When an accident occurs that results in death, many families rely on the criminal justice system to sort through the facts. Oftentimes, charges will be brought against the person responsible for the accident, which can result in prison time or long-term probation depending upon the circumstances of the incident. But even when these legal proceedings have concluded, many family members do not feel the sense of closure they expect.
Criminal justice proceedings are separate affairs for many families. Thankfully there is an option available to the family in many circumstances to obtain other types of justice. Oftentimes this includes filing a wrongful death suit. A wrongful death suit can seek compensation to cover medical bills, funeral expenses, and lost wages of a person who was killed due to another’s negligence.
Though certain types of cases such as drunk driving instantly call to mind wrongful death suits, these filings are by no means limited to such situations. Wrongful death suits can be filed against corporations as well as people, in cases where negligence on the part of the company resulted in the accident. This can be due to poorly developed products, poorly maintained machinery, or in the case of businesses such as taxi companies or helicopter tours, hiring unsafe drivers without doing proper background checks. Wrongful death cases can even be filed against hospitals for unsafe releases of dangerously ill patients.
If someone you love has been killed due to the actions or inactions of another person, a wrongful death suit might be in order. Please, consult with an experienced attorney who can evaluate the details of your case and determine how to proceed. Losing a loved one is difficult enough and attaining closure is important. A qualified lawyer can help you pursue your rights.