A Family’s Legal Right to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit
After a fatal accident caused by another person, the surviving family members have the right to file a wrongful death lawsuit. The purpose of a wrongful death lawsuit is to provide financial compensation to those family members who were financially dependent on the deceased. A wrongful death settlement or verdict will compensate for funeral expenses, replace lost income after the death of the family’s wage earner, and make financial restitution for the family members’ loss of the deceased person’s companionship.
Wrongful death lawsuits are officially filed by the deceased person’s estate. The settlement or verdict is distributed to the closest surviving relatives. The judge assigned to the case determines the proportion distributed. Relatives who are eligible to receive funds from a wrongful death lawsuit include minor children, adult children who were financially dependent on the deceased, spouses, common law spouses and parents.
Experienced Wrongful Death Lawyers in Nitro, West Virginia
Over our 30-year history, the attorneys at the Peyton Law Firm have tried and settled more than 100 wrongful death lawsuits in West Virginia and Southern Ohio. Our law firm has a long-established presence in West Virginia, and we have recovered millions of dollars for our clients in wrongful death lawsuits.
A wrongful death lawsuit can arise out of any type of fatal accident, including a car accident, a railroad accident, a workplace accident or a drowning. Wrongful death lawsuits may also be brought when a person is killed by conditions such as mesothelioma resulting from exposure to toxic substances or defective products.
Contact the Peyton Law Firm for a Free Consultation
We offer complimentary, no-pressure consultations for families with questions about wrongful death lawsuits. To make an appointment with one of our attorneys, call 800-681-9555 or send us an e-mail.
