Experiencing the death of a loved one is a traumatic event.  Experiencing the wrongful death of a loved one because of negligence or a deliberate act adds another element of difficulty and anxiety. Perhaps part of the anxiety is worry about finances. No amount of compensation or benefits can ever take the place of someone you love, whose loss is incalculable, however you may need financial support. Financial support can give you time to grieve and, hopefully, eventually allow you to resume your life. If you are unsure of your rights, you may want to contact wrongful death lawyers who can help.

 

 

Wrongful death is a legal term. Surviving family members can make a wrongful death claim if they are able to establish that the death was deliberate, or due to recklessness or negligence by another party. Surviving family members can include parents, spouse, children, siblings, grandparents and grandchildren. Wrongful death can be caused by a bicycle or pedestrian accident, workplace accident, faulty product or medication, and other kinds of negligence.  Wrongful death is often due to car accidents. According to Transport Canada, in 2011 there were 2,006 fatalities due to motor vehicle accidents.  

 

Wrongful death can be caused by a driver driving recklessly, dangerous working conditions, a defective product, or by someone who served alcohol to an impaired driver.

 

 

Wrongful death claims can be made for measurable damages.  Claims can be made for:

• funeral costs and death expenses
• loss of financial support
• death benefits
• out-of-pocket expenses
• travel costs (if you needed to travel to visit the diseased before passing)
• loss of income
• cost of family assistance (childcare or housekeeping for example)
• lost wages
• loss of care, guidance and companionship

Wrongful Death Lawyers

 

If you suspect that you are entitled to make a claim for compensation, find a firm experienced in personal injury law and wrongful death claims. Ask if they will give you a free consultation or second opinion.  A good lawyer can you help you gather documents, navigate paperwork, and work with all parties involved to find a resolution.  A lawyer can also investigate the circumstances of the death, preserve evidence and identify the parties involved and possible witnesses.

 

Find a firm with an established track record, who has been in business for some time, who can give you both legal and emotional support. You may want a firm that has the ability to both negotiate settlements as well as being able to take a case to court, if need be.  If you speak English as a second language, find a firm you can speak with. Sokoloff Lawyers in Toronto, for instance, has been in business since 1983 and is able to offer assistance in over 30 languages.  They also offer free consultations and are available by phone twenty-four hours a day.

 

If you have any questions about making a claim, ask wrongful death lawyers for help.  They are only a phone call away.