Wrongful death claims vary widely, but the common thread through all of them is the experience of losing a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional act. The settlement amounts awarded to the claimants are just as varied as the circumstances that lead to wrongful death claims.
From avoidable car accidents caused by impaired drivers to poorly maintained heavy equipment, wrongful death claims due to negligence are filed every day. With the help of an experienced wrongful death attorney to navigate the complexities of these types of claims, loved ones can recover maximum, fair settlements.
How Most Wrongful Death Claims Are Settled
Most wrongful death claims are settled out of court; others are resolved in court before a jury. Regardless of the path a wrongful death claim takes, having an experienced and aggressive wrongful death attorney significantly improves the claimant’s chances of winning a fair settlement.
Hypothetical Example of Wrongful Death Claim: Sub-contractors
In a tragic incident at a construction site, a plumbing contractor was fatally injured due to negligence by an electrical subcontractor. The electrical contractor had been responsible for installing wiring throughout the building but failed to properly secure and insulate live wires in an area under construction. The exposed wires were left unattended despite safety protocols, creating a hazardous environment.
Unaware of the danger, the plumbing contractor contacted the live wires while working on nearby pipes. The resulting electrocution led to the contractor’s untimely death. An investigation revealed that the electrical subcontractor had violated safety standards by not deactivating or securing the live wires.
The wife of the deceased plumbing contractor hired a wrongful death attorney, who helped her file a wrongful death claim against the electrical subcontractor, citing negligence. The claim sought compensation for damages, including funeral expenses, loss of income, and emotional distress caused by the preventable accident.
Case Study: Wrongful Death Due to Negligence in a Public Park
An elderly woman tragically lost her life after being attacked by an unleashed dog in a local public park. While taking her daily walk, the woman was approached by a large, aggressive dog roaming unrestrained and off-leash. The dog lunged at her, causing her to fall and strike her head on the pavement. Despite medical intervention, the woman succumbed to her injuries due to severe head trauma.
The woman’s family, devastated by the loss, consulted with a wrongful death attorney to explore legal options. During the attorney’s investigation, it was uncovered that the dog’s owner had been cited just months earlier for allowing the same dog to roam off-leash. In that prior incident, the dog had bitten a child, which meant the owner knew the dog was aggressive. The family filed a wrongful death claim against the dog’s owner, citing negligence and failure to control a known dangerous animal. The claim sought compensation for funeral expenses, emotional distress, and loss of companionship.
Skilled and Affordable Legal Help is Available
Eason & Tambornini’s team of wrongful death attorneys brings over 100 years of legal experience to every case. We fight for maximum, fair compensation for families who have lost loved ones due to someone else’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional act.
FREE Consultation and NO Upfront Legal Fees
We offer all potential clients a free, no-risk consultation. We accept cases on a contingency basis, meaning the client pays nothing until they win a settlement.
Schedule a free consultation today by calling Eason & Tambornini at (916) 438-1819.
