Losing a family member unexpectedly due to another person’s negligence leaves a lasting impact for years to come. To compensate for the loss, a Duluth wrongful death settlement may be requested to help surviving family members move forward.
At Barrios Virguez Attorneys: Accident & Injury Law, our compassionate wrongful death attorneys advocate for families who have suffered from an unexpected loss. Our team will guide you through the wrongful death process and advocate to protect your legal interests.
What Is a Wrongful Death Settlement?
A wrongful death settlement is an agreement entered into between the negligent party and the surviving family members for monetary compensation for the family’s loss. When a settlement is reached, the spouse and the deceased’s children will share in any proceeds that are received. If there is no spouse and no children, then the deceased’s parents will receive the settlement proceeds. If there are no immediate family members, any settlement proceeds would go into the estate to then be distributed. When the negligence of another causes a death, the family can seek compensation for their loss, including receiving a wrongful death settlement in Duluth.
Reasons to Seek a Wrongful Death Settlement
When someone dies because of the negligence of another, the family members may decide to file a wrongful death action. Before the matter goes to trial, the parties may attempt to enter a wrongful death settlement. A wrongful death settlement may require that the parties mediate the matter. In mediation, both parties will attempt to reach an agreement on a total compensation amount. Entering into a wrongful death settlement is advantageous because it provides guaranteed compensation for the family.
A settlement agreement also avoids having to go to trial and resolves the matter quickly. Having the matter resolved often provides the family with some closure and reduces the emotional stress of litigating the case in court. An experienced lawyer in Duluth can assist you throughout the wrongful death settlement process to ensure that your rights are protected.
Types of Damages Included in Wrongful Death Settlement Agreements
A family in Duluth may seek a variety of damages in a wrongful death settlement. Economic damages are compensation for monetary losses. Lost wages and the cost to repair or replace damaged property are economic damages. Medical expenses, as well as funeral and burial costs, will be calculated as economic damages and included in a settlement agreement. Additionally, the value of other financial benefits the deceased could have provided to their family can be considered economic damages and included in a wrongful death settlement.
Another type of damage a family may seek is non-economic damages, which are compensation for subjective losses. Non-economic damages include compensation for pain and suffering and loss of companionship. A knowledgeable attorney can answer questions about pursuing a wrongful death claim and what damages may be included in a final settlement agreement.
Our Duluth Attorneys Can Help You Negotiate a Fair Wrongful Death Settlement
It can be hard to know what to do after the unexpected loss of a family member. If you have experienced the loss of a loved one because of another’s negligence, you could be compensated financially. A compassionate lawyer can evaluate your case and discuss a Duluth wrongful death settlement.
The attorneys at Barrios Virguez Attorneys: Accident & Injury Law advocate for people who have unexpectedly lost a loved one because of the negligence of another. Our compassionate team will guide you throughout the legal process. Call when you are ready for a free consultation.