WRONGFUL DEATH VICTIMS

What should I do if I believe my family has been victimized by a wrongful death?

Because wrongful death cases can be complicated – and because there are usually deadlines involved – anybody who believes a wrongful death has been committed should speak with an attorney as soon as possible.

In some cases, claims against governments may require formal legal notice well before expiration of any the statute of limitations period. As a result, waiting until the statute of limitations period is nearing its end may seriously prejudice the ability to bring a lawsuit. Additionally, the longer the case sits the more likely the memories of witnesses will fade.

It is not always a simple matter to determine who is entitled to bring a case and who is entitled to a recovery. This is something that usually needs to be sorted out by an attorney. There are also the complicated questions of who to file against. An experienced attorney will conduct an investigation designed to reveal all potential defendants who are responsible for the death and are capable of paying damages.

How can anybody put a value on a human life?
It’s not easy, but this is something the courts and juries are required by law to do. Over the evolution of American law, our judicial system has developed guidelines to assist juries in reaching appropriate verdicts for pain and suffering and for financial loss.

When an adult dies, the financial loss to the family can be quantified often with the assistance of an expert economist. For example, when a parent dies, a child may seek damages for loss of the parent's care, income, nurturing, and guidance. This can be quantified in part because that parent can be expected to have made a certain amount of money over her or his lifetime, depending on a number of factors such as occupation and life expectancy. When a child dies, the calculations are more difficult - but not impossible.

Attorneys experienced in handling sensitive cases like these are a great ally during these times of terrible loss. It is important to have an experienced team to rely on.

For further information please contact any partner at: 212.605.6200