Dover Wrongful Death Lawyer

The loss of a loved one is a difficult time in anyone’s life. But when the carelessness of another person brought about the death of your relative, you deserve to be compensated for the financial and emotional hardships you’ve endured. Contact a Dover wrongful death attorney for help.

Through the grieving process, you don’t need the stress that accompanies losing a loved one who was the breadwinner of the family. Death is traumatizing enough—knowing this death could have been prevented if it weren’t for someone else’s negligence can be all the more devastating.

A Dover wrongful death lawyer can ensure that the death of your family member is not taken lightly. With Barros, McNamara, Malkiewicz & Taylor, you’ll have an experienced and caring legal team on your side, advocating for the rights of your family to make sure the death of your loved one does not go unnoticed or unpunished.

What Is Considered a ‘Wrongful’ Death in Delaware?

Presenting a wrongful death case in civil court is unlike a criminal trial in which the defendant in the case is facing criminal charges for the death of your relative. Civil court claims only need to be proven by a majority of the evidence. Using various pieces of evidence, your wrongful death attorney in Dover will need to establish that the defendant is liable for the death of your family member.

The individual we sue needs to be directly responsible for the decedent’s death. This could include almost any negligent or malicious action, from murder to distracted driving. The important takeaway is that, if it weren’t for the actions of the defendant, your loved one would probably still be with you today.

The Wrongful Death Claim Process in Dover

When you’re deciding whether to file a wrongful death claim in Dover, it’s important to note that, generally, only siblings, spouses, children, and parents of the deceased are able to do so. However, in the event that the decedent has none of the aforementioned relatives, another blood relative or relation by marriage may be able to proceed with the claim.

The statute of limitations allows us to file your claim within two years of the death of your loved one. Once the claim has been filed, we will advocate for your right to compensation in negotiations or in court. Damages will be awarded once we are able to establish that the person in question is liable for the deceased’s death.

Compensation for Your Dover Wrongful Death Claim

Once the court has found the defendant liable for the death, it will then make a determination, based on the damages you have endured, on what an appropriate compensation figure would be. Attorneys compute the value of a Dover wrongful death claim in much the same way they do a personal injury claim. We are able to seek many of the same damages the deceased would if he or she was alive.

Money-related misfortunes, including medical expenses, lost wages, the loss of future income, and the expenses of a funeral and burial, are commonly referred to as economic damages. These are a key component in calculating how much your claim is worth.

Non-economic damages, such as the loss of spousal, household, and child support, pain and suffering, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life, are equally as critical as those that pertain to your finances and can be considered accordingly.  

As you consider whether a wrongful death claim is right for your family, it’s important to remember that Delaware doesn’t cap damages in personal injury lawsuits. That means your wrongful death lawyer in Dover can calculate, for instance, the full value of all the income your deceased relative would have brought into your household if he or she had lived and fight for you to receive every cent.

Reach Out to a Dover Wrongful Death Attorney

This is no doubt a difficult time for you and your family, and you probably have a lot on your mind. We understand that. When you’re ready to proceed with a wrongful death lawsuit but aren’t sure what your next steps should be, get in touch with a qualified and experienced lawyer at Barros, McNamara, Malkiewicz & Taylor.

Your Dover wrongful death lawyer will work tirelessly to secure the compensation you need to continue to support your lifestyle without the income of your deceased relative. Schedule your free claim evaluation by filling out the quick contact form we’ve included at the bottom of this page or by giving us a call at 302-734-8400.