Wrongful Death Lawyers in Terre Haute Fighting For Justice For Families of Wrongful Death Victims in Indiana
One of the most challenging situations any family can face is the death of a loved one. However, when another person’s negligence has caused that death, the situation can almost seem unbearable. To make matters even worse, the deceased may have been the primary breadwinner for the family, and the sudden loss of income coupled with unexpected expenses can quickly throw a family into financial hardship.
If you feel you have grounds for a wrongful death lawsuit, you must contact a knowledgeable attorney as soon as possible. Indiana has a strict statute of limitations when filing a wrongful death claim. The experienced attorneys of McGlone Law can assist you by providing a free case evaluation and explaining your legal options.
What Are the Main Causes of Wrongful Death Cases?
A wrongful death case may be caused by various factors ranging from the deceased being killed in a car accident to suffering nursing home abuse. However, several other reasons are often cited in wrongful death litigation. They include:
- Medical malpractice
- Workplace accident
- Construction accident
- Defective product
- A fire caused by negligence or criminal actions
One of the best steps to obtain justice is to immediately speak with a wrongful death lawyer who can review your case and determine if legal action is appropriate.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Suit in Indiana?
Indiana only permits specific individuals to file a wrongful death claim in civil court after the death of a loved one. If the decedent was an adult, a personal representative of the victim’s estate is allowed to file a claim. The legal representative is usually a member of the victim’s family, or an individual appointed executor of the estate by the decedent before their death. A legal representative may include a spouse, children, or siblings. However, if the decedent was a child, the parents of the victim or their legal guardian may file a claim.
Under Indiana law, the surviving spouse or a decedent’s children are typically the individuals who are entitled to recover damages in a settlement. However, the wrongful death claim must be filed within two years of the date of the victim’s death per Indiana’s statute of limitations. A qualified McGlone Law legal team member can gladly assist you with filing a claim or answering any of your questions or concerns.
What Types of Damages Can Be Recovered From a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
A family may be able to recover what is known as economic and non-economic damages, also referred to as compensatory damages, in a lawsuit. However, the final amount will depend on the facts and circumstances surrounding the case.
Economic damages are meant to reimburse the family for out-of-pocket costs they have had to pay due to their loved one’s death. They may include:
- Funeral and burial expenses (within reason)
- Medical expenses that the deceased incurred due to the fatal injury.
- Lost wages
Non-economic damages are awarded to cover intangible losses the family has experienced, such as:
- Emotional distress
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of guidance
Unlike other states, Indiana law does not permit families to seek punitive damages for the wrongful death of a loved one.
Why Should I Hire Your Law Firm to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
If your family has experienced losing a loved one due to wrongful death, you need a law firm that is not afraid to stand up for your legal rights. An insurance company often tries to lessen liability by blaming the victim for the accident. This is often true when product liability has played a factor in the victim’s death.
At McGlone Law of Terre Haute, Indiana, our wrongful death lawyers are familiar with insurers’ tactics to avoid paying claims. Our legal team will fight to ensure that your family receives justice and satisfaction, knowing the responsible party is held liable for their actions.
Contact our law offices by calling 812-247-8416 and asking to schedule a free initial consultation to discuss your case.