After a loved one’s death, a wrongful death lawsuit may help ensure that you and your family have the financial resources to care and provide for yourselves in your loved one’s absence.
While financial costs pale in comparison to coming to terms with the sudden and incomprehensible loss of a cherished family member, the Parrish Law Firm, PLLC, may be able to help you at this most difficult time and manage your case with sensitivity and meticulous care. Call and discuss your situation in a no-obligation case review at (571) 229-1800.
Seek Justice and Support from a Woodbridge Fatal Accident Lawyer
Fatal accidents caused by negligence can be complicated and distressing for families to contend with alone due to the sensitive legal issues surrounding them, especially while grieving the loss of a loved one.
While the emotional and physical cost of losing a cherished family member cannot be measured simply in terms of dollars and cents, the unexpected and costly expenses related to the death can exacerbate an already traumatic situation. For some, discovering the truth about what happened and receiving justice is equally as important.
Holding liable parties responsible for their actions by seeking the compensation you are entitled to as a family could help with any necessary adjustments you have in the short term and ease any future financial worries.
Should you pursue a claim with the Parrish Law Firm, PLLC, your case will be handled with sensitivity and compassion. Reach out today for a free evaluation of your legal options at (571) 229-1800.
Virginia Laws that Apply to Wrongful Death Actions
Wrongful death claims are brought against a person who caused another’s death negligently or intentionally. Compensation claims enable the surviving family or the estate to file a lawsuit against the person responsible for the accident.
Virginia has laws governing wrongful death lawsuits distinct from other states. In accordance with the statute of limitations (Code of Virginia §8.01-244), you generally have a two-year window to begin legal proceedings.
To hold a person liable in a wrongful death action, the surviving family or their chosen legal appointee must prove the responsible party owed the victim a duty of care, that there was a breach of the duty of care, the breach of duty caused the fatality, and the fatality resulted in economic and non-economic damages to the decedent and their surviving family. These damages may include:
- The “pain and suffering” and inconvenience the family experiences following the loss of a loved one
- Loss of companionship, love, guidance, comfort, and advice
- The lost income of the deceased as a provider for the family
- Loss of inheritance and other benefits as a result of the death
- Hospital bills and medical treatment of injuries the deceased incurred before death
- Funeral and burial costs
- Punitive damages
A wrongful death lawsuit can be filed by the personal representative of the decedent’s estate on behalf of the surviving family members defined as statutory beneficiaries. Code of Virginia §8.01-53 has a particular order of priority governing which relatives may bring a legal action, as follows:
- Spouses and children
- Grandchildren if their parents are deceased
- If the deceased has no spouse, children, or grandchildren, then the victim’s parents, siblings, or other dependent relatives may file a wrongful death lawsuit
- Family household members who were reliant on the deceased for services and support may share in the award of damages along with the spouse, children, and grandchildren of the victim
It may be beneficial to work with an experienced Woodbridge fatal accident lawyer who can guide you and your family through the compensation claim process. Your lawyer can provide a thorough investigation into the accident’s cause and gather the vital evidence necessary to identify liable parties and prove negligence.
Having a legal representative take on the legal burden for you at this time can ease the pressure of having to manage complex legal procedures at an already highly distressing time. Further, your chosen legal representative can handle difficult negotiations with insurance companies that may try to take advantage of your vulnerable position at this time by offering settlements that rarely reflect the magnitude of the loss of a loved one.
Woodbridge Fatal Accident Lawyer Near Me 571-229-1800
Potential Causes of Fatal Car Accidents Involving Negligence
According to the National Safety Council (NSC), there were more than 39,400 deaths in motor vehicle crashes in 2018 alone. While many factors can contribute to a fatal car accident, some potential causes include, but are not limited to:
- Distracted driving, such as using a cell phone or in-car technologies
- Speeding and aggressive driving
- Driving while intoxicated by alcohol, drugs, or prescription medication
- Drowsy driving
- Poor weather conditions
- Hazardous or defective roads
If you lost a loved one due to another person’s carelessness or negligence, a lawyer can explain your rights, address your concerns and provide you with the information you need to decide what is best for you and your family.
Legal Representation Guiding You Through Every Step
The Parrish Law Firm, PLLC, provides a legal service that puts you and your family’s needs first. Thanks to his experience working for large insurance organizations, Jim Parrish has become a nimble negotiator with unique insight into the strategies insurers use to protect their profit margins. Now on the other side of the table, he fights for fair compensation for the surviving families of fatal car accident victims.
If you need legal representation from a Woodbridge fatal accident lawyer after losing a loved one in an accident caused by negligence, call (571) 229-1800 for free advice and compassionate support for your case.
Call or Text 571-229-1800 or Complete a Free Case Evaluation form