Losing a loved one is always painful, but the grief can be even more profound if the death was due to someone else’s negligence or intentional actions. In such cases, family members may seek to receive compensation for their loved one’s wrongful death. However, pursuing a wrongful death claim is often a complex and emotionally taxing process.
According to a report on Statista, in 2020 alone, there were over 200,000 preventable injury-related deaths in the United States. The path to receiving compensation for your loved one’s wrongful death is fraught with challenges. However, understanding these challenges is the first step in overcoming them.
Wrongful Death Claims Overview
A wrongful death claim arises when someone dies due to the legal fault of another person or entity. This could result from various circumstances, such as medical malpractice, car accidents, workplace accidents, or defective products. The claim is a civil lawsuit brought by the deceased person’s relatives or estate.
The primary goal of a wrongful death claim is to seek compensation for the survivors’ loss, which can include lost wages, funeral expenses, and loss of companionship. However, establishing the basis for such claims involves intricate legal procedures and thorough evidence gathering.
Challenges in Proving Negligence or Liability
One of the first and foremost challenges in a wrongful death claim is proving negligence or liability. To win a wrongful death lawsuit, the plaintiff must demonstrate that the defendant’s actions directly caused the death. This involves four key elements:
- Duty of Care: The plaintiff must show that the defendant owed a duty of care to the deceased. For instance, doctors owe a duty of care to their patients, and drivers owe a duty of care to others on the road.
- Breach of Duty: It must be proven that the defendant breached this duty of care. This could be through actions or inactions that a reasonable person would not have done in similar circumstances.
- Causation: The plaintiff must establish a direct link between the breach of duty and the death. This means proving that the defendant’s actions were the proximate cause of the death.
- Damages: Finally, the plaintiff must show that the death resulted in quantifiable damages, such as medical bills, lost income, and emotional suffering.
Gathering sufficient evidence to prove these elements can be highly challenging. It often requires expert testimonies, extensive documentation, and sometimes, reconstructing the events leading to the death.
Emotional and Psychological Barriers
Pursuing a wrongful death claim can be emotionally draining for the bereaved family members. Reliving the circumstances of the loved one’s death, dealing with legal proceedings, and facing the potential for lengthy trials can take a significant emotional toll. This emotional strain can sometimes deter families from pursuing a claim, even when they have a valid case.
Additionally, the grieving process can cloud judgment and decision-making, making it difficult for family members to stay objective. This can complicate interactions with legal professionals, negotiations with insurance companies, and court proceedings.
Statute of Limitations
Another critical challenge in wrongful death claims is adhering to the statute of limitations. The statute of limitations is the time limit within which a lawsuit must be filed. This period varies by state and the specific circumstances of the death. Understanding and navigating the statute of limitations requires prompt action and thorough knowledge of state laws. Failing to file within this timeframe usually means losing the right to pursue a claim.
Dealing with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies often play a significant role in wrongful death claims, especially in cases involving car accidents, medical malpractice, or workplace accidents. These companies typically have experienced legal teams whose primary goal is to minimize the payout. Negotiating with insurance companies can be intimidating and frustrating for family members already dealing with grief. Insurance adjusters may use various tactics to delay or deny claims and also offer settlements that are much lower than what the family is entitled to.
Court Procedures and Legal Technicalities
Navigating the court system is a significant challenge in wrongful death claims. The legal process involves filing the correct paperwork, adhering to procedural rules, and meeting deadlines. Any misstep can result in delays or even dismissal of the case. Furthermore, legal jargon and technicalities can be confusing for those without legal training. This complexity underscores the importance of having an experienced wrongful death attorney guide families through the process.
