For example, in a building collapse wrongful death case, you might need expert testimony from an architect or engineer.
Eyewitnesses
Eyewitnesses in wrongful death lawsuits provide an essential piece of evidence. However, their testimonies can only be accurate if they remember specific details. The memory function of a witness is not a perfect science, so a plaintiff should always bring in a psychologist to support the claim.
An eyewitness’s description of the weapon used in a crime is one of the most substantial pieces of evidence they can provide. When witnesses testify, they often focus on the gun. Those familiar with the scene can also give testimony about what they saw or refer to a crime reconstruction expert to analyze the accident.
Regarding eyewitness testimony, several studies have found many things to consider. For example, an eyewitness might need help to recall the details of the accident or be in the wrong place at the right time.
Statute of Limitations
A defendant can be sued only until the wrongful death statute of limitations has passed. The rule may vary from state to state, but in most cases, a lawsuit must be filed within two years after the incident that led to the victim’s death.
A wrongful death suit is often complicated. There are numerous rules, laws and regulations governing the lawsuit. However, a wrongful death attorney can guide you through the process and ensure you receive financial compensation for your losses.
A wrongful death attorney can also help you determine which laws apply to your case. For instance, if the decedent was a minor, there are special rules. A minor may only file a claim once they reach the age of 18. In some states, a wrongful death claim may be delayed until a legal guardian is appointed.
Settlements
If a person dies due to another person’s carelessness, they may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit and receive compensation. However, it is essential to note that several legal hurdles must be overcome before a claim can be brought.
The court determines the amount of the settlement awarded based on several factors. These include the damages at issue, the defendant’s liability, and the strength of the case. The amount of the award can vary from thousands of dollars to millions of dollars.
The deceased’s age and future earning potential can play a role in the value of the settlement. If the decedent is young, there is a better chance of receiving a more significant award.
Intangible Losses
Intangible losses in wrongful death lawsuits can be challenging to prove. They are not easily identifiable with bills and other expenses. To prove them, you need to present detailed evidence and psychological narratives.
Intangible damages can include loss of love, companionship, affection, and guidance. They can also have emotional distress and mental anguish.
Although a wrongful death case is about the financial burden of a death, it is also about the emotional suffering and toll. A wrongful death attorney must understand how to explain the true importance of the loss to a jury.
The most challenging part of calculating damages is the intangible value of life. For example, a baseball player can make 10-30 million dollars a year, but it is worth more to their family to have that person alive than the money it would cost to have that person living.
