Losing a loved one because of someone else’s actions is something no family should ever have to experience. With 15–plus 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.
Typical Negligent Actions Leading to Wrongful Death
Wrongful death claims often begin with a preventable mistake. 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
Every wrongful death claim requires a careful review of the facts. We gather evidence, speak to witnesses, and work with professionals who can explain exactly how the harm occurred.
Your Richmond wrongful death attorney with MartinWren, P.C., will take the lead on these efforts, helping you understand what went wrong and how it connects to your legal rights.
For a legal consultation with a personal injury lawyer, call (434) 817-3100
When to Consider a Wrongful Death Claim
Our firm handles a wide range of wrongful death cases, including fatal car accidents, 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.
Potential Recoverable Damages
Every wrongful death claim is different, and the compensation available depends on what happened and how your family has been affected. Some families are dealing with unpaid medical bills or funeral costs, while others have lost the primary source of household income.
The categories of damages in Virginia wrongful death actions that you may be able to recover can include:
- Medical expenses connected to the person who passed away’s final illness or injury
- Lost income and benefits the deceased would have earned
- Burial and funeral expenses
- Lack of companionship, guidance, and support
- Mental distress and emotional suffering
It is important to understand that preventable negligence that causes a loved one’s death can complicate the grieving process. In fact, there is a name for this, called complicated bereavement. Our attorneys are experienced in dealing with these types of losses and can help our clients navigate these excruciatingly difficult scenarios.
Calculating these losses is not always simple. There are emotional losses that do not come with receipts. Your wrongful death attorney in Richmond from MartinWren, P.C., will work closely with you to identify what your family has lost and help build a strong claim that reflects your needs and your loved one’s legacy.
Richmond Wrongful Death Lawyer Near Me (434) 817-3100
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 how this works and support you through the process with clear answers and steady guidance.
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.
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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
