Rhode Island Accident Lawyer Blog
Dealing with the loss of a loved one is never easy. Particularly so if your loved one’s death was easily preventable and caused by another person’s negligence, such as a fatal drunk driving crash. While family members are left to mourn a shocking loss, they must also make costly funeral preparations for the deceased. Facing an unexpected large expense can compound stress for loved ones and leave them financially burdened. When this occurs, the family of the deceased may take legal action to file a wrongful death claim against the negligent party for damages. This type of claim can recoup funeral and burial expenses as well as the financial burden of losing the family’s breadwinner and other harms like the loss of companionship. Attorney David Tapalian’s expertise in personal injury law and wrongful death in Rhode Island and Massachusetts has helped hundreds of families successfully win compensation after a serious injury or death of a loved one. As an experienced RI wrongful death lawyer, he will guide, support, and fight for you and your family during these trying times and ensure that your case is handled the way it deserves.
What is a Wrongful Death Claim?
A wrongful death claim is a type of legal action that may be initiated when a wrongful act or negligence of another party resulted in somebody’s death. For example, a parent may file a wrongful death claim if they lost a child in a car accident caused by a drunk driver. In Rhode Island, according to R.I. Gen. Laws § 10-7-1, this act, neglect, or default that led to the death must be classified as a type of action that would have allowed the deceased person to file a personal injury claim for damages had they survived. The type of action that led to the death may be based on negligence, like an auto accident, medical malpractice, or an intentional harm, like a crime. The estate or certain family members (spouse, child, parent) of the deceased can file a lawsuit and potentially be awarded a monetary settlement for damages against the party legally liable for the death. The essential aspects of a wrongful death claim are:
- The death of a person as the result of another party’s wrongful act or negligence.
- Surviving family members who are suffering financial losses due to the passing of their loved one.
- The deceased’s estate appointing a personal representative.
How a RI Wrongful Death Attorney Can Help You
At Tapalian Law, our legal team will treat your wrongful death claim with the compassion you deserve. You can rest assured that your case will be handled effectively and in a timely fashion and we will support and guide you throughout the entire process. Here’s what we can do for you:
- Help you understand the complexities of wrongful death law.
- Ensure all the paperwork is filed in the appropriate manner and on time.
- Thoroughly investigate the case and collect evidence to support your claim and determine fault.
- Negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf so that you get the compensation you are legally entitled to.
- If no settlement can be reached, we can represent you in court and fight for the justice that you and your loved one deserve.
Lawsuits can be extremely stressful, and wrongful death claims are particularly complicated and emotionally involved. Dealing with the legal process while mourning the loss of somebody so close to you can be emotionally taxing and overwhelming. Our Rhode Island wrongful death lawyer understands how difficult it is to lose a loved one and will support you every step of the way and ensure you and your family get the compensation you deserve.
Contact Tapalian Law Today
As with personal injury claims, there is a statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death claim, and if the claim and ensuing paperwork isn’t filed by the appropriate deadlines, you may be ineligible to seek compensation, or your case may be dismissed. It’s crucial to seek legal advice as soon as possible to preserve the integrity of your claim. Attorney David Tapalian provides a free consultation to evaluate your case, explore your options, and help you decide what your next best steps are. Our skilled legal team will answer any questions you may have and give you a better understanding of how to proceed with your case. To speak with an experienced wrongful death attorney in RI and MA, call Tapalian Law at 401-552-5000 or use our simple online form to book your free consultation.