- posted: Nov. 09, 2016
- Nursing Home Abuse, Auto Accidents, Dog Bites, Slips and Falls, Trips and Falls, Bicycle Accidents, Brain Injury, Workplace Injury, Accidental Injury, Uncategorized, Wrongful Death
There is much to do and consider after the tragic loss of a loved one. Funeral arrangements must be made. Friends and family come by and call. Loose ends in the person’s estate might need attention. You are grieving in the midst of it all.
Many people ask themselves why it happened to their loved one. Some grieving families can reclaim a piece of justice and financial compensation through wrongful death claims. It is recommended, however, that family members contact an attorney shortly after the injury or death of their loved one. Evidence fades rapidly over time, and the statute of limitations in Wisconsin only allows the family three years from the time of the deceased person’s fatal injury (not death) to make a claim.
What defines a “wrongful death”?
A wrongful death is considered when someone dies as a result of another person’s wrongful actions. The person could have been “negligent” – a medical practitioner who distributed a lethal dose of medicine or an inattentive driver; or they could have had the “intent to harm” – malicious actions that caused injury or death.
Who can file a wrongful death claim in Wisconsin?
- Representative of deceased person’s estate
- Spouse or domestic partner
- Parent or guardian
- Child of the deceased
The family member or estate representative might file a claim for a number of reasons, mostly for a piece of closure and financial assistance.
Recoverable Damages
- Reimbursement for the deceased’s medical costs
- Reimbursement for the deceased’s burial costs
- Compensation for lost financial support for a dependent of the deceased
- Loss of society and companionship
Contact an experienced attorney
Waiting to make your claim could mean less evidence and time to support your case. If you have any questions or would like to make a claim, give the attorneys at Sperling Law Offices a call. Your consultation is free, and we understand that this is a heavy weight to bear. Let our lawyers take some of the weight off your shoulders. Call 414-273-7777 to speak with an experienced and considerate attorney.
