Fredericksburg Wrongful Death Lawyer
Losing a loved one because of someone else’s negligence or wrongful actions only adds to your grief and the injustice you feel. You may experience a wide range of emotions, including deep sadness, anger, and confusion. You likely want to hold the at-fault party accountable and obtain compensation for the costs associated with your loved one’s death as well as your emotional pain and suffering.
At Allen & Allen, we understand the emotional and financial challenges that accompany a wrongful death in Fredericksburg. Our lawyers have hundreds of years of combined legal experience, and we have obtained substantial awards for our clients dealing with the tragic and preventable passing of a beloved family member.
We value honesty, integrity, compassion, and respect, and you can trust us to take an active interest in your case and fight for you to help you get the full compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation with a Fredericksburg wrongful death lawyer and discover how we can help you and your family through this difficult time.
Fredericksburg Wrongful Death Guide
- Compassionate, Award-Winning Representation for Your Fredericksburg Wrongful Death Claim
- What Is a Wrongful Death Claim?
- Who Can Bring a Wrongful Death Action in Fredericksburg?
- What Compensation Can I Receive from a Fredericksburg Wrongful Death Claim?
- How Can a Lawyer Help with My Fredericksburg Wrongful Death Case?
- How Long Do I Have to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Fredericksburg?
- Contact Allen & Allen for Help with Your Fredericksburg Wrongful Death Claim
Compassionate, Award-Winning Representation for Your Fredericksburg Wrongful Death Claim
Allen & Allen has served Virginian families who lost loved ones due to another party’s carelessness or intentional misconduct for more than 100 years. During that time, we have earned a reputation for delivering compassionate, personalized representation that gets results.
To date, we’ve secured hundreds of millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for our clients, including the following awards for wrongful death claims:
- $2.5 million for the family of an individual killed in a head-on collision with a commercial vehicle.
- $1.7 million for a family who lost a family member in a car accident.
- $1.5 million for the surviving family of a man killed in a drunk driving accident.
These results don’t guarantee an outcome, as each case is different. While we understand that no amount of money can bring back your loved one, we can help you obtain compensation to cover related expenses and lessen the burden of the financial hardships your loved one’s passing has created in your life.
Honored for our outstanding client service and exceptional legal abilities, several of our attorneys have won awards or received recognition from prominent publications and legal organizations. These include Best Lawyers in America, Super Lawyers, and Lawyers of Distinction.
You won’t have to worry about the cost of obtaining legal representation at Allen & Allen because all of our attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. This means we charge you nothing upfront to handle your case, and we only accept a fee if we recover compensation for you.
We’re committed to fighting for you, and we offer dedicated support and open communication throughout the claims process. Call us at 866-388-1307 or contact us online to receive a free evaluation of your claim from a local attorney you can trust to have you and your family’s best interests at heart.
What Is a Wrongful Death Claim?
A wrongful death claim is a legal action that surviving family members or beneficiaries of a decedent’s estate can bring against a person or entity responsible for the person’s death.
The death must have resulted from the negligent, reckless, or intentional actions of the party and can include various scenarios, such as:
- Car accidents, truck accidents, and motorcycle accidents
- Aviation accidents
- Boating accidents
- Pedestrian accidents and bicycle accidents
- Medical malpractice
- Defective products
- Unsafe property conditions or dog bites
- Drunk driving accidents
- Nursing home abuse or neglect
- Toxic exposure
- Work-related illnesses and injuries
- Criminal acts
The purpose of a wrongful death claim is to allow surviving family members to seek compensation for the financial and emotional impacts of their loss. Plaintiffs in a wrongful death action must show that the defendant’s actions directly caused their loved one’s death, which is why you must work with a personal injury attorney to help navigate the legal complexities and present a strong case.
Who Can Bring a Wrongful Death Action in Fredericksburg?
In Fredericksburg and the rest of Virginia, the right to bring a wrongful death action is governed by specific laws outlined in the Virginia Code.
Generally, the following individuals may have the right to bring a wrongful death action:
- Surviving spouse: The surviving spouse of the deceased person has the primary right to bring a wrongful death claim in Virginia.
- Children and grandchildren: If there is no surviving spouse, the right to file a wrongful death claim may pass to the deceased person’s children or grandchildren.
- Parents: In cases where there is no surviving spouse, children, or grandchildren, the deceased person’s parents may have the right to file a wrongful death claim.
- Spinal cord injuries: Severe accidents can lead to spinal cord injuries, which may result in partial or complete paralysis, depending on the location and extent of the injury.
The order of preference for eligible parties is generally based on the closeness of the familial relationship to the deceased person.
