If someone you love passes away in a car crash, you should know that you have a right to look into seeking compensation for that wrongful death. Those who are negligent or who make mistakes on the road can be held liable for their actions that have resulted in another person’s death.
How can you prove a wrongful death case?
To prove fault in a wrongful death case, you will need to show that all four elements of a wrongful death lawsuit have been met. These elements include:
- The death of a human
- A death caused by another person’s negligence or reckless behavior, intention to cause harm or errors
- Having a personal representative for the estate to represent the decedent
- Having surviving family members who now have monetary injuries as a result of their loved one’s death
If you have information showing that the other party has been found to be at fault for the collision, this information will help you make your case.
Who can make a wrongful death claim?
If you believe that the case meets the standard set by law, then you will need to determine if you can make a claim based on your relationship with the other person. Usually, it’s siblings and other blood or adoptive relatives who are able to make a wrongful death claim so long as they have been financially impacted by the person’s death.
How much is a wrongful death case worth?
This question is hard to answer because everyone’s case is going to be different. The amount that you or your family can collect may depend on factors such as:
- Your loved one’s age
- If the decedent was working or bringing in an income
- The loss of household services
- Medical expenses
- The loss of companionship
- Expenses related to traveling to and from the hospital or medical appointments
These and other factors will play a role in the total amount of the award. It’s a good idea to keep track of your receipts, medical bills and other losses so that you can make a claim for everything you’ve lost as a result of your loved one’s death.
