Wrongful Death Lawyer Hampton, VA

You may not know that the job of a wrongful death lawyer Hampton, Va is to handle lawsuits for families who have lost a loved one due to the negligence or wrongful act of another party. In these cases, the estate of the decided person may file a civil lawsuit. During this time, it is often difficult and you are probably still reeling from the sudden and unexpected death. Hiring a lawyer to give you the guidance and legal as well as emotional support during this challenging period can bring a lot of relief. You can be reassured that you will receive high-quality and personalized legal assistance so that you can go through your case successfully. A lawyer is there to help you hold the responsible parties financially accountable for the losses you’ve suffered.

Establishing Responsibility In Wrongful Death Cases

Unfortunately, the facts involved in wrongful death cases are often murky. What may seem like a cut and clear case is more complex than it seems. Lawyers know that many cases may seem straightforward on the surface, but there could actually be other factors involved. Assessing a case thoroughly is critical so that all the facts can be collected before reaching a conclusion. People involved in a case may not provide accurate information. People may give conflicting accounts of what happened. This is often because there is genuine confusion or misunderstandings about what happened. Often times though, the liable person or entity attempts to cover things up or shift blame to avoid accepting responsibility.

This is where your lawyer comes in. They can help get to the bottom of what happened and help establish who is responsible. For example, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that around 33,600 fatal mortar vehicle accidents happen each year. If your loved one died in a car accident then your lawyer could review the police report and statements from eyewitnesses or anyone in the car with your relative during the collision. They can also pull surveillance footage, as this could be valuable evidence. This process takes time, so do not expect a lawyer to immediately be able to provide you what you are looking for. They want to take the time to conduct the investigation properly so that they do not come to the wrong conclusion. An effective wrongful death lawyer is dedicated to doing the work to enable you to receive the outcome that you are entitled to, and they want to achieve justice for your family and loved one.

In the case of a wrongful death occurring because of a medical error, they can review medical records and enlist the help of experts. It has been found that 1 in 10 deaths result from medical error each year. A lawyer can dig up information and help you find out who is responsible for the error.

Common Wrongful Death Scenarios

When a loved one dies as a result of an unexpected situation, it is difficult to process. Wrongful death lawyers know that grieving the loss of a loved one is not easy, and it is even more difficult when the circumstances of their death are tragic and could have been prevented. If your loved one died as a result of the wrongful actions, inaction or negligence of a person, you can rely on a lawyer to help you achieve justice for them for various scenarios such as:

  • Car accidents
  • Pedestrian accidents
  • Defective product accidents
  • Medical malpractice
  • Slip and falls
  • Assault and battery

Reach out to a skilled lawyer to learn more about how they can assist you during this difficult time.

What A Lawyer Looks For

Gathering evidence and facts of a wrongful death case is often complex because there are many things that a lawyer needs to prepare a strong argument. Proving a wrongful death case is incredibly difficult. They will evaluate actions and decisions leading up to the accident that led to the death of your loved one. A lawyer may bring in witnesses who were at the scene or expert witnesses who can provide their unique findings.

A Lawyer Can Explain Your Legal Rights

The laws for wrongful death vary from state to state. A wrongful death lawyer in Hampton will be able to explain the laws surrounding the death of your loved one. Some states limit the right to sue to immediate family members, while others allow distant relatives to do so. In some states, families can’t sue at all and only the representative of the deceased person’s estate may file a wrongful death claim. These laws can be hard to understand and they are not always clear, so be sure to talk to a lawyer to find out if you are an eligible family member who can file a claim. You have rights as a family member of a person who suffered a wrongful death. If you have trouble understanding your rights or would like to obtain more information about them, meet with a lawyer right away and they can provide you with the information that you are seeking.

States also differ regarding the statute of limitations. The time frame could be a year or longer depending on the state you live in. A lawyer can help you know the timeframe as if you miss it, you forfeit your right to sue. It is important to find out the exact time frame so that you can take prompt action. While a year or two feels like a long time, it isn’t and you have every right to get the compensation you deserve. There are some situations where the statute of limitations may be extended but it doesn’t happen often. There could be other issues that could arise, so ask a lawyer about everything that you need to know about statute of limitations for wrongful death claims.

Losing a loved one is extremely hard, and we are sorry for your loss. If you have any questions then don’t hesitate to reach out to a wrongful death lawyer in Hampton from the dedicated team at Waterman Law Centers, PLLC for more information today.