The loss of a loved one can cause much grief and heartache. If the deceased contributed a substantial portion of the household income, it also can lead to financial strife and difficulty. Fortunately, in many cases, a wrongful death claim can help. A wrongful death claim could compensate the victim’s survivors for medical bills, funeral and burial expenses, lost income, lost benefits, and much more.
Required Elements of a Wrongful Death Claim
In order to pursue a wrongful death claim, the situation must meet four distinct requirements:
- There was a death, and that death was caused either wholly or in part by the defendant.
- The death was the result of the defendant’s negligence or wrongdoing.
- The death resulted in losses for the victim’s surviving spouse, children, parents or other dependents. These can include anything from medical, burial and funeral expenses to loss of support, inheritance and more.
- A personal representative has been appointed to manage the victim’s estate. This representative will be the party responsible for bringing the wrongful death claim to court.
Once these four requirements have been met, the survivors can move forward with a wrongful death claim and seek compensation for the loss of their loved one.
Gacovino, Lake & Associates Can Help with Wrongful Death Cases
A wrongful death claim can award compensation to beneficiaries, which may include a surviving spouse, children and even parents in some cases.
For more information on wrongful death claims or to begin the filing process, family members of wrongful death victims should call 800-246-HURT (4878) to set up an appointment to speak with an attorney at Gacovino Lake & Associates today.
