Filing Wrongful Death Claims: Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
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Every year, more than 190,000 individuals die as a result of wrongful death circumstances
The death of a loved one is never easy to cope with. When the loss is unexpected and a result of another person’s action, it becomes unbearable to the remaining family members. Apart from the pain of losing a loved one, families consider extra financial expenses of providing a proper send-off.
Additionally, they have to carry on their daily life without the financial support of the deceased. Putting a price tag on a loved one’s life may seem strange. But, filing wrongful death claims would help your family with the deserved compensation.
Wrongful death proceedings help mourning families to get justice, financial support, and security, essential to offset their loss. Also, avoid the following mistakes which may threaten your claim.
Talking to the Insurance Company
You’ll deal with an insurance company if you lose a loved one because of someone else’s negligence. However, you should first talk to your lawyer before speaking with an insurance company agent. The company will use anything you say against you to avoid compensating you for the amount you deserve.
The attorney can communicate with the insurance company on your behalf. The lawyer will help prevent the techniques they employ to decrease or deny your family the necessary reimbursement.
Speaking With the Media
The incidences of wrongful death involve another person’s negligence. It’s the reason why media outlets are interested in such cases. The media people may reach out to you or any other family member to obtain your side of the story.
These demands, however, must be denied. Such requests invade your privacy as a bereaved family. Moreover, any public remarks you make in the media might be used against you in a wrongful death lawsuit. You must avoid making any public remarks about your situation.
Settling on the First Offer
Avoid accepting wrongful death settlements without careful deliberation. When you accept a settlement agreement, you are no longer eligible to seek more compensation. Ensure that the monetary compensation is sufficient to cover you and your family’s expenditures.
It’s mostly vital if the decedent was providing a substantial amount of money to sustain your family.
Filing Wrongful Death Claims Late
It may be tough to consider a legal proceeding at the time you lose your loved one. However, it’s critical to check on the time limit for starting a lawsuit. It‘s referred to as the statute of limitations.
The statute of limitation for a wrongful death lawsuit falls between one to three years after the death of a loved one. It depends on the individual state you live in. Your wrongful death attorney will require time for gathering and documenting evidence before submitting your claim.
Understand the appropriate statute limitations to ensure you file your claim on time.
Learn to Avoid Wrongful Death Claim Mistakes
Have you recently lost a loved one because of someone’s carelessness or willful conduct? You may be entitled to hefty compensation for wrongful death. Do not put off filing wrongful death claims on the accountable party.
Wrongful death statutes vary by state. Depending on your circumstance and timeline, talk with an attorney regarding your capacity to initiate a lawsuit. While avoiding these mistakes, you are sure to get a good settlement.
For more practical legal tips, please see our other blog posts today!
