The death of a loved one is always hard on surviving family members and friends, and it can take years to even begin recovering from your loss. It can be particularly difficult in cases where the death occurred suddenly or as the result of an accident, and if you suspect the reckless actions of another party are to blame. At the Johnston Law Firm, we understand the challenges you face during this devastating time. While no amount of money could ever bring back your loved one, filing a wrongful death claim can provide a sense of justice, while ensuring your family’s financial security is provided for in the future.
Accidents Resulting in Fatalities
While a chronic disease or illness can allow you time to prepare for the death of a loved one, a death that occurs as the result of an accident or act of violence is a sudden, traumatic event. The latest statistics from the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) indicate that nearly 6,000 people each year lose their lives under these types of circumstances, leaving survivors in shock and struggling to grasp the reality of the situation.
Fatal injuries often involve the reckless, negligent, and even intentional actions of others. Situations that may be classified as a ‘wrongful death’ include the following:
- Motor vehicle accidents;
- Public transportation accidents;
- Bicycle and pedestrian accidents;
- Slips and falls;
- Accidental poisonings;
- Dog bites and attacks;
- Product liability cases;
- Premises liability cases;
- Work-related accidents;
- Medical negligence;
- Violent attacks and assaults.
In any of the above situations, you may be entitled to compensation for the damages you and your family have suffered by filing a wrongful death claim.
Filing a Wrongful Death Claim in Portland, OR & Vancouver, WA
Under the Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS 30), you may be entitled to file a wrongful death claim if your loved one suffered fatal injuries due to the wrongful acts of another or due to another’s failure to take actions that could have prevented the death from occurring.
While money is often the last thing on a grieving family’s mind, the fact is that filing a wrongful death claim can give you a sense of justice, while helping you recover from losses in income your loved one would have earned. Damages available as part of a wrongful death claim include compensation for the following:
- Any outstanding medical expenses related to final care for your loved one;
- Funeral expenses and transportation costs for family members to attend;
- Losses in income, future earnings, and benefits your loved one would have provided;
- Pain, suffering, and mental anguish caused by the death;
- Loss of the companionship for you and other family members.
Those entitled to file a wrongful death claim include parents, spouses, children, and other significant loved ones in the person’s life. To find out more about your rights in filing a claim, contact the Johnston Law Firm and request a free consultation with our Portland wrongful death attorney. We are here to provide the compassionate service you need during this time, and can advise you on how to get justice for the one you lost. Call or contact us online today.