Losing a loved one because of someone else’s actions is something no family should ever have to experience. With 15+ years in business and a track record of winning and helping clients, the Richmond wrongful death lawyers with MartinWren, P.C., are here to help you take the next step forward with compassion and clarity.
A Richmond personal injury lawyer from our firm will help you understand your options, answer your questions, and work directly with you through every stage of your case.
The Importance of Hiring a Wrongful Death Lawyer
Wrongful death cases can be complex and fraught with emotion. Pursuing a claim and navigating its nuances in the midst of your grief can feel immensely overwhelming.
This is where MartinWren, P.C., comes in. We work tirelessly on your case so you can focus on mourning your loved one. Our team handles all the logistics and manages every aspect of your case.
You have the right to take legal action, and a personal injury attorney will help you do just that. We devote our time and attention to your case.
We thoroughly investigate it to gather evidence that supports your claim and holds the at-fault party liable. We show how they violated their obligation to safety, caused your loved one’s death, and are responsible for paying for the damages they caused.
Our team helps you rebuild your life after this tragic and unexpected loss. When you work with us, you can be confident that you will receive the compassionate care and quality service you deserve.
We protect your rights and any sensitive information you share with us. You are our top priority, and we are your strongest ally and advocate.
For a legal consultation with a personal injury lawyer, call (434) 817-3100
Types of Negligent Actions that Lead to Wrongful Death
Wrongful death claims often begin with a preventable mistake, a bad decision, or a system failure at a company. When someone fails to act with reasonable care, that decision can ripple out and impact your entire family. A wrongful death claim may be filed when the wrongful act or neglect of another causes a person’s passing.
Some of the most common causes we investigate include:
- Motor vehicle accidents, including claims caused by distracted, drunk, or reckless driving
- Catastrophic crashes involving commercial motor vehicles or tractor-trailers
- Medical malpractice, such as surgical errors or misdiagnosis
- Defective products, including dangerous drugs or faulty vehicle components
- Workplace accidents resulting from unsafe conditions or inadequate training
- Nursing home abuse or neglect
Wrongful death claims require a careful review of the facts. Your Richmond wrongful death attorney will take the lead on these efforts and gather evidence, speak to witnesses, and work with professionals.
When to Consider a Wrongful Death Claim
Our firm handles a wide range of wrongful death cases, including fatal car accidents, catastrophic truck accidents and crashes, surgical mistakes, nursing home neglect, and defective products that cause harm.
If your loved one passed away because someone failed to act responsibly, you may have the right to hold them accountable under Code of Virginia § 8.01-50.
Every case begins with a careful review of what happened and whether another party was legally at fault. You may have a claim if the death involved a violation of the rules of the road, like drunk driving, a preventable truck crash, unsafe medical care, or a product that was known to be dangerous. These are just a few examples of when taking action with a wrongful death claim may be appropriate.
Virginia gives families a limited time to pursue a case. Under Code of Virginia § 8.01-244, most wrongful death claims must be filed within two years of the date of death.
There are exceptions, but these deadlines can approach quickly. There may also be even shorter notice periods that require you to act sooner or else lose your right to bring a claim. Our firm can help you determine whether a valid claim exists and explain your legal options in a way that makes sense.
Richmond Wrongful Death Lawyer Near Me (434) 817-3100
Potential Recoverable Damages
Every wrongful death claim is different, and compensation depends on your circumstances. While some families deal with unpaid medical bills or funeral costs, others lose their primary source of household income.
The types of damages in Virginia wrongful death actions may include:
- Medical expenses connected to the person who passed away’s final illness or injury
- Lost income and benefits
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of companionship, guidance, and support
- Mental anguish and emotional suffering
- Punitive damages for instances of willful and wanton negligence
Calculating these losses is not always simple. There are also emotional losses that do not come with receipts. Your wrongful death attorney in Richmond will help you to identify your losses, calculate their value, and build a strong case.
Who May File a Wrongful Death Claim
In Virginia, the right to file a wrongful death claim is based on the order of priority set out in the Code of Virginia § 8.01-53. This law helps identify who is eligible to pursue compensation based on their relationship to the person who passed away. The following individuals may qualify:
- The surviving spouse, children, and grandchildren of the deceased
- The surviving parents of the decedent
- The surviving siblings of the deceased
- Any relative who was primarily dependent on the deceased for support
If none of these family members are available, the personal representative of the estate may file the claim on behalf of the beneficiaries. While only one wrongful death claim can be filed, that claim can include several family members working together.
Our firm can help you understand the claim process, and this is one of the many reasons why hiring personal injury attorneys is important when pursuing a wrongful death lawsuit.
The laws that govern wrongful death claims and beneficiaries are very specific and may be confusing depending on your family situation. We provide trusted counsel to help you secure the most favorable outcome for your situation.
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How to Gather Sufficient Evidence
Gathering sufficient evidence is a crucial step in building a strong wrongful death case. This evidence will help establish the negligence of the responsible party and the extent of the damages suffered by the deceased’s family.
Some pieces of evidence to collect may include:
- Police reports and accident scene photographs
- Medical records and autopsy reports
- Witness statements and expert testimony
- Financial documents showing lost income and expenses
- Photographs and videos demonstrating the relationship between the deceased and the claimants
Putting together strong evidence to support your case takes time, knowledge, organization, and the right resources. Our firm works closely with families who are interested in filing a wrongful death lawsuit to help collect and structure this information, especially when you may not feel ready to do it alone.
If there are gaps or missing details, we know where to look and how to fill them in.
Work With a Compassionate Richmond Wrongful Death Attorney
You have been through something no family should have to face, and we are here to help you find clarity in the next step forward. The wrongful death lawyers in Richmond from MartinWren, P.C., will take the time to listen and explain your options.
Our team supports you through each part of the process. If you’re ready to learn more about what’s next, contact us to start a conversation with a team that genuinely cares.
Call (434) 817-3100 or complete a Case Evaluation form
