The sudden loss of a person you love is always devastating, but if the loss was caused by a defendant’s negligent conduct, the resulting trauma might feel overwhelming. Thankfully, in these situations, you can usually turn to a compassionate and hardworking injury attorney for guidance. While compensation collected from a civil claim can never repay you for the full emotional toll of a sudden loss, it could provide your family with the resources you need to recover financially.

The civil court process is complex, especially when it comes to wrongful death claims. However, a seasoned Antigo wrongful death lawyer could handle all the relevant processes and fight for the settlement your family deserves.

Potential Damages in Wrongful Death Claims

When a loved one passes away unexpectedly, there is almost always a financial toll associated with the situation, especially when the decedent was one of the main providers in the household. For instance, funeral fees and loss of income could change a family’s financial situation forever. Thankfully, when a decedent’s representative files their wrongful death claim correctly, they can usually collect financial compensation that repays for:

  • Funeral expenses
  • Medical costs accrued before passing away
  • Loss of salary and financial contributions
  • A lost inheritance or benefits from a job
  • Loss of consortium or companionship

A family might have trouble demonstrating that they deserve all of these reimbursements, especially when they work without legal representation. However, an Antigo wrongful death attorney could collect evidence of a family’s losses and factor this information into a powerful claim.

What Happens When Someone Questions the Cause of Death?

If, when filing a wrongful death claim, someone questions the cause of the decedent’s passing, a jury needs to carefully examine the case and determine every possible thing that could have happened. For example, according to Wisconsin Civil Jury Instructions 1505, the jury must examine the situation to determine whether the defendant’s negligent conduct was a primary or secondary cause of the passing in question. If a family wants to maximize the strength of their wrongful death claim, the defendant’s recklessness or gross carelessness must be a substantial factor.

Determining Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim

It is important to remember that not everyone is entitled to file a wrongful death claim after an accident. Additionally, for those who are eligible, there is a priority order that needs to be respected. Under Wisconsin State Legislature 895.04, this order goes: a decedent’s spouse, domestic partner, minor children, parents, and any surviving grandparents.

If the deceased does not have any applicable surviving family members, their brother or sister could be eligible to file the petition. A wrongful death lawyer in Antigo could answer questions, assess the situation, and figure out exactly who is allowed to file the wrongful death claim.

Speak With an Antigo Wrongful Death Attorney about Your Case

If you lost a loved one because of the careless or reckless actions of another, it is crucial to remember that, even though things are difficult, you are likely able to collect financial compensation.

The process of assembling a wrongful death claim is intricate, so it is always a good idea to reach out to an experienced legal professional before getting started. Thankfully, a dedicated Antigo wrongful death lawyer could handle the legal work you take the time to recover with your family. Call us today to learn more.

Contact a Wausau Personal Injury Attorney Today

If you are recovering from an injury, you need to focus on regaining your health. You should not have to negotiate with stubborn insurance companies or compromise with a defendant.

A Wausau personal injury lawyer could lessen the stress and complications associated with collecting compensation, allowing you to recover fully. Call today to learn more about your options.

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