Compensation For Wrongful Death Claims in Charleston
The death of a family member or loved one is one of the most stressful, emotional and difficult events in life. When that person’s life was taken due to someone’s negligence, grief that is already overwhelming can be all but unbearable. The civil justice system cannot do anything to bring back a lost loved one. It can, however, compensate a family during these incredibly difficult and emotional periods.
We know how difficult it is to reach out to a law firm following the death of a loved one, but taking decisive action by reaching out to an experienced team of lawyers can allow you to focus on personal business and healing.
Understanding Wrongful Death Law In West Virginia
West Virginia’s wrongful death statute is long and complex. As wrongful death attorneys, we feel it is our duty to ensure our clients fully understand the legal process and the specifics of their case. Below please find information about West Virginia’s wrongful death law, which we hope you find informative and useful:
- Who may file a wrongful death lawsuit: In West Virginia, the person who has been appointed as the personal representative of the deceased may file a wrongful death lawsuit and settlement. Personal representatives appointed outside of West Virginia may still bring a claim provided they post bond and pay any necessary costs.
- Statute of limitations: A personal representative has two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit. We encourage you to take action as soon as possible so you do not lose your right to your day in court.
- How wrongful death lawsuits are typically resolved: Wrongful death lawsuits are resolved either in court or by negotiating an acceptable settlement. Our firm always tries to obtain fair and just compensation without seeking court intervention as it can save time and reduce stress. We are, however, always prepared to protect our clients’ right in front of a judge or jury if we feel settlement negotiations will not provide you with the outcome you deserve. Any settlement agreement must be approved by all beneficiaries with an interest in the outcome.
- The steps to take/requirements: There are many steps involved in filing a successful wrongful death claim. They include obtaining a death certificate, posting bond, conducting an investigation and gathering evidence. Please speak with an experienced attorney who has handled many cases similar to yours to discuss the details about how to proceed.
- Available damages: A judge or jury may award damages for loss of companionship and the sorrow surviving family members experience during this difficult time. Other damages can be awarded to replace lost income, for the loss of protection and other services offered by the deceased, to cover medical bills, and to pay for funeral expenses or burial services.
Elements Needed to Prove a Wrongful Death Case in Charleston, West Virginia
A wrongful death case is a claim made on behalf of someone killed as a result of the negligence of another. There are four elements that are required to prove a West Virginia wrongful death case. The attorney for the plaintiff must prove each of these in order to succeed in a settlement or court case.
The burden of proof is on the wrongful death attorney to show:
1. The defendant was partially or wholly responsible for the death.
It must be proven that the defendant played some part in the person’s death. Even if they were not completely responsible, they could be held to some degree of responsibility for the death.
2. The defendant’s negligence led to the person’s death.
There are any number of ways that a person can be deemed negligent in a wrongful death case. Texting and driving, DUI, improper vehicle maintenance, excessive speed and crossing the centerline are examples of negligence.
3. The person’s death affected their surviving family members.
A sudden death can have a profound effect on a family, thrusting it into a state of turmoil that can take a very long time to resolve . Young children may be left without a parent or parents may lose their child. If the head of the household dies, the family may be left struggling to fill the voids that the loss leaves behind – both emotionally and financially .
4. The person’s death resulted in financial damages.
If the person who dies was the breadwinner, it can be financially devastating for the family. They may not have any other income and no time to make arrangements. The financial impact can be substantial.
Once all four of these elements are proven, it usually means that the Estate has a strong, claim for a wrongful death suit. If you have lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, you need an experienced wrongful death attorney to guide you through the process. The Estate must be established and any settlement received, must be approved by the Court .
Decades of Experience on Your Side
Because we at Johnstone & Gabhart, LLP, have worked on personal injury and wrongful death issues for decades, we know how difficult they are for families. As such, compassion, empathy and patience form the bedrock of our approach. We are ready to take the expertise we have honed in our years of practice to do everything possible to recover compensation for:
- Medical services
- Memorial and burial expenses
- Injury to the deceased
- Injury to the deceased person’s family
- Lost wage earning capacity of the deceased
- Companionship
- Solace
- Punitive damages
- Pecuniary damages
Wrongful Death Settlements in West Virginia
Wrongful death settlements can provide financial compensation to a close family member who would have otherwise benefited from that individual’s income or support going forward, but the actions or inaction of the other person led to the individual’s death.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Settlement?
Personal injury claims and wrongful death claims occur with the same goal of seeking out compensation for what is lost. However, the victim here is unable to file a claim because he or she has died. For this reason, the person’s close family member, such as a spouse, child, parent, or sibling can file for a settlement.
Code section 55-7-6 under West Virginia law states that the compensation received from a wrongful death settlement is paid to the surviving spouse. If there is no spouse, then it is paid to the children, stepchildren and adopted children. Others that may receive compensation include parents and siblings. Only then may other family members receive compensation only if they were, in some way, financially dependent on the individual at the time of his or her death.
What Compensation Is Available?
Under West Virginia law, the family can file a wrongful death claim for the damages suffered by the family as a result of the individual’s death. This can include:
- Sorrow, mental anguish and solace
- Loss of companionship, society, guidance, comfort, kindly offices, and advice.
- All costs related to the individual’s death, which may include medical bills from an illness or an injury
- Compensation for all lost wages and benefits; this can include amounts that would be expected should the individual had lived
- Compensation for all funeral and burial expenses
- Compensation for any type of damage to property or other items lost
It is important for individuals to consider all types of loss suffered in this type of situation. Filing a claim for wrongful death is a civil matter. This type of lawsuit can require significant considerations for costs and long-term losses suffered by family members.
Regardless of your unique circumstances, we are committed to obtaining the compensation you need and deserve, while obtaining justice and accountability. Decisive action is crucial, however. We are here for you and encourage you to get in touch as soon as possible.
Schedule a Free Initial Consultation With Our Attorneys Near You
To get in touch and schedule a free initial consultation with our wrongful death attorneys, call 877-416-5457.
