When a person loses their life as a result of someone else’s negligent actions (or inactions), it is regarded as a wrongful death under law. The most common types of wrongful death cases here in the United States are car accidents, negligent supervision, elder abuse, and medical malpractice.
If you suspect that your loved one was a victim of a wrongful death, it is important to take legal action right away, starting with a consultation with a licensed personal injury lawyer who concentrates on wrongful death claims. Learn your rights to full and fair compensation, and be granted the financial assistance and stability your family deserves during this difficult time.
Continue reading to learn what you need to know about making a wrongful death claim in Indiana, including how to get started and which law firm to trust with your claim.
Authority to File a Wrongful Death Claim
In Indiana, and most other states, only immediate family members can file wrongful death claims. This includes parents, legal guardians, husbands, wives, daughters, and sons. It can also be anyone who was legally dependent on, or a beneficiary of, the deceased. If it is proven that a loved one was a victim of a wrongful death, these kinds of parties would be the ones entitled to filing the claim and receiving monetary compensation through a settlement or trial.
Wrongful Death Case Criteria
Not all accidental deaths qualify as a wrongful death under the eyes of the law. In order for a wrongful death claim to move forward, certain facts must be true and proven. Some basic elements that should be in place for all wrongful death claims are:
➤ A person died.
➤ A person died as a result of another’s negligence or intent.
➤ The deceased has immediate family or other dependents who will suffer financially as a result of their loss.
➤ A private estate representative should be appointed by the family and can be a family member.
Compensation for Wrongful Death Victims
Courts use certain criteria to determine the total damages a family will be awarded in a wrongful death claim. Such factors typically include the amount of money earned by the deceased, the loss of companionship experienced by the family members (namely spouses and parents of young children), the degree of dependency the surviving family members or others had on the deceased, incurred expenses paid by the surviving family members as a result of the wrongful death, and much more.
Top-Rated Wrongful Death Lawyers in Central Indiana
Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 if you have recently lost a loved one in a wrongful death accident in Indiana. Our personal injury attorneys offer free initial consultations to sit down and assess your case. If we feel that you are entitled to compensation for the wrongful death of your loved one, we begin working on your case immediately, without charging a dime. If we do not prevail for you, you will not owe our law firm any payment. We are the strong voice and immediate action you need for your wrongful death lawsuit or claim.
