Losing a family member is traumatic, no matter the cause. However, when a death occurs because of another person’s negligent behavior, it can cause unspeakable loss and devastation. Working with a wrongful death lawyer can help a family gain closure and start to move on. While considering a lawsuit may not be the first thing to come to mind, there are several important reasons to hire a lawyer as soon as possible.
Families Need to Know the Truth
The cause of an accidental death is not always certain, and the at-fault party isn’t always forthcoming. For instance, if a hospital patient dies because of malpractice, the doctors and hospital will often give unclear answers. Having an attorney can help a family determine what happened, as lawyers can use their investigative skills to uncover the truth.
Criminal Law Isn’t Enough
Not every negligent act involves a criminal element. Police typically don’t arrest doctors who cause deaths due to malpractice. Even where criminality is involved, such as in a drunk driving case, the prosecutor must protect the public, not seek compensation for an individual victim. Wrongful death cases are civil matters, and as such, the burden of proof is lower than in criminal cases. When police are unwilling or unable to bring charges, hiring a wrongful death lawyer may be a family’s only option.
Protecting the Family’s Finances
Some people think wrongful death suits are a money grab. In reality, though, an unexpected death can cause financial devastation to a family. When a breadwinner dies, the surviving spouse and children may not be able to make ends meet. By filing a claim, a family can get compensation for lost income, loss of companionship and lost inheritances.
Time is Short
In most places, the statute of limitations on wrongful death cases is two years. While that may seem like a long time, it’s not as long as many think. It takes time to investigate the cause, negotiate with an insurer, and handle the other consequences of the death.
The best thing a lawyer can give a grieving family is a promise to fight for its interests. If someone has lost a family member because of negligence, they don’t have to deal with it alone. Call the office or visit website to set up a free consultation. You can also follow them on Twitter.
