Personal Injury vs. Wrongful Death in Delray Beach

If you have lost a loved one in an accident, you might need to file a wrongful death lawsuit in Delray Beach. You might be aware that this type of claim shares many similarities with typical personal injury lawsuits. However, there are also many key differences to consider. An experienced wrongful death attorney can help you understand what to expect as you pursue legal action.

A Wrongful Death Claim Is Associated With Different Damages 

“Damages” represent the various losses your family has been forced to endure due to the fatal accident. Wrongful death lawsuits are associated with distinct damages that may not be present in personal injury cases. Perhaps the most obvious example is the cost of a proper funeral, as you can only pursue this damage after a death in the family. Funerals today are more expensive than many families realize, averaging about $8,000. You can claim this damage in a wrongful death lawsuit, ensuring your family has enough to cover this important cost.

A wrongful death claim may also lead to distinct non-economic damages, including grief and loss of consortium. For many families, the grieving process never truly ends – and the loss of a beloved relative may continue to cause psychological issues for the rest of your lives. These losses can be particularly difficult for children after fatal accidents claim the lives of their parents. Non-economic damages such as these can lead to additional compensation in wrongful death claims.

Wrongful Death Lawsuits May Involve Different Evidence 

The evidence in a wrongful death lawsuit is also distinct. While an injured victim might be able to tell their side of the story, a deceased relative cannot. As a result, it may be more challenging to gather evidence and determine what really led to the accident. This challenge highlights the need to work with an experienced lawyer. These legal professionals can search for many other types of evidence, including video surveillance footage, eyewitness accounts, and much more.

On the other hand, some evidence may be easier to obtain in a wrongful death case. An injured victim might need to prove that they have suffered legitimate injuries, and this could be challenging if they delayed treatment. On the other hand, no one can really dispute the fact that a deceased victim is dead. It is also worth noting that both wrongful death claims and personal injury lawsuits can lead to additional compensation for medical expenses. This is because a deceased victim may receive medical treatment before passing away, and the cost of this treatment passes to the family.

Can a Wrongful Death Attorney in Delray Beach Help? 

A wrongful death attorney in Delray Beach may be able to help if you need to take legal action on behalf of a deceased loved one. While online research can give you plenty of helpful pointers, legal action truly begins when you team up with a lawyer. During a consultation at Steinberg Law, you can discuss the specifics of your case and develop a personalized action plan. Contact us today to get started.

Source:

 nfda.org/news/media-center/nfda-news-releases/id/8134/2023-nfda-general-price-list-study-shows-inflation-increasing-faster-than-the-cost-of-a-funeral