Alexandria Wrongful Death Attorney
Briefly defined, wrongful death occurs when someone dies as the result of the negligence or misconduct of a company, individual or group of individuals. This death can be immediate or delayed depending on the circumstances. In either case, losing a family member is a tragic occasion, and one that is exacerbated at the realization that if not for a grand mistake, it could have been avoided. To determine whether the loss of your loved one was due to the carelessness, negligence or misconduct of another person or party, contact an Alexandria wrongful death lawyer. Or, if there was no death involved, learn more about personal injury claims in Alexandria.
Wrongful Death Cases in Alexandria
The American legal system cannot restore life; however, negligence or wrongful misconduct provides that the person or entity responsible for the death make fair and reasonable compensation to the grieving family members. In the City of Alexandria, Virginia, this may include:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical bills
- Sorrow and mental anguish of the survivors
- Financial support loss for surviving dependents
- Value provided by the deceased for the care and protection of survivors
When a family seeks the counsel of a Alexandria wrongful death lawyer regarding a wrongful death lawsuit, they can have confidence that justice will be pursued. A qualified attorney will work diligently to obtain a settlement that will allow those left behind to focus more fully on the emotional aspects of their recovery or, if necessary, fight for the survivors’ claim in court.
Virginia Wrongful Death Act
The Virginia Wrongful Death Act, as set forth in Virginia Code Section 8.01-50, gives residents the right to file a wrongful death suit. The Code stipulates the reasons a legal action can be brought by surviving relatives of the deceased within the two-year statute of limitations. Legal action is brought by a relative or beneficiary of the deceased who seeks to recover from the loss of a loved one. Generally, the focus is not on the damages that the deceased incurred; rather, this action focuses on the loss of the relative or beneficiary. Four distinct beneficiaries have a right to file a wrongful death suit. The first type of beneficiary is the surviving spouse and children of the deceased. If the deceased has grandchildren from deceased children, they can also be named beneficiaries. If no one is part of the first type, the second type of beneficiary is in effect. This includes the parents, siblings or any other relative who was dependent on the deceased for support. When the deceased has a surviving spouse and parents but no children or grandchildren, the third type of beneficiary applies. This includes the surviving spouse and parents. When no one exists in the previous beneficiary types, the fourth class of certain other relatives applies to having the right to bring a wrongful death lawsuit.
Damages Under the Virginia Code
The jury or court may award compensation to relatives or beneficiaries of a wrongful death lawsuit according to specific types of damages. This is determined by certain recoverable elements of the case:
- Sorrow, mental anguish and relief of the wrongful death. This covers loss of companionship, guidance and comfort that the deceased provided.
- Payment for the loss of income that one could reasonably expect from the deceased. This also includes protection, care and assistance, such as college tuition for children.
- Medical expenses for the treatment, care and hospitalization that the deceased received due to the injury that caused the death.
- Reasonable reimbursement for funeral expenses.
- Punitive damages for the willful conduct or reckless behavior that displayed a disregard for human safety, if applicable.
Wrongful death cases in the City of Alexandria can result from motor vehicle accidents, medical malpractice, workplace accidents, nursing home neglect, and other circumstances. A qualified Alexandria wrongful death attorney understands the specific guidelines on how surviving relatives can pursue a claim and receive compensation. They will discuss your options and your best approach to filing the lawsuit.
Call an Alexandria Wrongful Death Lawyer
You have the right to want questions about such a traumatic experience answered as quickly as possible. You may want to know how the tragedy occurred and who is directly responsible, who is eligible to make a claim and the amount of damages that may be received. An Alexandria wrongful death attorney with our firm will be able to answer all of these questions quickly and clearly. It is important that surviving relatives of a wrongful death victim receive legal counsel from an attorney that they can trust. The Alexandria wrongful death lawyers at our firm understand the importance of helping a family through a difficult process. We will handle all details regarding the death with the utmost delicacy and professionalism. No financial settlement can bring back a loved one, but by holding the negligent party liable for your loss, you are helping ensure that others will not fall victim to similar irresponsible actions in the future. Call our offices today for a free consultation on your wrongful death case.
