What is Wrongful Death?
A wrongful death occurs when someone dies as the direct result of someone else’s negligence, carelessness, or intentional act. A wrongful death claim is a tool provided to you by our civil justice system, to seek justice for your deceased loved one while pursuing compensation in order to protect the financial future of your family. Our team of experienced wrongful death attorneys in Norfolk, NE., manage cases and win compensation for individuals affected by wrongful death. Meet our team of wrongful death attorneys. »
There are many ways a wrongful death can occur. Some of the most common cases encountered by our lawyers involve:
- Car accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Truck accidents
- Farming accidents
- Industrial accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Construction accidents
- Nursing home abuse
This list is not exhaustive, as the potential causes are seemingly endless, but all have the factor of negligence in common. For instance, when a motorist chooses to drive under the influence, that reckless decision can result in a fatal crash, causing the death of an innocent person.
In Nebraska, 682 people were killed in crashes involving a drunk driver in the period of time extending from 2003-2012. Every day in the United States, 29 people die in motor vehicle accidents involving a drunk driver. Many of these deaths were not the drunk driver, but an innocent occupant of another motor vehicle. Such acts of egregious negligence may be criminally prosecutable, but there’s also a chance the drunk driver can be held responsible in a wrongful death claim.
Wrongful death lawsuits may also be filed after a criminal lawsuit for murder or manslaughter failed to provide a conviction or any type of settlement or award. While this isn’t always true, a wrongful death suit can be filed after a criminal suit in order to gain punitive damages (in extreme cases) and monetary damages if negligence can be proven, but not to the extent required for a criminal charge.
Each of these tragic incidents is as unique as the families affected by them, but there are basic elements in common:
- A death occurred
- The death was the direct result of someone else’s negligence
- The surviving spouse or dependants seek justice and to recoup related financial losses through a civil suit
The only way to know for sure if you have a case is to consult our experienced wrongful death attorneys. With many decades of combined experience in our region, we can determine if the grounds for a lawsuit are present. We also are experienced trial lawyers, so we prepare each case as though it will go to trial, and pursue the best results for you, whether that is in a settlement or in trial.
Our wrongful death attorneys are not only pursuing justice and accountability in these cases, we are also pursuing monetary compensation so you and your family can begin to move forward. A death in the family has real financial costs, as well as financial ramifications for the future. Our wrongful death attorneys will seek maximum compensation for each and every way you have been impacted, such as:
- Funeral costs
- Burial costs
- End-of-life medical expenses
- Loss of loved one’s future employment benefits
- Loss of loved one’s future retirement contributions
- Loss of companionship
- Diminished quality of life
- Pain and mental anguish
We first want to get to know you so we can ascertain all of the ways you have been affected. No amount of money can undo your grief, but it may help you move on and begin to heal.
Let Our Wrongful Death Attorneys Help You
When you need help from an experience wrongful death attorney, contact Copple, Rockey, Schlecht & Mason P.C., L.L.O. We will combine our experience, persistence, and meticulous research to ensure that you receive superior service. Our firm will hit the ground running for you and your family so you can get help as soon as possible. Don’t hesitate to contact us today.