Wrongful Death & the Importance of Compensation
When a loved one dies, it takes an enormous emotional toll on family members. It can also cause extreme financial hardship. Laws in each state provide the means to ease that financial burden but what options are available especially if there was a neglegent party?
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Posted: 10/28/2018
Wrongful Death
If you've lost a family member due to the careless or negligent actions of a person, corporation or government entity, you have the legal right to file a wrongful death claim and pursue justice. While compensation can never account for the loss of a loved one, it can provide you with financial assistance that safeguards your standard of living.
A wrongful death claim can only be filed by the following people:
- Spouse
- Children
- Parents
- Siblings
- Grandparents
- A trustee assigned by the family
Understanding Damages in a Wrongful Death Case
When a loved one dies, families are often burdened with many unexpected expenses. It's particularly difficult for grieving widowers to resolve these sudden financial hardships, especially if they are raising young children. Fortunately, per Montana law, families can claim "economic" and "noneconomic" damages in a wrongful death lawsuit. Economic damages can include medical expenses, funeral and burial costs, and the loss of future earning potential. Noneconomic damages can be more difficult to financially quantify and are generally based on emotion and the loss of companionship.
You may be awarded the following damages in a wrongful death lawsuit:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earning potential
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of companionship
- Pain and suffering
Pursue Compensation by Schedule a Consultation
Per the statute of limitations in Montana, a grieving family generally has 3 years to file a claim if they want to hold a negligent party accountable for their loss. However, there are exceptions to this time limit. At Odegaard Injury Lawyers, our compassionate wrongful death attorneys in Montana can review the circumstances of your case and help you explore your legal options. We know that this is an incredibly difficult time for you, and our top priority is to help you secure damages that alleviate any financial hardships associated with your loss.
We can litigate on your behalf in court. Contact Odegaard Injury Lawyers at (406) 222-2222 to schedule a consultation.
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