Richmond Wrongful Death Lawyers

There is nothing harder than losing a loved one. Under normal circumstances, it is extremely difficult for family members to move on and move past their grief. When that death has been caused by another person’s negligence, however, it often becomes even harder to bear. Not only are these wrongful deaths extremely difficult for the loved ones left behind, but they also cause significant financial losses. Family members may have depended on an income the deceased earned, or they may be responsible for paying for the funeral and burial expenses. When this is the case, loved ones can speak to a Richmond wrongful death lawyer for help in recovering these expenses through a personal injury claim.

Not every death is a wrongful death. However, when a death is caused by the negligence, carelessness, or recklessness of another person, it is a wrongful death. In other words, the death should have never happened.

A wrongful death lawsuit holds the negligent party liable for paying compensation for the death. These cases are separate from criminal proceedings, although a criminal case can involve the same victim and circumstances as a wrongful death claim.

Not everyone can file a wrongful death claim in Richmond. Only certain close family members of the deceased are allowed to do so. These include a surviving spouse, minor children, parents dependent on the deceased, stepchildren dependent on the deceased, or any other minors who live in the same household as the deceased.

When there are none of these surviving family members, other individuals may also be able to file a wrongful death claim. These include parents, siblings, children of deceased siblings, grandparents, and children of a deceased spouse. If you are not sure whether you can bring a wrongful death claim, a wrongful death attorney in Richmond can advise you.

There are three elements of proof associated with any wrongful death claim. These include:

• Death of an individual: In order to file a wrongful death claim, a death must have occurred.
• Negligence: This is the concept most personal injury cases rest on, and wrongful death claims are no different. Although it is sometimes clear to family members that negligence occurred, it must be proven, and that can be challenging.
• Damages: Wrongful death claims are meant to compensate surviving loved ones for losses they have suffered as a result of the death. If there are no losses, there is nothing to compensate for, and therefore, there is no claim.

A Richmond wrongful death lawyer can help with these elements of proof by conducting an investigation and collecting evidence to substantiate your claim.

If you have lost someone due to a wrongful death, it is important to understand that you may be entitled to compensation. At the Brod Law Firm, our wrongful death attorneys in Richmond can conduct an investigation to determine who was negligent and then hold them accountable for paying the compensation you deserve. When you need a solid case prepared, call us at (800) 427-7020 for your free case evaluation.