When a death is caused by someone else's negligence, state law allows certain family members or an estate representative to bring a claim. Who may file and what may be recovered is set by statute and varies by state.
Common causes of wrongful death
- Fatal motor vehicle and truck collisions
- Fatal workplace and construction incidents
- Medical negligence
- Defective products
- Unsafe premises and negligent security
What to do after this kind of injury
- 1Get medical attention and follow the treatment plan your provider recommends.
- 2Report the incident and ask for a copy of any report that was created.
- 3Photograph the scene, your injuries, and anything that contributed to what happened.
- 4Save bills, receipts, work absence records, and the names of any witnesses.
- 5Be careful with recorded statements or quick settlement offers from an insurer.
- 6Have your claim reviewed before your state's filing deadline passes.
Compensation that may be available
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical bills incurred before death
- Loss of the deceased's financial support
- Loss of companionship, guidance, and services
- The survivors' grief and mental anguish where allowed by state law
Frequently asked questions
- How long do I have to file?
- Deadlines are set by each state and can be as short as one year, with even shorter notice requirements when a government entity is involved. Having your claim reviewed early protects your options.
- What does it cost to talk to an attorney?
- Consultations through our network are free, and personal injury attorneys generally work on contingency, so you owe attorney fees only if they recover for you.
Injury Claim Center USA is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Information provided through this website is for general informational purposes. Submission of information does not create an attorney-client relationship. Attorney availability and legal outcomes vary by jurisdiction and circumstances.
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