Get Justice for Wrongful Death

Losing a loved one is one of the most difficult and challenging experiences in life. If your loved one has died as the result of a car accident, medical malpractice, nursing home abuse or another negligent act, it can be even more difficult.

In addition to your emotional strain, you could be struggling with medical bills, household costs and other intense life stress. Even at the best of times, the loss of a loved one is devastating. That’s why, during the aftermath, we can help you pursue your legal options and protect your future.

Our experienced attorneys at Hall-Justice Law Firm LLC are compassionate with all of our clients while working tirelessly to investigate the facts and circumstances of your loved one’s death. Our goal is to maximize the best possible outcome for your case and get you the justice you and your family deserve.

After the loss of a loved one, you might find yourself burdened with grief — as well as medical bills, funeral expenses, and a decreased family income. A wrongful death claim aims to make those responsible for the death accountable and compensate you for your losses. While nothing can bring back a love one, we help our clients regain control and show the Defendant that this person mattered.

The deadline for filing a claim can be as short as 180 days depending on who the Defendant is. Usually the deadline, also known as the Statute of Limitations, is longer than that. A claim or lawsuit states how the Defendant was negligent. In addition, the claim makes clear that one of the worst losses imaginable has occurred; a family has been deprived of the love and affection of their family member.  Given these points, many wrongful death claims involve the following:

• Car accidents
• Truck accidents
• Motorcycle accidents
• Bicycle accidents
• Defective and dangerous products (product liability)
• Drunk and drugged driving
• Medical malpractice
• Nursing home abuse or negligence
• Pedestrian accidents
• Work-related injuries

Each of these claims has its own legal and procedural requirements. A Lafayette IN wrongful death lawyer can help you apply our state’s laws to your unique circumstances — helping you understand your rights.

Depending on the nature of your claim, you may be entitled to compensation. These include, but not limited to:

• Loss of the person’s love and affection
• Your loved one’s medical bills
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Lost income
• Your family’s therapy and grief counseling
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of consortium (a legal claim for the loss of your spousal relationship)

In short, it’s difficult to think about money and your long-term financial plans immediately after an accident. When you work with a lawyer at the Hall-Justice Law Firm LLC, we will guide you through this difficult process, giving you the emotional support and the space to grieve that you deserve. You focus on rebuilding your life while we focus on the legal details of your claims.

Understanding Damages In Wrongful Death Cases

The far-reaching impact of the passing of a loved one is significant and in some cases, seeking justice may start with the guidance of a Lafayette, IN wrongful death lawyer. At Hall-Justice Law Firm LLC, we recognize the importance of understanding the legal options available in wrongful death cases. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the complexities of damages in Lafayette wrongful death cases, shedding light on the types of compensation families may pursue and the legal considerations that shape these claims.

Types Of Damages

When pursuing a wrongful death claim in Lafayette, families may seek both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages encompass tangible financial losses directly resulting from the death of their loved one. These may include medical expenses incurred prior to death, funeral and burial costs, and the loss of the deceased’s financial contributions to the family, including income and benefits.

Non-economic damages, on the other hand, address the intangible losses experienced by surviving family members. These may include the pain and suffering endured by the deceased prior to death, the loss of companionship and guidance, and the emotional distress suffered by family members as a result of the wrongful death. While non-economic damages are more challenging to quantify, they are equally crucial in acknowledging the profound impact of the loss on the family’s quality of life.

Calculating Damages

Determining the appropriate amount of damages in a wrongful death case requires a careful evaluation of various factors. Economic damages are typically calculated based on concrete financial losses, such as medical bills and lost income, which can be readily quantified. However, non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, require a more nuanced assessment. It will be important to consult with a Lafayette wrongful death lawyer as they have the experience and skills necessary to properly value the damages associated with the incident.

In Lafayette wrongful death cases, courts may consider factors such as the age, health, and life expectancy of the deceased, as well as the nature and severity of their injuries prior to death. Additionally, the court assesses the impact of the loss on surviving family members, taking into account their relationship with the deceased and the emotional toll of the wrongful death.

