A wrongful death claim is where a loved one dies under mysterious circumstances. If your loved one dies in a hospital or car accident, you have the right to hold the guilty party accountable. The best way to do that in Utah is to contract the services of a Utah personal injury attorney. They will help you in the following ways:
Explain Your Legal Rights
It can be incredibly difficult to know your rights when a loved one dies, especially considering one has to go through a mourning period. However, after the dust settles, you may have some clarity of thought to file a wrongful death claim.
In the US, different states have different laws as they pertain to wrongful death claims. Therefore, a lawyer will be indispensable in knowing which laws in your state specifically apply to your case.
The lawyer will tell you whether you qualify for a wrongful death claim and how long you have to file the claim (statute of limitations). In some states, not every family member can file a wrongful death claim, so you have to select a representative to collect the financial reward and distribute it accordingly.
Investigate The Wrongful Death Claim
Like all other personal injury cases, you have to prove negligence on the defendant’s part to win it. Therefore, a personal injury attorney must conduct a conclusive investigation of the claim.
A lawyer is perfectly suited to investigate the claim because of their experience and expertise. Moreover, the facts in wrongful death cases are often murky, and it requires a keen legal mind to gain clarity.
For example, if your loved one died in a road accident, the lawyer will obtain documents like the police report to prove negligence. If there were street cameras or witnesses who captured the accident on camera, a lawyer can access the footage. The lawyer may also consult road safety experts to determine who was at fault for the accident.
The investigation for a wrongful death case can last for months which requires patience the deceased loved ones may not have, making a lawyer’s presence even more crucial.
Get Financial Compensation
A deceased friend or family member can leave behind a significant financial burden. For that reason, getting financial compensation for a wrongful death claim can be vital.
A lawyer is the best weapon in your arsenal when you want to get compensation for a wrongful death claim. Getting paid for the economic damages is daunting, especially, when there are insurance companies involved.
The lawyer will handle the negotiations and develop an accurate representation of the adequate compensation that will cover the economic damages. An attorney will be particularly beneficial if the wrongful death case goes to court.
You need an attorney for a wrongful death claim. They will help you in the three ways above and more. If in Utah, please contact a Utah personal injury lawyer for assistance.