Roanoke Wrongful Death Lawyer

Losing a family member to someone’s careless or reckless behavior is a horrible situation that no one should face alone. Although no amount of money can undo what happened, a Roanoke wrongful death lawyer can hold the responsible party accountable and provide financial stability for your family’s future.

I’m Attorney Ed Atkinson, and as a Roanoke personal injury lawyer who handles wrongful death claims, I am committed to helping surviving family members after fatal accidents. I accept cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless I win your case. 

Reach out to me at Atkinson Law to schedule a risk-free consultation.

Accidents That Lead to Wrongful Death

Similar to personal injury cases, wrongful death claims can stem from various incidents. Over the past 15 years, I’ve prevailed in many cases where negligence resulted in devastating losses. This experience has equipped me to handle a wide range of accident cases.

If you’ve experienced the loss of a loved one in any of the following scenarios, you may have grounds for a wrongful death claim:

• Car or truck accident
• Motorcycle crash
• Dog attack
• Horseback riding accident
• Slip-and-fall accident

Those are just some common examples. During our initial consultation, I’ll assess your loved one’s accident to determine whether you have a case. Then, I’ll explain your options, and it will be up to you to decide on the course of action we take.

Damages I Could Pursue as Your Roanoke Wrongful Death Lawyer

Securing compensation for wrongful death can help with the financial strain you may be under. Several damages may be available in Roanoke, depending on the case’s specifics.

Examples of recoverable damages in a Roanoke wrongful death case include:

• Funeral and burial costs: Recovering money for burial and funeral services can help you honor your loved one without suffering financially.
• Loss of income: This form of compensation may replace the money your loved one had been providing for the family.
• Medical expenses: This refers to the medical bills incurred leading up to the accident victim’s passing, such as hospitalization and treatment costs.
• Loss of services: Money for services your loved one provided, like childcare or household duties, may be available.
• Loss of companionship: This refers to the emotional toll of losing the support and guidance provided by your loved one.
• Pain and suffering: This damage acknowledges the mental suffering you and your family have gone through as a result of the loss.
• Punitive damages: In certain cases, a Virginia court may award punitive damages if the at-fault party showed extreme disregard for the safety of others. For example, in a car accident case, I could seek punitive damages if the at-fault driver was drag racing or driving drunk.

As your attorney, I am committed to investigating your loved one’s passing and fighting for the money your family deserves.

Wrongful Death Claim Eligibility in Virginia

Based on the guidelines in the Code of Virginia § 8.01-53, certain family members may be eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Typically, an appointed representative of the deceased’s estate takes responsibility for filing a lawsuit on behalf of surviving family members.

Eligible parties who can file a wrongful death claim in Virginia include:

• The surviving spouse of the deceased person
• Children or grandchildren of the decedent
• Other relatives who were part of the deceased person’s household and relied on them for support

When there are multiple beneficiaries, such as several children, it’s customary to distribute the money between them evenly. That said, the court may consider various factors when determining how the money is divided. 

What My Team and I Can Do for Your Case

At Atkinson Law, we never treat you like just another case number. We understand that this is an emotional time for you, and we offer compassionate assistance throughout the legal process.

Here are some of the services I provide as a wrongful death attorney:

• Free, zero-risk case evaluation: During this meeting or telephone conversation, I’ll listen attentively, provide legal insights, and address your concerns.
• Thorough investigation: My team and I conduct a detailed inquiry, analyzing accident reports and medical records and interviewing witnesses.
• Assessment of damages: I’ll assess all of your damages, ensuring you include both financial and non-financial losses.
• Insurance negotiations: I’ll negotiate with the involved insurance company to secure a fair settlement and protect you from their attempts to minimize your damages or deny your claim.
• Court representation: If needed, I’ll file a lawsuit before the statute of limitations runs out and represent you in court, presenting a compelling case to the jury.

Don’t let time run out on your claim. When you need effective legal support after a fatal accident, my team and I are here for you.

Contact Atkinson Law to Get Started With a Free Consultation

It may be hard to focus on legal matters while grieving the loss of a family member. Just know that Atkinson Law is here to help you obtain the money you need to honor your loved one and lighten your financial burdens. As a seasoned wrongful death lawyer in Roanoke, I know how to get justice in these cases.

Trust me to manage your case while you grieve and support your family. I’ll conduct a thorough investigation into the incident, leveraging the evidence to prove liability. 

If a fair settlement agreement cannot be reached through negotiations, I’ll take your case to court and fight for justice there. Contact my office today to schedule your free case evaluation.