Wrongful Death Attorneys
Wrongful Death
When a person dies as a result of the negligent or malicious acts of another, the law provides a cause of action for wrongful death. The intent is to compensate families for the pain, suffering, and torment caused when they lose a loved one. Additionally, families are forced to cope with financial burdens, which often accompany the death of a family member, especially a wage earner. We understand that this is a difficult and emotional time. We want to protect your rights and make sure your family does not have to endure an additional hardship. We have successfully helped many families who have lost loved ones and provided them with financial security.
Common Causes of Wrongful Death
There are a variety of factors that can lead to a wrongful death. All too often, the circumstances leading up to the tragedy were both predictable and preventable. Fineberg Gresham investigates, evaluates, and prosecutes claims arising out of negligence resulting in wrongful death. The following are some common causes of wrongful death:
Motor Vehicle Accidents
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were more than 42,000 traffic fatalities in the United States in 2006. Motorists have an obligation to exercise caution while operating motor vehicles, obey the rules of the road, drive safely according to the conditions, and to be mindful of other motorists and pedestrians. If a loved one was killed in a motor vehicle accident, you will need a legal team with the experience and skill to ensure that the case is successfully prosecuted. Fineberg Gresham has handled wrongful death cases that were caused by drunk drivers, inattentive drivers, or employees in which their employers knew or should have known were unfit to operate a motor vehicle. In one case, the trucking company’s safety expert testified that “it was not a question of if someone would be killed, just a question of when.” See video deposition of this witness. Fineberg Gresham found this witness through our relentless investigation and elicited the testimony during cross examination. Within three weeks, the case was settled. While a father could never be replaced, his children will be financially secure for the rest of their lives as a result of our work.
Product Liability
Under product liability law, manufacturers, distributors, and product designers have an obligation to ensure the products they make and sell are safe for the public. Unfortunately, product designers and distributors often cut corners or put profits ahead of safety. This results in unsafe products being placed into the stream of commerce where unsuspecting consumers are injured or killed. In an effort to have dangerous products pulled off the market, we have prosecuted product liability claims and have sought compensation and a recall of the dangerous items.
Workplace Accidents
Dangerous work environments can pose a serious risk to employees. There are state and federal laws that protect workers. Unfortunately, in an effort to increase production and save money on training and safety equipment, workers are placed at risk and their families have to pay the ultimate price. Fineberg Gresham has seen firsthand the devastation that a wrongful death from a workplace accident can cause to a family. We have represented people who have been crushed, asphyxiated, burned, mangled, and fatally injured.
What Can My Family Recover?
Recovery for wrongful death is created by state statute. Typically, parents, children, surviving spouse and estate can recover for the loss. The purpose is to compensate the decedent's survivors for pecuniary losses and loss of consortium and love. Pecuniary losses includes lost wages, earning capacity, the loss of household services, and other economic damages. However, each state has a different measure of recovery and category of persons who can benefit from a wrongful death claim. Contact the wrongful death lawyers at Fineberg Gresham for a free consultation.
Proving Damages
We assemble a team of experts, including economists, psychologists, and actuaries to help quantify damages. But that is only the beginning. Fineberg Gresham also focuses on the intangible losses – pain, suffering and torment. Juries need to understand what the loss meant to his or her family. While the causes of wrongful death may vary, it is important to hire competent counsel who can investigate, evaluate, and successfully prosecute these claims. You only have one opportunity to right this wrong. Contact the wrongful death lawyers at Fineberg Gresham for a free consultation.