LaFollette Wrongful Death Lawyer
Acts of negligence, or carelessness, can result in very serious accidents. Sometimes, those accidents are so severe, the accident victim does not survive. If you have lost a loved one due to the careless or reckless actions of another person, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. Wrongful death claims are extremely complex though, and many challenges can arise during the process. A LaFollette wrongful death lawyer will know how to overcome the hurdles associated with them so you claim the full settlement you deserve.
What is Required to File a Wrongful Death Claim in LaFollette?
To file a wrongful death claim, or any other type of civil lawsuit, you must have grounds, or a legally-backed reason for filing the claim. To have grounds for a wrongful death lawsuit, you must prove that your loved one lost their life due to the negligence of another person or by a deliberate act. You must also prove that you and your family members were directly impacted by the death, either emotionally or financially.
A number of different scenarios can result in a wrongful death claim. The most common accidents that result in a wrongful death claim are car accidents, slip and fall accidents, criminal activity, bicycle accidents, and pedestrian accidents.
Damages Available in Wrongful Death Claims
Surviving spouses, parents, and children can file a wrongful death claim. In some cases, grandchildren, grandparents, and even siblings can file a claim. All of these individuals can also be beneficiaries of any damages awarded in a wrongful death case. The damages available in a wrongful death claim vary from case to case but the most common of them are as follows:
- Medical bills the deceased incurred before their death
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Pain and suffering of the beneficiaries due to the absence of their loved one
- The lost income the deceased would have earned if they have lived until the standard life expectancy
- Punitive damages, in the event the defendant displayed gross negligence or misconduct
A LaFollette wrongful death lawyer can advise on your case and determine which of the above damages, or any other, your family is entitled to.
Statute of Limitations on Wrongful Death Claims in LaFollette
Tennessee does not outline a separate statute of limitations, or time limit, on wrongful death claims. As such, the time limit is the same as any other type of personal injury claim. In LaFollette, you have only one year from the date of death to file a claim. If you allow this time to expire, you will likely forfeit your legal right to claim any compensation for the death now, or in the future.
Call Our Wrongful Death Lawyer in LaFollette for a Free Consultation
Losing a loved one is never easy. Although compensation cannot bring your family member back, it can help offset the financial burden of your loss. At Fox, Farley, Willis & Burnette, our LaFollette wrongful death lawyer knows how to hold the liable party accountable for paying the full damages you deserve. Call us today at 866-862-4855 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.