Losing a loved one is a difficult thing to understand. The loss is more difficult when the person died because of another individual’s negligent act. The only way to compensate surviving family members for their loss is financial compensation. With the help of a wrongful death attorney in Bremerton, surviving family members can receive the compensation they deserve.
When the death of a person is caused by the wrongful act or neglectful action of another person, the death will qualify as wrongful death. A wrongful death claim is similar to a personal injury lawsuit except for the fact that the person who died cannot serve as the plaintiff. A wrongful death claim is a civil lawsuit.
Difference Between Civil and Criminal Cases
A criminal case is filed by the state and a civil case is brought by survivors of the deceased individual. Civil penalties for wrongful death are expressed with money damages, but criminal cases may involve prison time, probation, or other penalties. Even when criminal charges are filed by the state due to the wrongful death of an individual because of assault, murder, or any other crime, surviving family members still need to contact a wrongful death attorney in Bremerton.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim?
A personal representative of the deceased person’s estate can file a wrongful death claim. A state-registered domestic partner or spouse of the deceased person, and a child, children, or stepchildren of the deceased person can also file. If a deceased individual doesn’t have any spouse, domestic partner, child or stepchildren, a person’s parents or siblings may file the claim on behalf of their loved one.
Wrongful Death of a Child
For parents to file a wrongful death claim on behalf of their minor child, each parent must regularly contribute to support the child. If the parents are divorced, separated or never married, either parent may file a wrongful death claim.
A wrongful death claim must be filed within three years of the date of death. If the case isn’t filed within the three years, a court will refuse to hear it. Schedule an appointment today to discuss your case and have your questions answered.
