Most legal cases are difficult, but few can be as taxing as seeking financial compensation for a loved one’s wrongful death. An attorney will work with clients to prove that the at-fault party had a duty to behave in a specific manner but failed in that regard. The lawyer must also prove that the defendant’s negligence caused the victim’s injuries and subsequent death. Time is of the essence in a wrongful death case, and it is important for survivors to talk to a lawyer quickly to learn about their legal options. Read on to learn how to get ready for an initial consultation, and to learn how a lawyer can help families obtain just compensation.
Preparing for an Attorney’s Visit
Before consulting wrongful death lawyers in Vermont, a decedent’s survivors should gather all the evidence they can. This documentation can include eyewitness reports, medical and police reports, and testimony from expert witnesses in workplace death or defective product cases.
Wrongful Death Cases Depend on Evidence
In a wrongful death action, plaintiffs must show that a defendant has caused the victim’s injuries by what’s known as “a preponderance of the evidence.” Civil and criminal courts are very different: in a criminal case, jurors must be sure of a defendant’s guilt beyond reasonable doubt, while in a civil action, evidence must show that the defendant’s actions likely caused the victim’s wrongful death. Click here to get more information.
Damages in Wrongful Death Suits
Damages in a wrongful death case are meant to compensate the decedent’s family for medical bills for pre-death treatments, funeral expenses, lost wages, and the loss of nurturing or companionship (compensatory damages). Punitive damages may also be available, as these punish the at-fault party for their negligent behavior.
Recovery Limits
All jurisdictions place limits on the amount of money a victim’s survivors can receive for punitive and compensatory damages. In cases where someone has died in a boat sinking or plane crash, international treaties may affect the amount a family can receive. For these reasons, it may be a wise decision to call McVeigh Skiff LLP, wrongful death lawyers in Vermont, who know state recovery limits and who can work within the law to get the family what they deserve.
