Wrongful Death Lawyer

A "wrongful death" occurs when a person is killed due to the negligence or misconduct of another individual, company or entity. An action for wrongful death belongs to the decedent's immediate family members (often called "distributees"). The most common distributees are surviving spouses and children, and sometimes parents. A suit for wrongful death may only be brought by the personal representative of the decedent's estate. Every state has a civil "wrongful death statute," or set of statutes, which establish the procedures for bringing wrongful death actions. Actions for personal injury, conscious pain and suffering, or expenses incurred prior to the decedent's death are also brought by the personal representative. The damage awards from these actions belong to the estate and may pass to different parties as directed by the decedent's will.

Wrongful Death Press Releases

• Process in Place for Iraqis to Make Damage Claims
• Sharon Smith Files Wrongful Death Lawsuit
• Young Disabled Woman Dies From Negligence
• Companies Apologize to the Families of Flight 5481 Crash
• R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company Pleased with Nunnally Verdict

Wrongful Death Articles

• What Qualifies As Wrongful Death Litigation?
• Personal Injuries Resulting in Wrongful Death Cases
• Wrongful Death - An Overview