Wrongful death refers to the death of an individual due to a negligent, reckless, or intentional act of another person or entity. This can include deaths resulting from motor vehicle accidents, nursing home neglect, medical malpractice, defective products or dangerous drugs, workplace accidents, and deliberate acts of violence. While no amount of money can bring back your loved one, filing a lawsuit with the help of an experienced Green Bay wrongful death lawyer can help you recover from the financial and emotional losses associated with the death of your loved one.
If you lost a loved one due to a wrongful death in Green Bay, we can help. A wrongful death attorney is skilled in the laws and regulations that govern such cases and understand the emotions that come with a tragedy of this kind. At Hupy and Abraham, we understand that no amount of money can replace your loved one. Our experienced attorneys are dedicated to seeking justice for your loved one’s untimely death and will fight to get you the best possible outcome for your case.
How Does a Wrongful Death Lawsuit Work?
Wrongful death lawsuits are civil court proceedings that seek to hold negligent parties responsible for their actions. A wrongful death lawsuit can be filed by the deceased's family, such as the surviving spouse, children, siblings, or parents. The executor named in the will of the deceased can also bring forth a claim.
Once you determine that you have the standing to sue for a wrongful death claim, the next step is bringing forth the claim and filing a complaint with the court. The complaint officially starts the process of a lawsuit and will outline the facts of the case and identify what person is being sued.
It is important to consult with an experienced lawyer for guidance when planning on filing this type of lawsuit. They'll be able to determine if you have legal standing to bring forth a claim and what types of damages you can recover for your loss. If it is proven that another party is responsible for the wrongful death of your loved one, you may be able to recover the following damages:
- Medical expenses
- Funeral costs
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of companionship
- Out-of-pocket costs
When to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
You may be in shock from losing your loved one in such a tragic way and not thinking about taking immediate legal action, but a wrongful death lawsuit should be filed as soon as possible after the death of your loved one. There are time limits for filing such claims known as statutes of limitations. In Wisconsin, the statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death lawsuit is three years from the date of your loved one’s death. After the three-year statute of limitations has passed, you will no longer be able to file a claim to recover compensation.
Consulting a wrongful death attorney in Green Bay, WI, immediately following the death of your loved one will help ensure that you comply with all applicable regulations and maximize your chances of success in a wrongful death case.
Where to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Green Bay?
Wrongful death lawsuits are filed in the state court system where the death occurred, or where the defendant resided at the time of their death. Before filing a wrongful death lawsuit, it is important to seek legal advice from an experienced Green Bay wrongful death lawyer who can determine the most appropriate jurisdiction for your case and how best to proceed with the lawsuit.
Depending on where the death occurred and the circumstances of the case, the specific state and county may also have particular rules governing wrongful death claims that need to be followed, so it is essential to research the applicable laws prior to filing a lawsuit.
What is a Wrongful Death Lawyer?
A wrongful death lawyer is an attorney who specializes in representing the families of victims who have been killed due to another person’s negligence or intentional harm. They are knowledgeable in relevant state and federal laws and any specific local regulations that may apply to your case. A Green Bay wrongful death lawyer will work closely with you and other family members, explain your legal rights, help keep them protected, and determine what steps you need to take to proceed with a wrongful death lawsuit.
You will want to make sure the lawyer you choose has experience in Green Bay and has a successful record of settlements for similar cases. You will also want to look for a wrongful death lawyer with a solid reputation for providing excellent service to their clients and one who is highly regarded by their peers. At Hupy and Abraham, our lawyers have been voted best and rated best by our clients and community. Finally, the lawyer you choose to handle your claim should be someone who you feel comfortable talking to and who will take the time to answer any questions you may have about filing a wrongful death lawsuit.
When to Hire a Green Bay Wrongful Death Lawyer?
It is important to hire a wrongful death lawyer immediately following the death of your loved one. Since wrongful death lawsuits have strict filing deadlines, hiring a lawyer as soon as possible will ensure you meet this deadline and can pursue compensation for the loss of your loved one.
An experienced wrongful death attorney can help guide you through the legal process and keep your rights and possible compensation protected. Hiring a lawyer immediately following your loved one’s death can help make sure that evidence is preserved that can be used to support your case. If you wait too long to hire a lawyer, this evidence may no longer be available.
Why You Need a Wrongful Death Attorney?
When a loved one is killed as the result of another person’s negligence or intentional harm, it can be difficult to navigate the legal process alone. It is essential to have an experienced attorney on your side who understands the laws surrounding these types of cases.
A wrongful death attorney can help you seek justice and obtain the compensation you need to recover from the loss of your loved one. An experienced lawyer will advise you of your legal rights and do the following to help ensure you get the best possible outcome:
- Navigate complicated legal issues. Since wrongful death cases can be complicated, a wrongful death lawyer will help you navigate all legal issues related to your case and provide guidance on how best to proceed with your case.
- Collect evidence. An attorney will investigate the death of your loved one and help gather evidence such as witness statements, photographs and videos of the accident scene, medical and police reports, accident reports, and anything else relevant to the case.
- Prove liability. A wrongful death lawyer can identify what party or parties may be responsible for the wrongful death of your loved one and work to prove that the party’s negligent actions caused the wrongful death.
- Value your claim. A lawyer will calculate what your case is worth based on the evidence they find and determine what damages you are entitled to receive. You may be able to recover funeral expenses, lost income, medical costs, pain and suffering, and more.
- Negotiate with insurance companies. Insurance companies may pressure you to settle for less than what your case is worth. An attorney will negotiate with insurers on your behalf so you get the settlement you deserve.
- Represent you at trial. If the wrongful death claim is not settled with the insurance company, a Green Bay wrongful death lawyer will represent you in court and fight to get you the total amount of compensation you are entitled to receive.
A Green Bay wrongful death attorney can provide you with emotional support and guidance throughout the complex process of a wrongful death lawsuit so any unnecessary stress can be eliminated. You can focus on recovering from your loss while your attorney handles the rest.
Contact Our Wrongful Death Attorney in Green Bay for a Free Consult
At Hupy and Abraham in Green Bay, WI, our personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we don't get paid unless we win or settle your case. That also means that we offer free consultations.
To schedule an appointment with our experienced Green Bay wrongful death attorney, contact us online or give us a call at 1-800-800-5678 today!