The term “wrongful death” is used to describe a death that occurs as the result of another person’s negligence or wrongful act. If you have lost a loved one in a fatal accident, you may be entitled to seek compensation through a wrongful death claim. In Boston, wrongful death lawyers can help you file a case and get the compensation you deserve. 

According to r the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey, the number of unintentional injury visits to  physicians was 24.8 million. Another Forbes report states that around 98,000 people in the US die every year due to medical errors. 

What are Wrongful Death Claims?

Wrongful death claims are civil actions brought against a person or company who has caused the death of another person through negligence or a wrongful act. These claims are brought by the surviving family members of the deceased person, typically through a personal injury lawyer.

Most wrongful death claims are based on negligence, which is defined as the failure to use reasonable care that leads to death. For example, if a doctor in Boston fails to diagnose a deadly disease, or a drunk driver hits and kills a pedestrian, the survivors may have a claim for negligence. The deceased individual’s family member or relative  can hire a Boston wrongful death lawyer to file for a claim.

In some cases, the person or company responsible for the death may have acted intentionally or with gross negligence. This can occur in cases of murder, manslaughter, or vehicular homicide. If the responsible party acted with malice or gross negligence, the survivors may be eligible for punitive damages in addition to compensatory damages.

If you have lost a loved one due to the negligence or wrongful act of another, you may be entitled to seek compensation through a wrongful death claim. These claims can be complex, and it is important to have an experienced personal injury lawyer on your side.

When Should You Hire a Lawyer for a Wrongful Death Claim?

If you have lost a loved one due to someone else’s  negligence, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim. While no amount of money can ever truly compensate you for your loss, filing a claim can help you get the justice you deserve and may provide much-needed financial relief. But when should you hire a wrongful death lawyer for a claim?

  • The first step is to determine whether you have a claim. In order to have a valid claim, the death must have been caused by someone else’s negligence or intentional wrongdoing. If the death was caused by a crime, such as murder or manslaughter, you may have a claim even if the perpetrator has not been convicted.
  • Once you have determined that you have a claim, you should consider hiring a lawyer. While you are not required to have a lawyer, the process can be complicated and having legal representation can increase your chances of success.
  • There are a few factors to consider when deciding whether to hire a lawyer. First, consider the severity of your claim. If the death was caused by a minor accident, you may not need a lawyer. But if the death was caused by a major accident, such as a car accident or workplace accident in Boston, you will likely need a Boston wrongful death lawyer to help you navigate the legal process.
  • Second, consider the amount of money you are seeking in damages. If you are only seeking a few thousand dollars, you may be able to represent yourself in court. But if you are seeking tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars, you will likely need a lawyer to help you build a strong case.
  • Finally, consider the amount of time and energy you are willing to devote to your case. If you are not prepared to invest a significant amount of time and energy into your case, you may want to hire a lawyer to handle the case for you.

If you have decided to hire a lawyer for your wrongful death claim, be sure to choose someone with experience handling these types of cases. Ask friends or family for recommendations, or search online for lawyers who specialize in wrongful death claims. Once you have found a few potential lawyers, schedule consultations with each one to see if they are a good fit for your case.

 

Need Help?

If you or someone you know, needs help from a lawyer, contact the law offices of Swartz & Swartz, use our live chat, or send us a message using the form below and we’ll get in touch to assess your case and how we can help.

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About the Author: James Swartz
Mr. Swartz, our Managing and Principal Attorney at Swartz & Swartz P.C., is a nationally recognized and respected trial attorney as well as consumer advocate. His practice focuses on cases involving negligence, torts, products liability, medical malpractice, wrongful death, and other claims involving catastrophic injuries.

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