In Alberta, Canada, the FAA or Fatal Accidents Act is the guideline for handling wrongful death lawsuits. An executor must file the wrongful death lawsuit within two years from the date of the fatality. If you reside in Edmonton and are a loved one of a wrongful death victim, you must contact Edmonton Wrongful death lawyers.
If you’re eligible to pursue monetary compensation, your wrongful death lawyer can investigate your loved one’s death, determine the appropriate recompense, file a claim on your behalf, and handle the case in a way that optimizes your odds of success.
What is a Wrongful Death Claim?
A wrongful death claim is a civil lawsuit filed by family members and dependents of a person who dies due to another person or entity’s negligence or intentional misconduct. This type of claim is filed to seek compensation for family members’ losses due to their loved one’s untimely death. Damages can be economic and non-economic and are typically related to the following:
- Funeral expenses
- Burial or cremation costs
- Medical expenses before the deceased’s death
- Pain and suffering caused to the deceased before dying
- Lost wages and earning capabilities
- The survivors’ emotional distress injury
- The loss of guidance or parental support that would have been provided by the deceased
- Services the victim provided, such as childcare
- Reduced or lost inheritance that would have otherwise been received
- Loss of companionship or loss of consortium
The amount of compensation that family members and dependents receive is determined by various factors, including:
- The deceased’s health before their untimely death
- The age of the deceased
- The deceased’s income, training, education, and earning capabilities
- Total medical and funeral costs
- The age and situation of the survivors
- Benefits the survivors have lost, such as retirement and health insurance
- Maximum compensation in a wrongful death case can range anywhere from a few hundred dollars up to the policy limits of the insurance coverage.
How Wrongful Death Attorneys Help Victims Seek Maximum Compensation
Investigating the Case
Wrongful death cases are often murky. Confusions or misunderstandings may result in people giving conflicting statements regarding what happened. Still, the liable party may attempt to shift blame or cover things up to avoid responsibility.
A wrongful death attorney can thoroughly investigate the case to determine what happened, gather evidence, and identify all liable parties.
Providing Guidance Throughout the Legal Process
Navigating the legal system can be confusing and overwhelming. It’s difficult for a person without legal training and experience to understand all the statutes and regulations that apply to their case. Moreover, one simple mistake can compromise a person’s ability to obtain financial compensation.
An attorney experienced in wrongful death cases will help you navigate the law, handling all the hard work and details to maximize your chances of success. Notably, a lawyer will ensure your claim is filed within the statute of limitations. In Alberta, a wrongful death claim must be filed two years from the date of the wrongful death.
Providing Expert Negotiations
These cases require an enormous burden of proof to show what your loved one endured leading up to their death. You also need to highlight how your family was affected by their death.
Most wrongful death cases in Edmonton, for instance, are settled out of court. Wrongful death lawyers can help you negotiate a fair settlement with insurance companies. Insurers often try to lowball claimants, but with an experienced attorney, you can rest assured that your rights are protected and you’ll receive maximum compensation.
Representing Claimants in Court
If the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation, wrongful death attorneys have courtroom experience and are prepared to represent you during the trial. They will collect and present evidence, make legal arguments on your behalf, cross-examine witnesses, and fight for your rights.
Contact an Experienced Wrongful Death Attorney Today
If you’ve lost a loved one due to medical negligence, you should immediately obtain legal help. Wrongful death cases are time-sensitive, and waiting too long to seek legal representation could jeopardize your ability to recover significant monetary damages.
A skilled wrongful death lawyer can evaluate your case, discuss all your legal options, and file your claim within the statute of limitations. They can help you achieve maximum compensation through settlement or litigation.
Having the right attorney allows you to focus on healing.