Franklin Wrongful Death Lawyer

A loved one’s death is one of the most painful moments anyone can experience. When someone’s reckless or negligent actions cause the loss, grief can become overpowered by a desire for justice. As an experienced wrongful death attorney in Franklin, I will help you protect the memory of your loved one by holding the responsible party accountable.

Wrongful death cases can have unique problems that could become overwhelming for grieving families. However, you should not let this stand in the way of justice. As a Franklin personal injury lawyer, I will empower you to take legal action.

When I represent your case, you will not have to worry about the legal process anymore; you can trust me to handle your claim with compassion and determination. Call me, Ed Atkinson, today for a free legal consultation.

Possible Compensation in Franklin Wrongful Death Cases

As a wrongful death lawyer in Franklin, I have witnessed the emotional and financial struggles families face after losing a loved one in a fatal accident. While no amount of money could truly heal the wounds left by such a tragic loss, pursuing compensation offers financial support for surviving family members.

Available wrongful death damages include:

• Medical expenses resulting from the illness or injury that caused the victim’s death
• Burial expenses
• Lost income
• Loss of financial support
• Pain and suffering

I will calculate all the losses your family suffered after the fatal accident. In addition to this, I will also estimate how much money you are still likely to lose due to your loved one’s death to make sure you seek maximum compensation.

Your Wrongful Death Claim Could Also Qualify for Punitive Damages

In Virginia, punitive damages punish the at-fault party for their unlawful disregard for the rights and safety of others. To qualify, a wrongful death case must meet certain criteria. If you are not sure whether you are eligible, an experienced wrongful death attorney can determine if you could pursue punitive damages.

A classic example of a case that could be awarded punitive damages is a drunk driving accident. If your loved one died in a fatal crash caused by an intoxicated driver with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.15% or more, according to Code of Virginia § 8.01-44.5, this proves the driver’s conscious disregard for others’ safety.

Also, if the motorist unreasonably refuses to take a BAC test, punitive damages could apply. As an experienced drunk driving accident lawyer in Franklin, I will investigate the circumstances that caused the deadly crash and build a strong case against the reckless driver.

Virginia imposes a limitation on the amount of punitive damages that can be recovered, so the maximum amount you can get this way is $350,000. However, I will explore all avenues of compensation and get you more money in addition to punitive damages.

Are You Eligible to File a Wrongful Death Claim in Virginia?

According to the Code of Virginia § 8.01-53, a representative of the victim’s estate may file a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of family members.

The following family members might qualify for damages:

• Spouse
• Children
• Grandchildren
• Other relatives who depended on the decedent and were part of the household

If there are several potential beneficiaries, the compensation can be divided equally. However, that is not always what happens. The court will consider various aspects, including the financial needs of each beneficiary. As your lawyer, I will protect your rights and represent your interests.

Compassionate Legal Support for the Wrongful Death of a Minor

No parent should experience the tragedy of losing their child in a deadly accident. Filing a claim against the at-fault party can be a difficult journey, one you should not take without legal representation. By serving as your Franklin child injury lawyer, I will compassionately guide you through the legal process.

If someone’s reckless actions or negligence caused your child’s fatal illness or injury, you could pursue a wrongful death lawsuit in Virginia.

While no amount of compensation can truly make up for the time you were robbed of spending with your loved one, holding the at-fault party accountable could help you find closure. Also, by taking legal action, you could prevent other children from dying under similar circumstances.

You Have a Limited Time to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Virginia

The statute of limitations determines how much time you have to file a lawsuit against the defendant. According to Virginia Code § 8.01-244, most wrongful death lawsuits should be filed within two years. Not filing your claim before the deadline may lead the court to dismiss your case.

Exactly how long you have to take legal action depends on the details of your case. Certain details could influence the deadline. To learn the time frame that applies to your case, consult a wrongful death attorney about Virginia’s statute of limitations.

Call Atkinson Law Today for a Free Consultation

If you recently lost a loved one, please accept my sincere condolences. As an experienced wrongful death lawyer, I understand that taking legal action when you are grieving can be difficult; you don’t have to do this alone. Allow me to take care of all the details of your case so you can focus on your family.

Throughout my legal practice, I have handled a wide range of wrongful death cases; I have seen the many ways grief can change families. As your lawyer, I will guide you through this difficult period and help you adapt to your new life. Contact me today to share the details of your case.