The loss of your family member is devastating, and knowing that someone else’s negligence caused it is infuriating. You have every right to take legal action and hold those responsible accountable. At MartinWren, P.C., our Ashland wrongful death lawyer is compassionate, aggressive, and proven. Let us provide you with a free consultation now.
Talk to our Ashland personal injury lawyer about your case today. We have been representing clients in Ashland and across Virginia since 2009.
Why File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit
A drunk driver killed your loved one, or a workplace accident took place because the company was cutting corners. No matter what the cause of the wrongful death is, it takes a lot of courage and determination to take legal action against the at-fault parties. Yet, there is very real importance in doing so for several reasons:
- Criminal charges are not enough. In situations where law enforcement files criminal charges, that person may face fines and jail time. Yet that does nothing to make it easier for you to move forward.
- You may continue to suffer financially. Those who are dependents of a person who has died deserve financial support at this time – you are suffering as well and need those funds to recover.
- Getting justice for your loved one matters. Seeking legal action and holding those responsible accountable for their actions is a form of punishment and justice.
The complexities of wrongful death claims make it critical for victims to fight hard for their loved ones. Insurance companies are aware that these are complicated cases and will do everything possible to limit the amount they pay the estate. That does not accomplish your goals. Our attorneys will work to fight back.
For a legal consultation with a personal injury lawyer, call (434) 817-3100
Determine if You Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit
Not just anyone can file a wrongful death lawsuit after the death of a loved one. According to Virginia Code Section 8.01-53, the law states who can recover as a beneficiary for a wrongful death action based on their relationship with the person who perished. In most situations, beneficiaries of a wrongful death claim are:
- The spouse is given first priority over any other party
- Children, if there is no spouse
- Parents of the decedent, if there are no surviving children or spouse
- Siblings and dependent relatives
- The personal representative appointed by the court or in a will
If you believe you are a close family member of the person who died, or you lived within the home and were dependent on them, seek out a consultation with our legal team. As a wrongful death attorney in Ashland, you can trust our team to help you navigate your rights. In all situations, it is worth scheduling a free, no-risk consultation to alleviate your concerns about taking legal action.
Types of Wrongful Death Cases We Handle
With years of experience fighting for victims, MartinWren, P.C., is committed to helping victim families find full and fair compensation for any type of wrongful death incident. If you believe this party caused you injuries and losses, we can help you fight back to the fullest level allowed under the law. Our Ashland car accident lawyer handles all types of cases, including:
- Car, truck, and motorcycle accidents
- Assaults and other criminal actions that cause death
- Medical malpractice errors and oversights
- Work-related injuries and safety violations
- Pedestrian accidents
When you schedule a free consultation with our attorney, we will ask you questions about what happened and provide an initial assessment of whether you may have a case. Expect our wrongful death lawyer in Ashland to be honest with you about whether you have a case and what will go into it. There is no risk in reaching out to us to find out, but there is a lot left on the line if you fail to take action.
Ashland Wrongful Death Lawyer Near Me (434) 817-3100
What a Wrongful Death Claim May Be Worth
Numerous factors play a role in the value of a wrongful death claim, though there is no true value that will ever be a fair representation of your loved one’s loss. With our experience, we will pursue compensation that is fair to the fullest extent of the law. Settlements may range from $500,000 to over $1 million, depending on factors such as:
- The age of your loved one: Those who are younger may have had many years of earning potential ahead of them, increasing the amount of compensation owed. However, the death of a child may not warrant as much because their earning future is unknown.
- Income and education: A person’s income as well as their education level impact the amount they likely would have earned during their lifetime, and that can influence the value of your claim.
- Costs and losses from the incident: All medical costs associated with the accident are a component of your claim. Those claims involving more extensive medical care and longer periods of medical support may warrant a higher value to cover those losses.
- Household service losses: Even if a person never worked but cared for a home and family, their death has a financial impact on the household.
- Pain and suffering: Pain and suffering on the part of the victim as well as the family are also taken into consideration. Factors such as the loss of companionship and support play a role in the value of your claim.
- The available insurance or assets of the wrongdoer. An unfortunate reality of wrongful death claims is that there is oftentimes not sufficient insurance or other assets available to provide full and complete compensation for the loss that has occurred. It is important to understand that, no matter how terrible or devastating a loss is, the parties who caused this death may have limited ability to pay. That’s why it is critical to get experienced and creative attorneys like at MartinWren, P.C. to try to track down all available assets for all parties.
We will discuss our objective with you, which is to seek out maximum compensation under the law for your family member and then negotiate fiercely to maintain that value. We will litigate the case if necessary and take the case all the way to verdict if that is what is required to obtain maximum justice.
You can expect our legal team to be aggressive in seeking justice for your family member, and we will do so with compassion for what you are facing. Talk to our Ashland truck accident lawyer today.
Contact Us for a Free Consultation and Learn How an Ashland Wrongful Death Attorney Can Help
MartinWren, P.C., offers comprehensive legal representation to families facing the loss of a loved one. Let our dedicated legal team use our years of experience and proven track record to fight for you. Set up a free consultation.
Let our Ashland wrongful death lawyer take a closer look at your case and what your family may be owed. Your recovery is our priority.
Call (434) 817-3100 or complete a Case Evaluation form