Wrongful Death: Its Important Points

If you are a family member of the victim of a wrongful death, success in the wrongful death suit may bring some relief in the form of compensation for your losses, which include damages for loss of support, medical and funeral expenses, and/or for the loss of consortium. There are some important points to consider when pursuing a wrongful death lawsuit. 

Circumstances of wrongful death. Medical malpractice, automobile or airplane accident, workplace injury, and criminal activity are some of the circumstances in which a wrongful death can occur.

Damages in a wrongful death lawsuit. A pecuniary injury is the primary gauge of damages in a wrongful death action lawsuit. These pecuniary injuries include the loss of support, services, and prospective inheritance. If funeral or medical care expenses were incurred, they may also be recovered in the damages. Also, interest from the date of the decedent's death will be considered while calculating the damage award.

Statutes of limitations. Like all civil cases, wrongful death cases have statutes of limitations that apply to them. The statute of limitations vary from state to state and when it runs out, you lose your right to file a lawsuit. Speak with a qualified Los Angeles wrongful death lawyer to help figure out if your case is still valid.

Hiring a wrongful death lawyer. If you are a resident of Los Angeles and lost a loved one through the actions of others, you have a right to take legal action against those responsible for the wrongful death. Due to the existence of time deadlines for filing a wrongful death lawsuit, you should contact an experienced wrongful death lawyer quickly to determine your legal options.