Legal Considerations

It’s essential to navigate the legal landscape surrounding wrongful death claims in Lafayette with care. There are specific regulations and statutes that dictate the process for filing a wrongful death lawsuit and the types of damages that may be awarded. Additionally, seeking the guidance of experienced wrongful death attorneys can help families understand their rights and navigate the legal process effectively.

Seeking Justice And Compensation

At Hall-Justice Law Firm LLC, we understand the devastating impact that wrongful death can have on families. Lafayette wrongful death lawyers from our team bring both compassion and experience for families who are looking to hold the responsible party accountable and receive fair compensation for their losses. If you’ve lost a loved one due to the negligence or misconduct of another party, we’re here to provide the support and guidance you need during this difficult time. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can assist you in pursuing a wrongful death claim.

Damages Awarded In A Wrongful Death Lawsuit

A Lafayette, IN wrongful death lawyer works with families who have lost their loved ones in tragic accidents caused by another party’s negligence. A wrongful death lawsuit seeks to provide financial compensation to surviving family members or the estate of someone who died due to that party’s negligence or wrongful actions. These lawsuits aim to cover the financial, emotional, and practical impacts of the loss. Here are the four most commonly awarded damages in a wrongful death case.

Economic Damages

Economic damages are awarded to compensate for the tangible financial losses resulting from the deceased’s death. These damages are often straightforward to calculate based on documentation such as income records, medical bills, and funeral receipts. Economic damages include:

• Lost income: Compensation for the wages the deceased would have earned had they lived, including future earning potential, which may be calculated based on their age, career trajectory, and expected retirement date.
• Medical expenses: Costs incurred for the treatment of the deceased’s final illness or injuries before death, such as hospital bills, surgeries, or medications.
• Funeral and burial costs: Reimbursement for the deceased’s funeral and burial or cremation expenses.

These damages aim to reduce the financial burden on surviving family members caused by the unexpected loss.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages address the intangible, emotional losses suffered by the surviving family members. These damages are often harder to quantify but are equally significant. They include:

• Loss of companionship: Compensation for the emotional impact of losing a spouse, parent, or child, particularly the support, love, and guidance they would have provided.
• Pain and suffering: This compensates the family for the mental anguish and grief they endure due to the death of their loved one.
• Loss of care and nurturing: Especially relevant in cases involving the death of a parent, this covers the absence of guidance, care, and emotional support that the deceased would have provided to their children.

Non-economic damages are often awarded at the court’s discretion and may vary widely depending on the circumstances of the case.

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages are less common but can be awarded in cases where the defendant’s actions were particularly egregious, reckless, or malicious. Unlike economic and non-economic damages, which are compensatory, punitive damages are intended to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future.

For example, punitive damages may be awarded in cases involving:

• Drunk driving
• Intentional harm
• Gross negligence, such as a company ignoring safety regulations that led to a fatal accident

These damages are often substantial, reflecting the severity of the misconduct, and they send a strong message about accountability. Your Lafayette wrongful death lawyer can determine if punitive damages apply to your case.

Loss Of Inheritance

In some wrongful death cases, families can claim damages for the loss of inheritance. This refers to the financial contributions and savings the deceased would likely have accumulated and passed down to their heirs if they had lived a full life.

Loss of inheritance is typically calculated based on factors such as:

• The deceased’s age and life expectancy at the time of death
• Their earning capacity and saving habits
• The likely size of the estate they would have left behind

This damage helps ensure surviving family members receive the financial security the deceased would have provided over time.

Call Our Personal Injury Law Firm For Legal Help

Wrongful death lawsuits are designed to provide justice and financial relief to families who have lost a loved one due to negligence or wrongful actions. While no amount of money can fully compensate for the loss of a loved one, these damages can help alleviate financial hardships, acknowledge emotional suffering, and hold the responsible party accountable.

If your family is considering a wrongful death claim, you should consult with a Lafayette wrongful death lawyer from our firm to understand your rights and maximize your recovery. Call Hall-Justice Law Firm LLC for a free and confidential consultation to learn more.