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Wrongful Death
Experiencing the death of a loved one is extremely difficult, and even more so when the death occurs as the result of the negligent acts or omissions of another. All states have statutes that deal with wrongful death, but the laws differ between the states. The KnowledgeBase articles on wrongful death have been submitted by attorneys to help you understand your rights and responsibilities if you choose to bring a wrongful death lawsuit and to introduce you to the concepts you will need to discuss with your attorney in order to receive the best outcome in your case.
Wrongful Death Articles
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Wrongful Death Claims in Ohio: What You Need to Know
Provided by Spangenberg Shibley & Liber LLP
Ohio's wrongful death laws allow survivors of a person to recover damages for the death of a loved one resulting from a wrongful act, neglect or default. A variety of damages may be available. Read More » -
Florida DOT Sued After Fatal Accident in iRox Construction Zone
Provided by The Hancock Law Firm, P.A.
The Florida Department of Transportation and its contractors have been sued for wrongful death by a woman whose husband died in a car accident in a construction zone. Read More » -
Rules Change to Reduce Truck Driver Hours Faces Republican Opposition
Provided by Kansas City Truck Accident Attorney
FMCSA begins revisions on driver hours rules to reduce fatigue and prevent truck accidents: safety groups applaud, American Trucking Association says it may sue. Read More » -
Amusement Park Accidents
Provided by Caravona & Czack, P.L.L.
Amusement parks provide a wonderful day of fun and excitement for the family. However, safety must be exercised in order to avoid a tragic ending to a fun-filled day. Read More » -
Wrongful Death Law in Oregon
Provided by Pickett Dummigan, LLP
A wrongful death lawsuit in Oregon allows a spouse, parent, or child to recover compensation for the death of a family member that was caused by the act or omission of another person. Read More » -
Killer Jobs: When a Workplace Accident Leads to Wrongful Death
Provided by Joseph Klest, Attorney at Law
Wrongful death claims that involve work accidents carry their own burden of proof, understanding the causes of these accidents is an important step toward winning your case. Read More » -
Texas Students Should Learn From Recent Fraternity Hazing Death
Provided by Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Sorrels, Agosto & Friend
When college hazing goes too far and extends into cruel and barbaric acts, it is important to hold the responsible parties accountable. Read More » -
OSHA Database Underreports Workplace Fatalities
Provided by Colucci, Colucci, Marcus & Flavin, PC
Federal officials have admitted that OSHA's database for tracking workplace fatalities is deficient in several key respects. Read More » -
Facts About California Wrongful Death Claims
Provided by Choulos, Choulos & Wyle
California law allows the families of a person who dies because of the negligence of another to bring what is known as a wrongful death claim against the responsible parties. Read More » -
Family Files Wrongful Death Lawsuit After Hyperbaric Chamber Explosion
Provided by Valenzuela & Stern, P.A.
The family of a boy who was fatally burned in a hyperbaric chamber explosion has filed wrongful death lawsuits, claiming the Ocean Hyperbaric Oxygen Neurologic Center was negligent in their treatment. Read More » -
Family Sues Staples Center for Wrongful Death After Fatal Skybox Fall
Provided by Mardirossian & Associates, Inc.
The family of a California two-year-old who fell from a Staples Center skybox during an L.A. Lakers game in 2010 has filed a premises liability claim for wrongful death against Anschutz Entertainment Group and L.A. Arena Co. Read More » -
Deepwater Horizon Owners Turn to Old Law Used in 'Titanic' Case
Provided by Doyle Raizner LLP
The owners of the Deepwater Horizon oil rig—like the Titanic owners nearly 100 years ago—have turned to the Limitation of Liability Act of 1851 to limit their legal liability. Read More » -
Fundamentals of a Wrongful Death Lawsuit
Provided by Ehline Law Firm PC
A wrongful death lawsuit begins with the death of a person who dies due to the negligence or carelessness of another person, a company, manufacturer or entity. Punitive damages are a part of the wrongful death lawsuit when the acts which were reckless, grossly negligent or intentional have caused the death of another person. Compensatory damages are awarded by the jury or a judge to repay the victim's family for the funeral, burial costs, any medical care and other expenses that were incurred as a direct result of the wrongful death. Read More » -
New Jersey Amusement Park Sued After Ferris Wheel Fall
Provided by Excandon, Fernicola, Anderson & Covelli, LLP
The girl’s family has brought a wrongful death claim against Morey’s Mariner’s Landing Pier, alleging that the park did not properly follow safety protocols. The family says the park should have installed a safety restraint system on the ride. It further alleges that the park was negligent in allowing the girl to board the ride alone. Read More » -
Florida Wrongful Death Actions: Who Can Recover Damages?
Provided by Steven Wingo, Attorney at Law
Florida Statute section 768.21 spells out the rights of recovery for those who lose a loved one because of another’s negligence. The wrongful death statute attempts to compensate those left behind. Read More » -
All Good Music Festival Tragedy Results in Lawsuit
Provided by Alan Hilliard Legum, P.A.
