When a loved one dies, the last thing on the survivors’ minds is making a call to a wrongful death lawyer. That said, there are times when it is vital that you make that phone call sooner rather than later. Usually, when we discuss the loss of a loved one because of someone else’s negligence, we encounter a large number of misconceptions about this portion of the law.
To ensure that you understand what this type of case entails, and to prevent you from being victimized twice, we have put together a brief list of wrongful death misconceptions.
- The accident could have happened to anyone. When discussing the death of your loved one, representatives of insurers or the negligent party may try to highlight that no intentional act led to the loss. While malice may or may not have been at issue, when someone else’s negligence, wrongdoing or mistake caused your loved one’s death, it becomes a wrongful death.
- Only a spouse can sue. Actually, the next of kin has the power to bring a case. This may be a wife or husband, children or a surviving parent.
- The life insurance payout should be enough. If your loved one had the foresight to take out a life insurance policy, you are in better shape than most. Even so, you may have a legal claim to loss of future income, the pain and suffering you endured because of the grief and any medical bills that were incurred at the time.
Protect your legal rights by discussing your case with a wrongful death lawyer before negotiating with the other party’s insurance company. Contact us today to find out how to prepare yourself for a consultation with this type of professional.