The loss of a loved one is a very difficult time in any person’s life. But when a loved one’s passing is unjust, the severity of grief and suffering can be vastly deeper, and therefore, even more difficult to cope with. If a close family member, relative, child, or spouse recently died as a result of another’s negligence, you may be entitled to certain compensation for your losses and damages, including the emotional pain and suffering and lost income you have experienced since the passing of your family member.
Start by calling the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 for information about wrongful death personal injury claims in Indiana. Continue reading to learn how to get started.
Indiana Wrongful Death Law
Under Indiana Code Title 34. Civil Law and Procedure § 34-23-1-1, “When the death of one is caused by the wrongful act or omission of another, the personal representative of the former may maintain an action therefor against the latter, if the former might have maintained an action had he or she, as the case may be, lived, against the latter for an injury for the same act or omission.” A “personal representative” might be a husband, wife, daughter, mother, son, grandchild, or any other person that is listed as a co-manager, owner, or speaker of the household.
Statute of Limitations
In all cases of filing a civil claim against another person or entity, there is a legal time limit to do so, which is regulated by state law. These time limits differ from state to state and from case to case, but all statute of limitations begin on the day of the incident. Once the statute of limitations have expired, the opportunity of pursuing a claim does as well.
When it comes to wrongful death statutes of limitations, Indiana Code § 34-23-1-1 goes on to say, “(…) the personal representative of the decedent within two (2) years, and the damages shall be in such an amount as may be determined by the court or jury, including, but not limited to, reasonable medical, hospital, funeral and burial expenses, and lost earnings of such deceased person resulting from said wrongful act or omission.”
However, claims against governmental entities have prerequisites that must be met and a much shorter deadline so obtaining a personal injury attorney quickly is vital, especially considering that a complete investigation should be done immediately.
Wrongful Death Claims
Because of the statute of limitations and other contributing factors, it is important to act fast following a wrongful death in the family. To get started, schedule a free initial consultation with one of our experienced Indiana personal injury lawyers who specialize in wrongful death claims. There is no fee for this consultation, nor will you have to pay any upfront lawyer fees. You only pay your lawyer if they recover a settlement for you.
The following compensation is recoverable if your wrongful death claim is successful:
✔ Funeral Arrangement Expenses
✔ Burial Arrangement Expenses
✔ Hospital and Medical Bills
✔ Lost Wages
✔ Lost Benefits
✔ And More
How to Get Started
Talk to an Indianapolis wrongful death lawyer for help with your claim, today. Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to learn the best course of legal action after your devastating loss. We represent injured persons throughout the State of Indiana regardless of how the injury occurred, so long as the person was injured as a result of the negligence or “failure to use reasonable care” of another person or entity. We also offer free initial consultations and never collect lawyer fees unless we win a settlement or verdict.