Wrongful Death Claims

VWL > Wrongful Death Claims

If your family member passed away suddenly as a result of someone else’s negligence, then your family may have a claim for wrongful death. At Vaughn, Weber & Prakope, PLLC, we can evaluate your claims, guide you through the administrative process, and make sure that the surviving family members are adequately compensated for their loss.

There are important things to consider when you believe you have a wrongful death claim. There is a strict statute of limitations of two years after the person’s death to start the lawsuit. Wrongful death cases have a shorter statute of limitations than medical malpractice or negligence. Having an experienced attorney from the Law Firm of Vaughn, Weber & Prakope evaluate your case as early as possible ensures that the suit will be commenced within the proper timeframe and preserve your family’s claims.

There is also a significantly time-consuming surrogate administrative process that needs to take place prior to starting the lawsuit. Before a lawsuit is commenced, an executor and/or an administrator must be appointed by the Surrogate’s Court so that a family member or designated person has the legal authority to bring the lawsuit. This process must occur prior to commencement of lawsuit and it takes time. That’s why it’s imperative to have your case evaluated as soon as practical.

Recovery for a wrongful death case is based on pecuniary loss. Pecuniary loss is the monetary loss that can be quantified and calculated. The experienced attorneys at the Law Firm of Vaugh, Weber & Prakope, PLLC, will employ the proper experts to prove pecuniary loss at the time of trial.

At the conclusion of the case, the settlement amount may need to be approved by the same Surrogate’s Court that granted the authority to bring the lawsuit. Again, this can be a time-consuming process and having experienced attorneys will ensure that your family is represented in an effective manner.

A wrongful death claim will allow your family to hold the parties responsible for the death accountable. Having a loved one die suddenly is a lifechanging event. Dealing with the resulting lawsuit can be traumatizing, frustrating and saddening. Having an experienced attorney there to guide you through the process can make a world of difference. This is where the lawyers at the Law Firm of Vaughn, Weber & Prakope can help. We will work to make sure that your family gets the compensation they deserve.