Wrongful death is a civil lawsuit that can be filed by the survivors of a person who has been killed due to the negligence or intentional act of another person. In order to prove wrongful death, the survivors must show that the deceased person’s death was caused by the defendant’s negligence or intentional act and that the survivors have suffered damages as a result.
Elements of Wrongful Death
To ensure the success of a wrongful death lawsuit, you must prove that:
- The deceased person died. This can be proven with a death certificate or other documentation.
- The defendant’s negligence or intentional act caused the death
- The survivors have suffered damages as a result of the death
- The defendant’s negligence or intentional act was the proximate cause of the death
Proving Wrongful Death
There are a number of different types of evidence that may be helpful in proving wrongful death, including:
- Police reports: Police reports can provide information about the circumstances surrounding the death, such as the cause of the accident or the identity of the person who caused it.
- Medical records: Medical records can provide information about the deceased person’s injuries, the cause of those injuries and their treatment of those injuries.
- Witness statements: Witness statements can provide information about the events that led to the death.
- Expert testimony: Expert testimony can be helpful in explaining the medical or scientific evidence in your case.
Morefield Speicher Bachman’s Wrongful Death Attorneys are Here for You
If you have lost a loved one due to the negligence or intentional act of another person, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. An experienced wrongful death lawyer can help you gather the evidence you need to prove wrongful death and recover the compensation you deserve. It’s important to get a lawyer involved early before evidence is lost or forgotten.
Contact Morefield Speicher Bachman today to schedule a free consultation. We will review your case and discuss your legal options in detail.