If you’ve lost a family member to an unexpected incident, you should consider contacting a wrongful death lawyer Washington DC respects. Cohen & Cohen have decades of experience in getting due justice for families who have tragically lost someone to the careless actions of another person or entity. Voted as some of Washington’s top lawyers, we understand the turbulent time you may be going through. When you contact a Washington DC wrongful death lawyer such as Cohen & Cohen, you may be provided with compassionate support and legal advice.
During a free consultation, we’ll let you know what options you have in terms of a pursuable claim. To speak with a Washington wrongful death lawyer, please call now.
What is a Wrongful Death Claim?
In a broad sense, wrongful death claims are pursuable when an individual lost their life, be it immediately or at a later date, to another person’s or entity’s negligence, wrongdoing, or carelessness. These claims are inherently unique and often complex, which is why it’s prudent to have a wrongful death lawyer Washington DC trusts on your side. Regardless of any criminal charges being filed by authorities, wrongful death claims could be a viable option.
Common Types of Wrongful Death Claims
Cohen & Cohen has helped thousands of clients seek monetary compensation for wrongful death. Some examples of claims may include:
- Food poisoning
- Pool accidents
- Nursing home abuse/neglect
- Medical malpractice
- Workplace accidents
- Construction accidents
- Truck/car/train/bus/boat collisions
- Motorcycle/bicycle collisions
- Pedestrian accidents
- Slip and falls/trip and falls
- Defective products
- + many more
Regardless of how the fatality occurred, you have the option to contact a wrongful death lawyer in Washington DC for legal advice. It’s important to do so as soon as possible because there are statutes of limitations to which you must adhere to.
How a Numerical Value for Wrongful Death Claims is Determined
Every wrongful death claim will have its own underlying factors and considerations. There may also be written laws that cap compensation amounts despite the severity of any related injuries prior to the death. For these reasons it’s a good idea to reach out to an experienced wrongful death lawyer Washington DC relies on for consistent results. Cohen & Cohen may review all accumulated expenses which can be attributed to the wrongful death such as medical and funeral costs. Emotional grievance and prospective future losses could also be factored in before an estimated amount of compensation can be tallied.
Typically, parents, spouses, and children are the most likely parties to be eligible for filing a claim. However, in certain cases, non-immediate family members may also be able to pursue monetary losses after a wrongful death.
If a tragedy that you think was caused by someone else’s negligence takes a loved one away from you, talking to a highly rated wrongful death law firm Washington D.C. community members trust may help you to find out if you might be entitled to compensation for the death of your loved one.
Washington DC Wrongful Death Infographic
Wrongful Death
If a person dies because of someone else’s wrongful behavior or negligence, the decedent’s heirs and other beneficiaries are allowed to file a wrongful death action against the responsible parties.
Statutes that govern wrongful death claims vary from state to state but as a general rule, they define who is entitled to sue for wrongful death and what, if any, limits can be applied as an award for damages.
If you have lost someone to what you think might be a wrongful death accident in the D.C. area, contact a reputable Washington wrongful death law firm.
Washington Wrongful Death Law Statistics
According to latest data from the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner, there were 4,238 medical malpractice claims between 2015 and 2019 that resulted in some type of expense to insurance companies
Changes to Wrongful Death Laws
The Washington State Legislature enacted SSB 5163, which expands both the categories of people who can sue for wrongful death and the types of damages they may recover.
History of Wrongful Death Statutes
The scope of wrongful death lawsuits has evolved over the years. Wrongful death statutes were originally created to protect widows and orphans in the form of financial support. They were also created to motivate people to behave in a manner where they exercise caution in their behaviors in order to help prevent injuries to others.
If there is a criminal charge and subsequent proceeding against someone for the death of an individual, the family of the deceased can file a wrongful death civil action against the accused.
This is separate from the criminal charges and any criminal court case. Even if the accused is found innocent during a criminal proceeding, the family of the deceased is allowed to file a wrongful death civil action in the hopes of getting compensation for the loss of their loved one.
Talking to an experienced wrongful death law firm Washington D.C. is proud to have on its side, may help to elucidate whether your family may be entitled to compensation for the loss of your loved one because of someone else’s negligent or malicious behavior.
Statutes
As mentioned earlier, the laws that govern wrongful death lawsuits differ from state to state. If you have suffered the loss of someone close to you in the D.C. area, contact Cohen & Cohen if you think you may need legal advice from a knowledgeable wrongful death law firm Washington D.C. victim’s family have gotten advice from before. Someone is available to take your call seven days a week, 24 hours a day.
