Imagine driving along on a highway one day and someone hits your car. You are traveling with your loved one who does not survive the accident. You later find out from a police officer that the driver who hit your car was driving drunk.
In these types of situations, the unexpected loss of a loved one can be devastating, and it is understandable to want to hold the appropriate party responsible. This can be possible with a wrongful death claim.
Facts about wrongful death
Wrongful death is a legal claim that someone had an intention to harm or was negligent and caused the death of your loved one. Under these circumstances, you may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit and hold the person legally responsible for your loved one’s death.
The statute of limitations to bring a wrongful death lawsuit varies depending on what state you reside in. If you live in Tennessee, you should move quickly because you only have one year to bring a wrongful death lawsuit against the liable party. You may not have considered having such a short window of time, but time is critical in these cases.
Potential damages
No amount of money could ever recover what you lose with the death of your loved one, but it may assist with some of the costs you may have now and in the future as a result of that loss. This can be especially true if you have children to take care of.
A successful wrongful death lawsuit can recover various types of damages, including:
- Any potential income your loved one would have made in the future
- Costs to bury your loved one and any funeral costs
- Pain and suffering for you and your loved one
- Any costs for hospital bills, health care, etc.
- Any potential benefits your loved one would have had in the future
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of guidance
If your loved one was killed in a catastrophic incident, it is good to understand your options. Filing a wrongful death lawsuit is one such option that may give you at least some peace of mind to know that the appropriate party is being held accountable.
