Dealing with sudden death is difficult enough. It is much worse when your loved one gets killed because of someone’s negligence. It is emotionally devastating. But you may also struggle financially, especially when you lose an earning family member. When your loved one dies due to someone else’s negligence, you have the right to seek financial compensation.
In this regard, you will need to file a wrongful death lawsuit. However, navigating the complex legal system is easier said than done, especially for a novice. If you want to get desired compensation, hiring a competent wrongful death lawyer in Utah is necessary.
Here’s when you should speak with a wrongful death lawyer in Utah. But first, let’s understand what negligence is.
Understanding Negligence
Understanding the concept of negligence is necessary before you decide to file a wrongful death lawsuit. According to FindLaw, “Negligence describes a situation in which a person acts in a careless (or negligent) manner, which results in someone else getting hurt or property being damaged.”
When negligence causes someone’s death, it’s called wrongful death. In short, negligence is an act of carelessness that often leads to property damage, bodily injuries, and even death. This includes death due to medical negligence, careless driving, and even a dog biting a passerby.
Consult a skilled wrongful death lawyer in Utah to understand your legal options. Based on a primary analysis of your case, they will help you know if you can bring the lawsuit.
When Should You Speak with a Wrongful Death Lawyer in Utah
Remember, a wrongful death lawsuit gets filed against a person legally responsible for the death of your loved one/s. The goal of this lawsuit is to seek compensation for the damages and lost income, among other things. If you face one of the following situations, speak with an experienced wrongful death attorney in Utah.
1. Sudden or Unexpected Death
This is one of the common reasons people seek legal help from a reliable wrongful death lawyer in Utah. Your loved one’s sudden death may occur due to a car accident, sleep and fall, or even a medical error.
When this is the case, you should consider calling an attorney. Your lawyer will analyze your case and let you know if you have legal grounds to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Seek legal counsel as quickly as possible to get things rolling.
2. Death During Medical Treatment
Doctors and other medical professionals owe a duty of care to all their patients. They must provide treatment in line with the medical standard of care. Medical negligence occurs when a nurse, doctor, surgeon, or other medical professional fails to adhere to the prescribed/accepted standard of care.
You can file a wrongful death lawsuit when this lack of care leads to the patient’s death. If your loved one has died during medical treatment, it would be worth checking if this was due to medical negligence. Speak with a good wrongful death lawyer in Utah to understand your legal options.
3. Death during a crime
If someone’s criminal act caused your loved one’s death, you might have grounds for filing a wrongful death lawsuit. Usually, crimes like assault, battery, and rape can lead to wrongful death, resulting in a civil lawsuit for damages. Remember, you might be able to file a lawsuit, even if your loved one dies at home or in a hospital.
However, make sure to consult a wrongful death lawyer in Utah. They can help you assess the situation and decide how to proceed. Describe the situation that led to your loved one’s death in detail. Don’t leave out anything or exaggerate. An honest assessment can help your lawyer provide you with the best possible legal advice.
4. Suspicion of Negligence
There are also grounds for a wrongful death lawsuit if you suspect your loved one’s death was a result of someone else’s actions or inaction. This act could be negligent, reckless, or intentional.
For example, if a reckless driver causes a car crash that leads to the death of your loved one, you can file a civil lawsuit to seek compensation. The lawsuit will be filed against the reckless driver. But you do need to hire a wrongful death lawyer as soon as possible.
5. Unsafe Product Caused Death
From the coffee machine that makes your morning brew to the car that takes you to work, we rely on dozens of products daily. We also count on these products to work safely. Unfortunately, a defective product can cause injuries or even death. You may have heard of a faulty hair dryer electrocuting someone or a failed break resulting in a car crash.
When an unsafe product causes your loved one’s death, you might have reasonable cause to file a wrongful death lawsuit. If you decide to bring a lawsuit, your lawyer can file it based on negligence or strict liability. Make sure to talk to a wrongful death lawyer in Utah first.
6. Workplace Accident
Not everyone who dies on the job may be eligible for wrongful death compensation. However, there can be grounds for filing a wrongful death lawsuit. For example, if the company or management fails to provide proper safety equipment or causes workers to use faulty equipment that results in death, you might be able to bring a lawsuit.
Of course, you will need to consult a wrongful death lawyer in Utah first. Your lawyer will help you understand how to file a lawsuit. They can come up with a legal strategy to help you get the compensation you deserve.
7. Difficult to Determine Who’s at Fault
Sometimes, you may suspect someone’s negligence or carelessness caused your loved one’s death. But, it is difficult to determine who caused the negligence or carelessness. That’s when a successful wrongful death attorney in Utah comes in.
Your lawyer can help you identify who is at fault and file a lawsuit accordingly. Be sure to discuss your case in detail with your attorney.
Conclusion
If your loved one has recently passed away, and if you believe it was a result of negligence or carelessness, speak with a professional wrongful death attorney in Utah. Your lawyer can help you understand who is at fault, how much compensation can you get, and how to file the lawsuit. If you find yourself in one of these seven situations, consult a lawyer as soon as possible.
Do you want to file a wrongful death lawsuit? Carlson Injury Law is a leading personal injury law firm dedicated to helping the people of Utah. Fill out our secure online contact form or give us a call at (801) 845-4577 for details.