The legal definition of wrongful death is “the taking of the life of an individual resulting from the willful or negligent act of another person or persons.” A lawsuit for wrongful death may only be pursued by a personal representative of the decedent’s estate. A representative may also pursue action pertaining to pain and suffering, personal injury, and/or medical expenses occurring prior to the decedent’s death. Any damages collected will become property of the estate and thus distributed … [Read more...]
Wrongful Death Cases
The legal definition of wrongful death is a death that is “caused by the wrongful act, neglect, or default” of another person or entity. The death can be the result of something as straightforward as an automobile accident, or as complex as a mechanical failure caused by an issue known to the manufacturer. In the Commonwealth of Virginia, wrongful death lawsuits can be filed by family members or dependents of the deceased. The right to file is first held by the surviving spouse, children, … [Read more...]