Skip to main content

Wrongful Death Lawyer

If you lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, The Advocates are here for you.

Attorney welcomes client into his office

A Wrongful Death Attorney Can Help Your Case

When someone is killed due to a dangerous product, unsafe conditions, or negligent behavior, their surviving family members are left to pick up the pieces. There is no way to truly fill the hole left behind by your deceased loved one, but that doesn’t mean you should suffer financial damages as well.

The personal injury attorneys with The Advocates are here for you during this difficult time. Our experienced legal team will listen to your story, build your wrongful death case, and take on the stresses of the claims process so you don’t have to.

If you’ve lost a loved one due to a motor vehicle accident, medical malpractice, or a defective product, contact The Advocates today. We are here to ensure you receive adequate financial compensation from the responsible party.

Wrongful Death

If another person’s negligence caused your loved one’s death, you may have a case

Hire Attorney

Contact The Advocates as soon as possible to begin your case

Compile Documents

Gather relevant documents, like a death certificate and medical bills

Investigation

Your attorney, with the assistance of other experts, will investigate the cause of death

Negotiations

Your attorney will negotiate with the other party in an attempt to settle out of court

Lawsuit

If the other party refuses to settle, your attorney will represent you in court

Frequently Asked Questions

Not every accident requires an attorney. However, if the accident resulted in injuries or significant property damage, it is a good idea to contact a lawyer. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you navigate the claims process, which can be lengthy and complex.

Your attorney will build your case, keep track of your medical records, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary. Studies have shown that accident victims who hire a personal injury lawyer can receive settlements up to 3.5 times larger than if they settled on their own.

The best way to know if you have a case is to speak with an attorney. The Advocates offer free consultations—you can speak with a qualified legal team to understand what your case is worth without paying a dime. Once you have decided to hire an Advocate, we will investigate your accident to firmly establish liability.

Your initial consultation with us is always 100% free. There are never any upfront costs or hidden fees when you hire The Advocates.

Our attorneys work on a contingency basis, which means that our attorney fees are calculated as a percentage of your settlement. You will not pay us unless we win your case, and you receive a settlement.

Every personal injury case is different. There is no one-size-fits-all solution to accident claims. The length of the claims process will depend on the severity of your injuries, the willingness of the other party to settle, the court’s caseload, and more.

In general, personal injury cases can take anywhere from several months to a few years. It’s important to contact an attorney as soon as possible to get your case started. Each state has a statute of limitations for personal injury cases, after which you will lose your right of action.

When you hire The Advocates, we will begin investigating your accident immediately while you finish medical treatment. Once all evidence and medical records have been compiled, your attorney will send a demand letter to the other party’s insurance company. At this point, negotiations will begin.

In many cases, a settlement can be reached during negotiations. If the other party refuses to make a fair offer, you may choose to file a suit. In the litigation phase, your attorney will represent you in court in front of a judge, jury, and/or arbitrator.

A Team of Legal Professionals Assigned to Your Case

For nearly 30 years, the wrongful death lawyers with The Advocates have helped thousands of accident victims receive the compensation and care they deserve after their accidents. We are prepared to do the same for you.

We can help you:

  • Understand the claims process
  • Investigate your loved one’s death
  • Build your case
  • Negotiate with the at-fault party

You only pay if we win your case!

Talking to a Professional

Talk to a professional

Wrongful Death FAQs

Man lays in hospital bed with nurse checking up on him.

What is wrongful death?

Wrongful death suits are civil cases brought about by the surviving family members of a deceased person. If the decedent could have filed a personal injury claim had they survived, their family may have a wrongful death case.

Wrongful death cases are different than criminal cases. If your loved one died due to criminal activity, the responsible party may also have criminal charges brought against them.

What are common causes of wrongful death?

Wrongful death can be caused by fatal accidents, illnesses, or other injuries. Common causes of wrongful death include:

  • Car accidents
  • Truck accidents
  • Medical malpractice
  • Defective products
  • Workplace disasters
  • Slip and fall accidents
  • Premises liability accidents
  • Construction site accidents
  • Nursing home abuse or neglect

If your family member was killed due to the actions (or lack thereof) of an individual, business, or other entity, you may have a wrongful death case.

Distracted driver on their phone while driving their car

Wrongful Death Lawsuit Information

Attorney reviews paperwork with client at a coffee shop

How long do I have to file a wrongful death claim?

Every state has a statute of limitations for wrongful death suits. In most states, the lawsuit must be filed within two years of the time of death. Some states have shorter or longer time limits. Your attorney can help you understand the statute of limitations in your state.

Who can collect financial compensation for wrongful death?

Wrongful death laws vary from state to state. Depending on where you live, different family members and loved ones may be able to file a wrongful death claim.

Typically, the following people can file a claim:

  • Decedent’s surviving spouse
  • Decedent’s surviving parents (if decedent was a minor child)

Some states also allow the decedent’s adult children, domestic partner, grandparents, or siblings to file a suit, depending on the circumstances surrounding the case.

Parting with a loved one in the hospital
Empty wallet next to stacking medical bills

What damages can I seek in a wrongful death claim?

There may be several types of wrongful death damages that surviving family members can seek in a lawsuit. Possible economic damages include:

  • Medical expenses
  • Funeral expenses
  • Loss of financial support, including lost wages

You may also be able to seek non-economic damages, such as:

  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional anguish
  • Loss of companionship

In some cases, civil courts may also award punitive damages. These damages do not compensate the victim’s family for their loss; rather, they seek to punish the responsible party for intentional wrongful acts or extreme negligence.

What is the burden of proof in a wrongful death lawsuit?

Requirements for proving negligence may vary, but in general, you will need to prove the following four things:

Duty of care

The defendant owed the victim a duty of care. This means the defendant was responsible for acting in a way that prevented injury.

Breach of duty of care

The defendant failed to take reasonable care. For example, the defendant may have caused a car accident by failing to follow the rules of the road.

Causation

The defendant’s actions caused your loved one’s death.

Damages

You have suffered damages as a result of your loved one’s death.

doctor holds hands with a patient after at home consultation

Why Should I Hire a Wrongful Death Attorney?

We understand that no amount of money can replace the person you have lost. A personal injury lawyer’s job is to fight on your behalf, protect your legal rights, and help you obtain a settlement so that you can take care of yourself and your family moving forward.

The attorneys at The Advocates law firm will be by your side through the entirety of your claim. We will compile evidence for your claim, negotiate with insurance companies, and do whatever it takes to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

When it comes to your wrongful death claim, you deserve a legal team who will go above and beyond during your time of need. You deserve an Advocate.

By clicking the button below, I consent to giving my information to The Advocates Injury Attorneys and agree to all privacy policies that are included on this page. I agree to receive SMS/text messages. Message and data rates may apply. You may unsubscribe from these communications at any time.