The Truth About Wrongful Death Lawsuits: Seeking Justice for Your Loved One

Losing a loved one is always painful, but when that loss is caused by someone else’s negligence, the grief is compounded by anger and frustration. It wasn’t supposed to happen. Whether it was a reckless driver, a careless doctor, or an unsafe workplace, their failure to act responsibly took someone you love away from you far too soon.

While no amount of money can bring them back, a wrongful death lawsuit can provide justice, financial stability, and accountability. Families left behind often face unexpected expenses, lost income, and emotional hardship—and the party responsible should be held accountable.

At Awad & Baker, we’ve helped families navigate the legal process during the most difficult times of their lives. Here’s what you need to know about wrongful death cases and how we can help you seek the justice your loved one deserves.

What Qualifies as a Wrongful Death Case?

A wrongful death occurs when someone dies as a result of another person or entity’s negligence, recklessness, or misconduct. These cases can arise in many situations, including:

🚗 Car & Truck Accidents

• Drunk or distracted drivers

• Speeding and reckless driving

• Commercial trucking accidents due to overworked drivers or poor maintenance

🏥 Medical Malpractice

• Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis

• Surgical errors and anesthesia mistakes

• Prescription drug errors

  
  

⚠️ Workplace Negligence

• Construction accidents due to unsafe conditions

• Lack of proper safety equipment

• Exposure to toxic chemicals or unsafe machinery

🏢 Premises Liability

• Fatal slips and falls due to unsafe conditions

• Inadequate security leads to deadly attacks

• Structural collapses or dangerous property conditions

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❌ Defective Products

• Faulty car parts causing fatal crashes

• Dangerous medical devices or defective drugs

• Unsafe consumer products that lead to deadly injuries

If your loved one’s death was caused by another party’s failure to act responsibly, you may have a wrongful death case. But who can file the lawsuit?

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim?

Each state has specific laws about who can bring a wrongful death lawsuit. Generally, the right to file a claim falls to the deceased’s closest family members or an appointed representative. This usually includes:

• 👨‍👩‍👧 Spouse and Children: The surviving spouse and minor or adult children are typically first in line.

• 👵 Parents of the Deceased: If the person who passed away was unmarried or had no children, parents can often file a claim.

• 🏛 Estate Representative: In some cases, the executor of the deceased’s estate may file on behalf of the surviving family.

The timeframe to file a wrongful death claim, known as the statute of limitations, varies by state. Waiting too long could mean losing your right to seek justice—so it’s important to act quickly and consult an attorney as soon as possible.

What Compensation Covers in a Wrongful Death Lawsuit

Wrongful death lawsuits are about more than just money—they’re about holding the responsible party accountable and helping the family move forward without financial hardship. The damages awarded in these cases often cover:

💰 Economic Damages:

✔ Funeral and Burial Costs: Covering final arrangements.

✔ Lost Income & Benefits: Compensation for the wages the deceased would have earned.

✔ Medical Expenses: Any bills related to the final injury or illness.

💔 Non-Economic Damages:

✔ Loss of Companionship: For spouses, children, and family members left behind.

✔ Pain and Suffering: Emotional trauma endured by the surviving family.

✔ Loss of Guidance & Support: Especially for children who have lost a parent.

⚖️ Punitive Damages (in Some Cases):

If the responsible party acted recklessly or intentionally, the court may award punitive damages—not just to compensate the family, but to punish the wrongdoer and prevent similar tragedies.

Without a strong legal team fighting for you, insurance companies and corporations will try to minimize what they pay out. That’s where Awad & Baker comes in.

Let Us Fight for Your Family While You Focus on Healing

Losing a loved one due to someone else’s negligence is heartbreaking, but you don’t have to go through this alone. While nothing can bring them back, a wrongful death lawsuit can help bring justice and financial security to your family.

At Awad & Baker, we offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis—meaning you don’t pay unless we win your case.

👉 Call us today to discuss your case. Justice isn’t automatic, but with the right legal team, it’s absolutely possible.