Many states allow for a surviving spouse, next of kin, or children to seek monetary compensation for wrongful death. If you are unsure of your rights in your particular state, a licensed attorney who is trained in wrongful death law is someone you can turn to with your questions.
Damages
The laws of each state determine the number of damages that are recoverable by statutory beneficiaries. If the wrongful death of your loved one occurred in the D.C. area, talking to a wrongful death law firm Washington D.C. residents have relied on in the past, may help you to understand your rights.
- Compensatory Damages: tend to be the most common damages awarded in wrongful death actions. These kinds of damages usually allow for people to sue for medical and funeral expenses, lost wages, and in some instances, money to compensate for grief or loss of services or companionship.
- Punitive Damages: Not as common as compensatory damages but they may be rewarded in a wrongful death case if the defendant’s actions were particularly heinous or reckless.
To get legal advice from lawyers who are experienced in fighting wrongful death cases, contact the top-rated lawyers at Cohen & Cohen for a Washington wrongful death law firm families recommend.
Wrongful Death Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common causes of wrongful death?
The causes that contribute to a fatality being defined as wrongful are vary widely. Generally speaking, plaintiffs must be able to demonstrate the presence of basic elements that imply that the death was wrongful. The most commonly encountered causes of wrongful death:
- Injuries sustained during birth
- Medical malpractice
- Motorcycle accidents
- Commercial trucking accidents
- Car accidents
- Hazardous work conditions
- Exposure to hazards at work
- Defective products
- Premises liability accidents
- Daycare accidents
- Field Trip accidents
- Nursing home neglect
- Criminal violence
What are the essential components of a successful wrongful death lawsuit?
Generally with most wrongful death claims, there are these four components that need to be proved or otherwise demonstrated in order for the lawsuit to be successful. Negligence, breach of duty, causation, and damages are the four key components of a successful wrongful death lawsuit.
What is negligence in a wrongful death lawsuit?
The plaintiff and their legal representation must prove that the fatality was either partially or completely as a result of negligence on behalf of the defendant. Negligence is simply defined as actions that demonstrate carelessness, or failure to use reasonable care, resulting in damage or injury to another.
How does the defendant failing to carry out their duties influence my claim?
In law this is referred to as breach of duty. For the fatality to be deemed as wrongful, the plaintiff must prove that they were owed a duty by the defendant. For example, an owner of a brick and mortar retail store must ensure that the premises is safe for customers and visitors at all times. Similarly, healthcare providers accept the duty of protecting the health of their patient, and make them sufficiently aware of potential risks associated with their treatment.
Furthermore, a plaintiff must be able to demonstrate that there was a duty in existence at the time of death, and that duty was in fact breached as a direct result of negligent actions on behalf of the defendant
What is causation in a wrongful death claim?
In addition to proving a breach of duty, the plaintiff must demonstrate how the negligent action of the defendant caused the fatality in question. Proving how the negligent actions, and subsequent breach of duties is an essential component of proving the viability of wrongful death claim.
What damages are quantifiable in wrongful death claims?
The damages that were sustained that led to and/or as a result of the wrongful death must be quantifiable. Such damages that you and your lawyer may highlight in your case may include:
- Hospitalizations
- Medical bills and related expenses
- Costs of the funeral
- Loss of earning potential
- Inability to work or generate income
- Pain and suffering
Wrongful death lawsuits require the care and attention to detail that only an experienced lawyer that specializes in wrongful death can provide. With the assistance of a compassionate and knowledgeable lawyer, you are one step closer to justice.
Cohen & Cohen – Washington DC Wrongful Death Law Firm
1730 Rhode Island Ave NW # 410
Washington, DC 20036
Washington Wrongful Death Lawyer Google Review
“Great service, prompt and personable staff. Jill was very helpful. She was redemptive and available to answer any questions. I was able to express my needs and concerns receiving knowledgeable feedback from the staff.” – Mark A.
Cohen & Cohen: The Right Lawyer on Your Side
Lawyers at Cohen & Cohen, are ready and waiting to hear your story and answer any questions you might have. Through a willful determination to fight for your pain and suffering, we work hard to get maximum compensation for our clients. To schedule your free consultation with a Washington wrongful death lawyer, please call (202) 955-4529.
