Understanding Wrongful Death Claims

A wrongful death lawsuit can be filed by the family of a person who is killed as a result of the negligence or willful misconduct of another person, company, or entity. For example, if a person is murdered, that person's spouse can file a wrongful death action in addition to any criminal charges brought against the suspected murderer. Likewise, a child of someone killed in a workplace accident can file a wrongful death suit against their parent's employer if they believe that negligence on the employer's part played a role in their parent's untimely death.

Wrongful death actions are most commonly brought by surviving spouses, children, or sometimes parents of the person who was wrongfully killed. These people are considered the distributees of the deceased person, those who are most affected by the loss of the killed person.

Awards that can be granted in a wrongful death case include compensation for medical expenses, lost companionship, mental anguish, pain and suffering, loss of future income, and other financial and emotional hardships caused by the death. Each state has its own laws regarding the statute of limitations in wrongful death cases.

Want to receive answers about wrongful death claims and eligibility? Contact the Law Offices of Gerald L. Marcus today to set up a time to speak with one of our Los Angeles personal injury lawyers and get the information you need during this tragic time in your life.