Stapp Law, LLC fights for families who have lost their loved one because of the negligent actions of another. These situations can happen without warning and families deserve to know that they have options. Our law firm has experienced representatives who can help them. If you have lost a loved one in an accident that was caused by someone else, then a Lewisburg wrongful death lawyer from our firm is here for you. We will seek maximum compensation on your family’s behalf and hold the negligent party responsible for their actions.
Our lawyers understand how difficult and confusing this time can be for families. When you file a claim, we’ll do everything we can to relieve the financial hardship your family is experiencing. We’ll protect your best interests and try to help you find closure through getting justice for your loved one and your family.
Who Can Seek Compensation with a Wrongful Death Claim?
When another’s negligent actions results in someone’s death, the decedent’s family can take action with a wrongful death lawsuit. Pennsylvania Code states a representative of the decedent can come forward with a claim for the benefit of those who can recover compensation. Those who can recover compensation include:
- Spouse
- Children
- Beneficiaries
- Dependents
Your Lewisburg wrongful death lawyer will work with you and explain who is eligible for compensation. If you’re still considering if filing a lawsuit is right for you, it’s important to understand what possible damages could be included in your compensation.
What Damages Will Your Wrongful Death Lawyer Fight for You to Recover?
When accidents happen, sometimes they can result in fatalities. Our attorneys know that serious motor vehicle accidents and construction accidents can cost someone their life. Their surviving family members may face significant financial stress while they’re trying to mourn for their loved one. That’s where a Lewisburg wrongful death lawyer can help.
In situations where someone survives the accident that caused their injuries and damages, they will likely seek a personal injury claim for compensation. A wrongful death claim works in a similar manner to help the family. As your legal representation, we’ll work diligently to recover the financial losses you and your family have suffered. Possible financial losses include:
- Medical Expenses. The accident may have resulted in your loved one going to the hospital and receiving treatment.
- Loss of Income. If you depended on your loved one financially, their loss of income may have you wondering how you’re going to keep up with daily bills and other expenses. This can be included in your compensation.
- Loss of Future Earnings. Your loved one’s future earnings are what they would have earned at their job. This may be able to provide some security to you and your family.
- Funeral and Burial Expenses. The costs of a funeral and burial can be expensive. Your lawyer will fight for you to recover these expenses so you can plan the service for your loved one without the added financial stress.
However, this isn’t the only way that your family is affected. The emotional consequences of the loss can also factor into your compensation. Your attorney will fight for:
- Loss of Consortium. The loss of companionship, care, and support in running a household is considered with loss of consortium.
- Mental Anguish. This applies to pain and suffering and the grief that your family is going through.
- Punitive Damages. In some cases, your loved one may have been a victim of gross negligence, and you may be eligible to seek punitive damages. These are in place to punish the negligent party.
We understand that compensation is not enough to comfort you and your family of your loss, but it can provide financial security that will give you the time to grieve. To fight for the justice your family deserves, our Lewisburg wrongful death lawyer will build a case that shows the following:
- The defendant acted negligently.
- Their negligence caused the death of your loved one.
- Your family, (the beneficiaries), have suffered financial and emotional damages as a result of the loss.
As the case proceeds, you may think it will be a quick, cut and dried process. But that’s not always the case with legal matters, especially wrongful death cases. Let’s go over what situations could complicate a wrongful death claim.
What Makes These Types of Personal Injury Cases Challenging?
When you’re going through the legal process, your attorney will be able to explain each step of the way. A few factors can make wrongful death claims complex, but your lawyer will always fight for your best interests.
- Age/Occupation of Decedent. If the opposition points out that the decedent was not a wage earner, then they could try to use this to reduce the amount of compensation you receive. Some plaintiffs may believe that because their loved one didn’t contribute to the household income, then they don’t have a valid claim. However, our Lewisburg wrongful death lawyers will advocate how important your loved one was to your family, regardless of if they were employed or not.
- Claim Eligibility. While we went over who can recover compensation with a claim, it can get confusing when families are blended. This can include half-siblings, stepsiblings, and estranged family members. When all these different parties are involved, it’s best to have a wrongful death lawyer protecting your rights.
- Insurance Policies. Insurance policies may have exceptions when it comes to coverage for death. However, exclusions in one policy may not be present in another. Common exclusions include war, acts of God, suicide, or a criminal activity that resulted in the death of your loved one. Your lawyer will carefully review any insurance policies that apply to your case and contest any unproven claims of the exceptions listed above. We’ll also find all the possible and potential sources for compensation.
- Comparative Negligence. If the other party is claiming that your loved one was partially at fault for the accident, then this could reduce the compensation you’re able to recover. This can be extremely difficult when your loved one had nothing to do with the accident. If the other party was completely at fault, we’ll find all the facts on what happened and build a strong case that shows your loved one had nothing to do with it.
While there can be a number of obstacles to overcome in the legal process, your lawyer will be able to guide you through it. We know the tactics often used to try and reduce the compensation you and your family can recover. Our lawyers aren’t intimidated by these tactics and will aggressively fight for you to get the compensation you deserve.
Speak With an Experienced Attorney Today
If you’ve lost a loved one in an accident in Lewisburg or in Union County and you have questions about your legal options, our law firm is here to provide you with the answers you need. We understand how difficult this time is for grieving family members. Our wrongful death attorneys will go over your options and help you decide how to move forward.
Contact Stapp Law, LLC for a free consultation today. We can start handling the legal matters and you can focus on being with your family as you grieve for your loved one.
