A wrongful death is one that occurs because of another person’s negligent behavior. Death always creates difficult situations for those who were close to the deceased. If that death was caused by another person’s carelessness or recklessness, the loss can be even more devastating.
Certain family members can recover compensation in a wrongful death lawsuit. There are several types of recoverable damages for wrongful death plaintiffs in Buffalo. However, victims’ families will likely face disputes from defendants’ insurance companies. A wrongful death lawyer can offer guidance and support when pursuing a claim.
If your family member suffered a wrongful death, get help recovering the financial compensation available to you. Contact experienced Buffalo wrongful death lawyers by calling The Carrion Law Firm at (718) 841-0083 for a free case review.
Who Can Be Compensated in a Buffalo Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
In Buffalo wrongful death lawsuits, the victims’ spouse and children will be permitted to recover compensation. However, other family members may be awarded damages if the deceased did not have a surviving spouse or surviving children.
- If a wrongful death victim did not have children or a spouse, the victims’ parents may recover compensation.
- If a wrongful death victim did not have a spouse, children, or parents, then the victims’ siblings may recover compensation.
- If a wrongful death victim did not have a spouse, children, parents, or siblings, then the victim’s grandparents may recover compensation.
If your loved one passed away because of another party’s negligent behavior, our Buffalo wrongful death lawyers can help determine if you may recover damages in a wrongful death lawsuit.
Damages Available in a Buffalo Wrongful Death Lawsuit
A wrongful death can cause victims’ families to endure severe emotional distress and financial hardship. Accordingly, there are several types of damages available to plaintiffs in Buffalo wrongful death cases. Our Buffalo wrongful death lawyers can help determine which of the following damages may be available in your case:
Economic Damages
Economic damages are financial losses that victims suffered because of a wrongful death. The following are common economic damages awarded in Buffalo wrongful death lawsuits:
- Medical expenses required to treat the victim
- Funeral expenses
- Lost wages the victim would have earned
- Loss of parental guidance the victim would have provided
- Loss of other familial services the victim would have provided, such as childcare
The victims age and life expectancy can be used to determine the amount of economic damages to be awarded. However, proving economic damages can be complicated in a wrongful death case. Our Buffalo wrongful death lawyers can help recover the economic damages available to you.
Non-economic Damages
Victims’ families will not be able to recover damages for the emotional distress caused by a wrongful death. However, plaintiffs may recover damages for the conscious pain and suffering and fear of impending death a victim may have experienced before passing. Our Buffalo wrongful death lawyers can also help fight for any non-economic damages available in your case.
Common Causes of Wrongful Death Accidents in Buffalo
Wrongful death lawsuits can come in many forms. A wrongful death lawsuit can occur whenever someone has been killed because of another party’s negligent acts. However, some causes of wrongful death accidents arise more frequently than others. The following are common causes of wrongful death accidents in Buffalo:
Car Accidents
Car accidents are a frequent cause of wrongful death accidents. Drivers are expected to exercise reasonable care behind the wheel. Still, numerous car accidents happen each day because of drivers’ negligent behavior. The following are common forms of negligence that lead to car accidents in Buffalo:
- Distracted driving
- Drunk driving
- Speeding
- Failing to use turn signals
- Running red lights
- Reckless driving
If your loved one has been killed because of another driver’s negligent conduct, you may contact our experienced Buffalo wrongful death for help building a case.
Truck Accidents
Truck accidents are potentially more dangerous than standard car accidents because of the vehicles’ size. Trucks can easily crush smaller vehicles and cause fatal injuries to passengers. Furthermore, because of the vehicles’ size, trucks can be very difficult to maneuver on smaller, city streets.
Truck drivers are also asked to drive long hours with little rest. Fatigued truck drivers often commit errors that cause serious accidents. Our Buffalo wrongful death lawyers can help recover compensation if your family member passed away in a truck accident.
Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents can also lead to wrongful deaths. In pedestrian accidents, pedestrians are left unprotected to absorb the full force of a crash. Therefore, pedestrians can suffer fatal injuries when struck by negligent motorists. Pedestrian accidents are most common at the sunrise and sunset, when it can be difficult to see. Our Buffalo wrongful death lawyers can help gather evidence to prove that a pedestrian accident was caused by a motorist’s negligence.
Accidents Caused by Defective Products
Some wrongful death accidents are caused by dangerous or defective products. The following are common types of defective products that can cause wrongful deaths:
- Toxic food products
- Defective car seats
- Defective seat belts
- Dangerous drugs or pharmaceutical products
- Malfunctioning construction equipment
- Defective household appliances
- Dangerous children’s toys
If your loved one was killed because of a defective product, our Buffalo wrongful death lawyers may be able to recover damages from a negligent seller or manufacturer.
Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents can also lead to wrongful deaths. Property owners are required to maintain their premises for the safety of their visitors. If a property owner does not tend to potential dangers on his property, serious slip and fall accidents can occur. Such accidents can cause devastating harm to senior citizens and those with pre-existing injuries. Our Buffalo wrongful death lawyers can help recover compensation if a family member passed away because of a slip and fall accident.
If Your Family Member Suffered a Wrongful Death in Buffalo, Our Lawyers Can Help
If your family member suffered a wrongful death, seek assistance from our experienced Buffalo wrongful death lawyers by calling The Carrion Law Firm at (718) 841-0083 for a free case review.