If you are coping with the unexpected loss of a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, you may be able to seek compensation with the help of a Wheeling wrongful death lawyer.
Wrongful death cases come in various forms, so the Wheeling personal injury lawyers from the Stuckey Firm, LLC are prepared to manage your case no matter the cause of your loved one’s passing. While you rebuild and move forward, we hold negligent parties accountable.
Explore your legal options during a complimentary consultation after reviewing how our firm can help you and your family through the legal process of filing a wrongful death claim.
When Filing a Wrongful Death Claim in West Virginia
Individuals who have experienced the loss of a loved one due to negligence or a faulty product have the option to initiate a wrongful death legal claim against the negligent party.
These lawsuits resemble personal injury cases, but the representation is on behalf of the decedent. This process is independent of any related criminal proceedings., Compensation is sought for financial losses linked to the individual’s death through the civil claims process.
Why a Lawyer is Necessary for Your Wheeling Wrongful Death Case
The challenge lies in establishing negligence on the part of a third party, making the investigation and collection of evidence more intricate. Nonetheless, a lawyer can guide you through the legal procedures and explain their application to your specific situation. Depending on how your loved one passed, the following attorneys can help:
- Wheeling car accident lawyer
- Wheeling motorcycle accident lawyer
- Wheeling bicycle accident lawyer
- Wheeling slip and fall accident lawyer
- Wheeling truck accident lawyer
- Wheeling medical malpractice lawyer
Quantifying Damages for Your Case
Throughout the legal process, your attorney will address how the passing of your loved one has had adverse effects on you. Various family members may experience different repercussions following the wrongful death of your loved one. The following are factors that will be weighed in deciding how much your wrongful death settlement check is worth.
Emotional Loss
Your deceased loved one may have offered emotional support to their spouse, parents, siblings, and children. While quantifying this emotional support may be challenging, the absence of such comfort can result in a notable void in your life.
Your attorney may utilize established methods to assess the financial impact of losing the emotional support of a loved one on you and your family. Different family members may be eligible for compensation for this specific type of loss.
Financial Loss
In some cases, individuals who pass away due to wrongful circumstances are the primary or sole breadwinners for their families. Dependents, such as children and spouses, left without the deceased loved one’s income, may face the risk of slipping into temporary or permanent financial hardship.
This situation, as highlighted by the West Virginia Office of Environmental Health Services, could lead to adverse consequences such as:
- Deteriorating health conditions
- Food insecurity
- Increased exposure to environmental hazards
- Limited access to healthcare
Seeking compensation from those accountable for the wrongful death of your loved one may help mitigate the financial repercussions of losing a family member.
Emotional Distress
Individuals who have lost a loved one, especially in unforeseen circumstances, are familiar with the profound emotional pain that accompanies such a loss.
Our lawyers will develop evidence to support the monetary value of your emotional distress Often, these claims yield the most significant form of loss resulting from a wrongful death.
Possible Filers in a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in West Virginia
Potential filers in a wrongful death lawsuit in West Virginia typically include the following individuals:
- Spouse: The surviving spouse of the deceased individual is often eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit in West Virginia.
- Children: Dependent children of the deceased may also have the right to bring forth a wrongful death claim.
- Parents: In some cases, parents of the deceased individual may be permitted to file a wrongful death lawsuit, especially if there are no surviving spouses or children.
- Siblings: In certain circumstances, siblings of the deceased may have standing to pursue a wrongful death claim, particularly if there are no surviving spouses, children, or parents.
It’s important to consult with a wrongful death attorney in Wheeling, West Virginia, to determine the specific eligibility criteria for filing a lawsuit based on the circumstances of the case.
Speak With a Wrongful Death Lawyer Serving Wheeling Today for Free
Grieving is hard enough; let the wrongful death lawyers who serve Wheeling fight your legal battles, beginning with a free consultation. The Stuckey Firm, LLC, is here to help you and your family recover every penny deserved for the tragedy you are experiencing.
Contact us when you are ready to move forward with legal action to protect your family.