Wrongful Death

A wrongful death is a death caused by another's negligence, recklessness, malpractice, or inaction. In such cases, immediate family members - including parents, spouses, and children - are almost always eligible to file a claim. These civil lawsuits, which do not bear any criminal charges, help families recover damages for pain and suffering, lost wages, mental anguish, loss of companionship, medical costs, and other expenses.

Every wrongful death lawsuit is subject to a statute of limitations which cap the amount of time that a person has to initiate a lawsuit. Generally, family members are allowed between one and three years (depending on the state) from the time of death to file a claim, however there are exceptions. For example, if the death was originally deemed an accident rather than the result of someone else's negligence or malice, the statute of limitations will be adjusted so that it takes effect when the true cause was discovered rather than at the time of death. A personal injury attorney specializing in wrongful death can explain the statutes of limitations as they apply to your case.

If you believe you have a valid wrongful death claim, Brent M. Cordell can help you gather evidence, understand the law, complete necessary paperwork and build a convincing lawsuit. Hiring an attorney can also help alleviate some of the stress you may be experiencing.