Virginia Wrongful Death Death Lawyer

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Losing a loved one can be an isolating and traumatic experience. This may be especially true if your family member died because of someone else's carelessness or negligence. If you are currently facing this painful experience, our law firm wishes to help you through this difficult time. The Barrera Law Firm, PLLC can shoulder the burden of fighting for fair financial compensation as you and your family focus on healing.

What is a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?

A wrongful death lawsuit is a legal action brought by the survivors or beneficiaries of an individual who died due to the negligence, wrongful act, or misconduct of another person or entity. It seeks compensation for the damages resulting from the loss of the deceased person.

In Virginia, to succeed in a wrongful death claim, you generally need to establish the following elements:

• Death of a Person: You must prove that a person died due to the actions or negligence of another party.
• Fault or Negligence: You need to demonstrate that the death was caused by the wrongful act, neglect, default, or breach of contract or warranty of the defendant.
• Surviving Family or Beneficiaries: You must show that there are surviving family members, such as spouses, children, grandchildren, or other dependents, who have suffered damages due to the death.
• Monetary Damages: The death should have resulted in monetary damages for the surviving family members, such as loss of income, loss of companionship, mental anguish, or medical and funeral expenses.

Common Causes of Wrongful Death

Wrongful death lawsuits can arise from various situations where the negligence, recklessness, intentional misconduct, or wrongful actions of another party lead to someone's death. Some common causes of wrongful death lawsuits include:

• Motor Vehicle Accidents: Negligent or reckless driving, drunk driving, speeding, or failure to follow traffic laws leading to fatal accidents involving cars, trucks, motorcycles, or other vehicles.
• Medical Malpractice: Mistakes, errors in diagnosis, surgical errors, medication errors, or negligence by healthcare providers resulting in a patient's death.
• Workplace Accidents: Unsafe working conditions, lack of proper safety protocols, or employer negligence leading to fatal injuries or exposure to harmful substances.
• Defective Products: Products with design flaws, manufacturing defects, or inadequate warnings that cause fatal injuries to consumers.
• Dangerous Premises: Property owner negligence resulting in fatal accidents such as slip and falls, inadequate security leading to assaults, or other incidents causing death.
• Criminal Actions: Acts of violence, assault, or intentional harm leading to someone's death, whether through criminal actions or negligence in providing security or safety.

Compensation for Wrongful Death Claims

Our firm understands the far-reaching impact your loved one's death can have on you and your family. There are serious financial considerations in addition to the complex emotional and psychological ramifications. We will speak with you about available compensation.

Your family should not suffer financially in addition to coping with the loss of someone you love. Our team cannot guarantee any case outcome, but we may provide you with an educated and well-informed estimation of the value of your claim. While filing a claim cannot change what has transpired, it can help you seek closure and justice for the loss of your loved one.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?

In Virginia, a wrongful death lawsuit is typically filed by a personal representative of the deceased person's estate on behalf of the beneficiaries. The personal representative is appointed by the court and is responsible for handling the legal affairs of the deceased's estate, including initiating a wrongful death claim.

Potential beneficiaries who may benefit from a wrongful death lawsuit in Virginia include:

• Surviving Spouse: The surviving husband or wife of the deceased.
• Children: Including biological, adopted, or stepchildren, who were dependent on the deceased.
• Parents: If there is no surviving spouse or children, the deceased person's parents may be eligible to receive damages.
• Siblings and Other Relatives: In certain cases where there are no surviving spouse, children, or parents, siblings or other relatives who were financially dependent on the deceased might have the right to file a wrongful death lawsuit.

It's important to note that Virginia law outlines a specific order of priority for beneficiaries who can receive damages from a wrongful death lawsuit. Typically, the surviving spouse has the primary right to file the claim. If there is no surviving spouse, then the children might have the next right, followed by the parents, and then other qualifying family members.

The personal representative appointed by the court must act in the best interests of all beneficiaries and distribute any damages awarded according to the proportions defined by law or as instructed by the court.

However, the exact specifics regarding who can file and who are considered beneficiaries can vary based on individual circumstances and the particulars of the case. Consulting with a legal professional experienced in wrongful death lawsuits in Virginia is crucial to understand your rights and the best course of action.

What is the Statute of Limitations on Wrongful Death Claims in Virginia?

In the state of Virginia, you have two years to file a wrongful death claim. If you do not bring your claim to court within those two years than you will lose the right to do so.

Can a Wrongful Death Claim be Settled Out of Court?

Yes, many wrongful death claims in Virginia are resolved through settlements rather than going to trial. In these cases, both parties negotiate a compensation amount that is acceptable to the family and reflective of the damages suffered. Settlements can be beneficial because they tend to resolve the matter faster and with less expense than a prolonged court battle. However, it is crucial to work with an experienced wrongful death attorney to ensure that any settlement offer is fair and adequately compensates the family for their losses.

What If the Deceased Person Was Partly at Fault for the Accident?

Virginia follows a strict contributory negligence rule, which means that if the deceased person was found to be even 1% at fault for the accident that caused their death, the family may be barred from recovering any compensation. This is a harsh rule compared to many other states that allow partial recovery even if the victim was partly responsible. Because of this, it’s especially important to work with a skilled attorney who can carefully evaluate the circumstances of the case and build a strong argument to minimize or refute claims of contributory negligence.

How Long Does It Take to Resolve a Wrongful Death Claim?

The timeline for resolving a wrongful death claim in Virginia can vary significantly based on the complexity of the case, the amount of evidence, and whether the case goes to trial or is settled out of court. Some cases may be settled within a few months, while others may take several years to resolve, especially if liability is disputed or significant damages are involved. Working with an experienced attorney can help streamline the process and ensure that the case is handled efficiently while protecting the family's best interests.

Aggressive Wrongful Death Representation

We recognize how difficult this time is for you and your family. We respect your family's right to mourn with dignity and privacy - this is why we handle every case with the utmost compassion and discretion. Our goal is to handle all of the complicated and time-consuming details of your case so you can focus on moving forward.

Our Virginia wrongful death attorney Barrera is passionate about seeking justice for bereaved families and holding negligent parties accountable for their actions. We will conduct thorough investigations to determine all of the liable parties in an accident claim and rigorously pursue compensation during negotiations and in the courtroom.

Seek justice! Turn to The Barrera Law Firm, PLLC for caring help.

With thousands of personal injury cases handled and more than six decades of legal experience, the Virginia our firm has a longstanding reputation for delivering top-notch representation from start to finish. ¡Hablamos español!