Walther Productions, based in Maryland, has recently been the subject of three separate lawsuits regarding a car accident that occurred during the annual All Good Music Festival. Read More » -
Yale Tailgate Death Raises Liability Questions
Provided by Ventura, Ribeiro & Smith, Attorneys at Law
Following the fatal accident, the New Haven Police Department impounded the rental truck for a forensic review. Police will also review witness statements before deciding whether to bring criminal charges against the truck’s driver or passengers, CBS News reported. So far, it has not been determined who is civilly liable for the woman’s death and the other women’s injuries, but the driver has hired a lawyer. Read More » -
Understanding Your Rights Under the Jones Act
Provided by Kraft Palmer Davies, PLLC
The Jones Act is an important maritime federal law that provides compensation rights to those who have been injured or developed an illness while working aboard or in connection to a vessel. Read More » -
North Carolina Teen Dead After Drunk Driver Causes Car Crash at 80 MPH
Provided by Maynard & Harris Attorneys at Law, PLLC
A recent crash in Holly Ridge, N.C. brought home the dangers of drunk driving in tragic fashion. Read More » -
The Value of a Person: Wrongful Death Awards in Illinois
Provided by Joseph Klest, Attorney at Law
When a family loses a loved one as a result of negligence, the wounds can go far deeper than money and the consequences are likely to resonate over many years for surviving family members. Read More » -
Woman Dies in Dry Cleaning Accident in New York
Provided by The Perecman Firm
A woman was crushed to death at the dry cleaner where she worked. Limin Min Huang was loading towels into an industrial steamer when her scarf got caught in the machine. Read More » -
Work Related Injuries: Workers’ Compensation Can Replace Lost Wages
Provided by Drake, Marjorie Howes
A workers' compensation claim can be important for individuals who suffer work-related injuries and are no longer able to perform their jobs. Read More » -
Accidental Deaths in New York: What are the Common Causes?
Provided by Daniel A Kalish
Accidents are the leading cause of death for those under 40. Knowing the most common sources of risk, and what to do if a loved one becomes a victim, can be a lifesaver. Read More » -
Wrongful Death and Recovery Rights of Children in Minnesota
Provided by Milavetz Gallop & Milavetz PA
When someone loses their life as the result of another's negligent acts, the family has a right, under Wrongful Death laws, to recover for the lost life. Read More » -
WI Court Upholds Father’s Right to Sue for Death of Unborn Fetus
Provided by Clancy Law
Wisconsin appellate court finds that mothers owe a duty of care to the unborn fetus. Read More » -
Investigation of Fatal Indiana Stage Collapse Causing Controversy
Provided by Doehrman Chamberlain
The tragic collapse of a concert stage at the Indiana State Fair raises many questions as investigations begin. Read More » -
Your Legal Rights When a Loved One Dies
Provided by The Orlow Firm
There is nothing more heartbreaking for a parent than the loss of a child. When such a death comes as the result of someone else's bad acts, it becomes even more difficult to handle. Read More » -
When Accidents Lead to Death — Wrongful Death Lawsuits in Georgia
Provided by Clark & Smith
A civil lawsuit — called a wrongful death action in Georgia — may be filed against a person who causes an accidental death due to negligence, misconduct, reckless behavior or criminal action. Read More » -
Family Receives Large Jury Award after Father Killed in Wrongful Death Suit
Provided by Herrman & Herrman, P.L.L.C.
A jury awarded $4.7 million dollars in a recent wrongful death suit. The case brings attention to the many factors a jury must consider when determining an award and the types of legal remedies available when a loved one is lost through another's willful or negligent actions. Read More » -
Cell Phone Ban Study Shows Reduction in California Fatal Car Accidents
Provided by Biren Katzman Trial Lawyers
California has seen a significant reduction in fatal car, truck and motorcycle accidents since a new state law banned hand-held cell phone use in 2008, according to study results recently released by the state Office of Traffic Safety (OTS). Read More » -
Death of Osama bin Laden Highlights Importance of the Zadroga Act
Provided by The Perecman Firm, P.L.L.C.
For many individuals, the death of bin Laden brought closure. The death also served to rekindle memories of those who volunteered to assist at the World Trade Center site after the 9/11 attacks. Read More » -
Disaster Strikes in West Virginia Coal Mine
Provided by Akers Law Offices, PLLC
April 5th explosion the worst mining accident in decades Read More » -
Florida Eliminates Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death by Homicide
Provided by Carman & Bevington, P.A.
Florida Governor Charlie Crist signs legislation eliminating the statute of limitations for filing wrongful death claims. Read More » -
Study Finds Uptick in Anesthesia-Related Deaths
Provided by Kinerk Schmidt and Sethi PLLC
Conviction of Michael Jackson's doctor coincides with a German study reporting increase in anesthesia-related deaths. Read More » -
For Survivors of a Fallen Biker: Wrongful Death Claims in NC
Provided by North Carolina Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
In 2008, a staggering 159 motorcyclists were killed in North Carolina. Those fallen bikers are not just statistics; they were loved people that families and friends tragically and unexpectedly lost. Read More » -
Insurance Companies Shamelessly Profit From The Death of Servicemembers
Provided by Patrick J. McLain
Who should be allowed to profit from the death of servicemembers? The question is almost so appalling as to be absurd. And yet, those are the accusations made by family members. Read More » -
Kentucky Court Expands Spousal Right to Sue for Loss of Consortium
Provided by Hargadon, Lenihan & Herrington
In October 2009, the Supreme Court of Kentucky extended widowed spouses the right to sue for loss of consortium damages after their spouses' wrongful deaths. Read More » -
How Does New York Law Compensate for a "Wrongful Death"?
Provided by Orlow, Orlow & Orlow, P.C.
New York State only allows monetary recovery for two grounds for "Wrongful Death" Read More » -
More Trucking Accidents in Texas Than Any Other State
Provided by Frenkel & Frenkel, LLP
More people were killed in crashes involving large trucks in Texas than in any other state in 2007. Over 10 percent of people killed in US truck crashes died in Texas. Read More »
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