The loss of a loved one in an automotive accident is a tragic and painful experience, especially if their passing was due to another party’s negligence. Virginia fatal accident lawyers understand the immense emotional and financial toll this situation can bring. While no amount of money can bring them back, compensation can help you deal with the monetary burdens during this difficult time. Family members in Virginia can get justice and financial recovery for damages through a wrongful death claim.
A Manassas fatal accident lawyer from the Parrish Law Firm, PLLC can take the legal burden off you by handling various aspects of your case. Our team of Manassas fatal accident lawyers can investigate your loved one’s passing, collect evidence to determine liability, and calculate the cost of your related damages. We offer a free case evaluation, during which we encourage you to share the details of your situation with us. Call the Parrish Law Firm, PLLC today at (571) 229-1800.
Filing a Wrongful Death Claim in Virginia
Under Code of Virginia §8.01-50, whenever a death is caused by the wrongful act, negligence, or fault of another party, qualifying representatives of the deceased’s estate may have the basis of a wrongful death claim.
Beneficiaries who are eligible for compensation, per Code of Virginia §8.01-53, may include:
- The decedent’s spouse, children, and grandchildren
- The decedent’s surviving parents and siblings
- Any relatives who shared the decedent’s household and were dependent on them
- Any surviving family members who were entitled to inherit the decedent’s estate
Under Code of Virginia §8.01-244, you generally have two years from the date of your loved one’s passing to file a wrongful death action. If you do not act within this period, you will jeopardize your case for compensation. Reach out to a Manassas wrongful death lawyer to learn more.
Compensation in a Virginia Wrongful Death Claim
Your Virginia car accident lawyer can sit down with you, listen to the facts of your case, and outline what damages you may be entitled to pursue through legal action.
Damages may include:
Economic Damages
This category includes losses with an established monetary value. Your legal team can use billing statements and receipts to estimate the cost of these losses.
They include:
- Your loved one’s end of life expenses, including their medical bills
- Funeral and burial costs
- Loss of income
You may be able to pursue the cost of other economic damages that we have not listed here.
Noneconomic Damages
Noneconomic damages are items that do not have a quantifiable monetary value.
They can include:
- Loss of parental guidance
- Loss of household benefits
- Loss of income
Again, you may be able to pursue other noneconomic damages that we have not included here.
To learn more about the types of recoverable damages in a wrongful death case, call the Parrish Law Firm, PLLC today at (571) 229-1800.
Manassas Fatal Accident Lawyer Near Me 571-229-1800
Proving Fault in a Wrongful Death Case
To recover damages in a wrongful death claim, your Manassas fatal accident lawyer must prove that another party acted negligently, and as a result, they should be financially responsible for your loved one’s passing. Your legal team will need to collect evidence that supports the basis of your claim.
This involves establishing:
- Duty of care. The negligent party had a duty of care to not harm others. For example, all motorists have a duty of care to refrain from texting and driving, operating a car under the influence, and speeding.
- Breach of duty of care. Your legal team must prove that for whatever reason, the negligent party violated their duty of care by acting carelessly or recklessly.
- Causation. You must prove that because of the negligent party’s actions, they caused the collision that resulted in your loved one’s death.
- Damages. You must show that you suffered economic and/or noneconomic damages as a result of your loved one’s passing. This could be in the form of medical bills, lost income, and “pain and suffering” and inconvenience.
Your Manassas fatal accident lawyer must demonstrate the presence of these elements to have your case be successful.
Liable Parties in a Fatal Accident Case
Our legal team cannot determine who is responsible for your loved one’s death without first assessing your situation. While most car accident fatalities are the result of a negligent motorist’s actions, your situation could feature other liable parties.
They can include:
- The employer of a commercial vehicle driver
- The manufacturer of a defective vehicle or its parts
- A maintenance company or municipality that failed to maintain roads properly
There may be multiple parties who contributed to your loved one’s passing. In this situation, you may be able to pursue compensation from several entities.
Forms of Evidence in a Wrongful Death Case
Your case must be built on evidence when it comes to assigning fault and liability. During the course of their investigation, your Manassas fatal accident lawyer may be able to uncover some forms of evidence that were not previously available to you.
They could include:
- The police report
- Photos and videos from the accident scene
- Eyewitness testimony
- Statements from a third-party field expert, such as a medical professional or accident reconstruction specialist
- Your loved one’s medical records
To learn more about what pieces of evidence could benefit your case, we encourage you to reach out to the Parrish Law Firm, PLLC today.
Call Today For a Free Case Evaluation
Virginia’s wrongful death laws are complicated, but there is help available for family members who have lost a loved one in a fatal accident. At the Parrish Law Firm, PLLC, a Manassas fatal accident lawyer will fight to get your family compensated for their losses.
Additionally, our team works on a contingency fee basis. To get legal assistance, there are no starting costs to get our help. We get paid out of the insurance settlement or court award we recover on your behalf. If we cannot represent your interests, then you do not owe us our attorney’s fees.
Call the Parrish Law Firm, PLLC today for a free case evaluation at (571) 229-1800.
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