Under Virginia law, there is no direct right for more distant relatives such as aunts, uncles, or cousins to file a wrongful death claim unless there are no surviving individuals in the closer categories. If the decedent had no relative to bring a wrongful death action, their personal representative may bring a claim or lawsuit.
Additionally, if there is a dispute among eligible family members regarding who should bring the wrongful death claim, the court may need to resolve the matter.
To understand the specific rules and requirements applicable to your situation, consult a wrongful death attorney in Fredericksburg.
What Compensation Can I Receive from a Fredericksburg Wrongful Death Claim?
Upon successful completion of a wrongful death claim or lawsuit in Fredericksburg, you may receive various forms of compensation, also known as damages.
Some compensation we help clients recover in a wrongful death action include:
- Medical expenses the deceased person incurred before their death when getting treatment for a fatal injury or illness.
- Funeral and burial costs
- Loss of income and the financial support that the deceased person would have provided to their family members.
- Loss of services, care, assistance, and guidance that the deceased person would have provided to their family members.
- Emotional pain, suffering, and mental anguish resulting from the loss of their loved one.
- Loss of consortium for the loss of companionship, love, and support that the deceased person would have provided to their family members.
An attorney from Allen & Allen can evaluate the specific details of your case, guide you through the legal process, and help you pursue the compensation to which you may be entitled.
How Can a Lawyer Help with My Fredericksburg Wrongful Death Case?
Hiring a lawyer for your Fredericksburg wrongful death case can provide several crucial benefits. A wrongful death attorney has a deep understanding of Virginia’s wrongful death laws, statutes of limitations, and legal procedures. They can guide you on how these laws apply to your specific case.
Other ways a lawyer can help include:
- Investigation and evidence gathering: Lawyers have the resources and experience to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the wrongful death. This may involve collecting evidence, interviewing witnesses, consulting with experts, and analyzing medical records.
- Negotiation with insurance companies: Insurance companies may attempt to settle a wrongful death claim for the lowest possible amount. An attorney can negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf to seek a settlement that adequately compensates for your losses.
- Representation in court: If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiations, a lawyer can represent you in court. They can build a strong case, present evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and argue legal points to maximize your chances of success.
- Filing paperwork and meeting deadlines: Wrongful death claims involve complex paperwork and strict deadlines. An attorney can ensure that all necessary documents are filed correctly and submitted within the required timeframes.
- Knowledge of local courts: A wrongful death attorney in Fredericksburg is familiar with the legal landscape, including local courts, judges, and opposing attorneys. This familiarity can be advantageous in building a strategy tailored to the jurisdiction.
- Support for grieving families: Dealing with the legal aspects of a wrongful death case can be overwhelming, especially while grieving. A compassionate attorney from Allen & Allen can provide support, handle legal matters, and guide you through the process, allowing you to focus on healing.
Most personal injury lawyers, including those at Allen & Allen, work on a contingency fee arrangement. Therefore, you won’t pay anything out of pocket to hire a lawyer, and they will only receive attorney fees if they win your case.
How Long Do I Have to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Fredericksburg?
In Virginia, including Fredericksburg, the statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death lawsuit is generally two years from the date of the person’s death. This is a strict legal deadline, and if you don’t have an attorney file a lawsuit for you within that time, you may lose your right to pursue legal action and seek compensation.
There may be exceptions to the standard two-year statute of limitations in certain situations. For instance, if the cause of death was not immediately apparent or if the wrongful act was not immediately discoverable, the clock may start ticking from the date of discovery.
Also, special rules may apply if the individuals entitled to bring the wrongful death claim are minors or have legal disabilities. In such cases, the statute of limitations may toll (pause) until they reach a certain age or the disability is removed.
If you’re uncertain about the time remaining to file a wrongful death lawsuit or if you have questions about the specific circumstances of your case, contact an attorney right away. Missing the deadline can have serious consequences, so taking timely action is in your best interest.
Richard Armstrong, Wrongful Death Lawyer in Fredericksburg
Contact Allen & Allen for Help with Your Fredericksburg Wrongful Death Claim
Losing a loved one due to someone else’s negligence is devastating. Our experienced wrongful death attorneys in Fredericksburg are here to help you navigate the legal process and seek the justice your family deserves.
Let us be your advocates in the pursuit of justice and fight for you and your family during this challenging time.
Compassionate, dedicated, and effective legal representation is just a phone call away. Contact Allen & Allen today at 866-388-1307 to discuss your rights and options for pursuing a wrongful death claim in Fredericksburg.
Our Fredericksburg Office
Allen, Allen, Allen & Allen
3504 Plank Road
Fredericksburg, VA 22407