Learn about your rights from an experienced wrongful death attorney.

Few things are as painful as the loss of a loved one, especially when it comes as the result of a tragic accident. Finding out that your profound loss was caused by the negligence of another can be its own excruciating blow. Amid the shock and sorrow, taking legal action may not be very high on your list of concerns. Settling the affairs of a deceased loved one is an arduous process. Seeking out the services of a wrongful death attorney is definitely something to consider, however. Of course, no amount of money can fill the void left by your family member, but you may be entitled to damages that can help alleviate the financial burden.
Wrongful death suits frequently stem from car accidents, motorcycle wrecks, workplace accidents and medical malpractice. Damages in a wrongful death case are extremely complicated, so you will need to rely on the knowledge of a wrongful death attorney from Tolbert Beadle to guide you. In general, though, they fall into two categories. The first category includes damages that occur from the time of the accident until the victim’s eventual death. Obviously, this could cover a time period of a few hours, weeks, months or longer. The second type of damages applies to the surviving relatives of the deceased. They are intended to help reimburse family members for the financial losses they have absorbed since their loved one’s death.
In addition to the two broad classifications for wrongful death damages, there is also a third category that only applies to very specific situations. In cases where the extreme recklessness or inappropriate behavior of one party causes the wrongful death of another, punitive damages can be awarded to the family of the deceased. These types of cases may not be quite as common, but your wrongful death attorney will know exactly how to proceed in such a situation.
A wrongful death attorney can advise you on the different types of damages. Typically, damages in the first category would include medical bills, lost wages, funeral expenses, and compensation for the victim’s physical and mental pain and suffering. Under the second category, family members are usually entitled to damages equaling the total wages that would have been earned by the deceased had the accident not occurred. In other words, damages would be assessed from the time of the accident until the the projected retirement date of the deceased.
As your wrongful death attorney will clarify, only certain people can recover damages in a wrongful death settlement. The spouse of the deceased usually has a claim based on pain, suffering and financial loss. Children of the deceased can also collect damages, but usually only if they are minors. Similarly, parents are entitled to the recovery of damages for a deceased minor child, but typically not for an adult child.

A Wrongful Death Attorney Will Fight for Your Rights

At the law firm of Tolbert Beadle, we understand that nothing can ease the pain of the sudden loss of a loved one. We hope you can take some solace in knowing that our family is hard at work for yours. Our wrongful death attorneys will stop at nothing to recover the damages you are entitled to, while holding the negligent party accountable. The initial consultation is free, and you can rest assured in knowing that we won’t accept a dime from you until the case is won.