Manassas, Virginia Wrongful Death Attorneys

The death of a family member is one of the most painful experiences a person can go through. These situations can be even worse when a person's death was caused by someone else's carelessness or recklessness. As a family deals with their loss, they may experience anger, sorrow, and confusion, and they may also encounter financial struggles due to lost income, medical bills, and funeral costs. Wrongful death claims can address the harm suffered by families in these situations.

At Parthemos, Curran, Buelow and Polizzi, PLLC, our lawyers understand what is at stake when a family comes to us after losing a loved one. We work closely with people in Manassas to address wrongful deaths and make sure the people who were responsible can be held accountable.

What Is a Wrongful Death Claim?

A wrongful death action may be filed when a person's death has been caused by someone's wrongful actions or negligence. If a person would have been able to file a personal injury claim to address their injuries if they had survived, their family members will typically be eligible to file a wrongful death claim. The personal representative of the deceased person's estate will typically file a claim on behalf of the person's beneficiaries, which may include their spouse, children, or other dependents.

Virginia law follows a two-year statute of limitations in most wrongful death claims. This gives families a deadline of two years after the date on which a person died to file a claim for compensation. Missing this deadline could prevent a family from obtaining compensation for the damages related to a loved one's death, which is why it is important to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible in these situations.

Cases Where Wrongful Deaths May Occur

There are many different types of situations where people may be killed due to the negligence of others. Our attorneys can handle claims related to situations such as:

• Motor Vehicle Accidents: When a driver causes a car accident through negligence such as running a red light, speeding, distracted driving, or drunk driving, and someone is killed in the collision, they may be held liable for the wrongful death. Fatal injuries may be even more likely in commercial truck accidents due to the massive size of 18-wheelers and the damage they can inflict in collisions. Our lawyers can also address fatalities in motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, or other types of motor vehicle collisions.
• Workplace Accidents: There are multiple types of situations where people may be killed due to unsafe workplaces or accidents. Fatal construction injuries may occur due to falls from scaffolding, exposure to dangerous chemicals, or machinery malfunctions. Fatal injuries may occur at factories or warehouses due to malfunctioning equipment or negligent operation of forklifts or other vehicles. While workers' compensation may provide death benefits for families in these situations, our attorneys can determine whether additional compensation may be available through third-party wrongful death claims.
• Premises Liability: Property owners may be responsible for fatal injuries that occur due to hazards on their premises. A slip and fall accident may result in a wrongful death if a person suffers a serious blow to the head. Other premises liability cases may address drownings in swimming pools due to a lack of supervision, dog attacks that resulted in fatalities, or negligent security that failed to prevent a murder. Our lawyers will take steps to hold property owners liable for their failure to protect against accidents that resulted in fatalities.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wrongful Death Claims in Virginia

Compensation for a Family's Financial Losses

A wrongful death claim can address the financial impact that a sudden death has had on a family. The compensation a family receives may account for the loss of the income that the deceased person would have earned and used to provide for their family's needs. This may include wages, benefits, and other forms of economic support the person would have provided.

A family may also be compensated for the costs of medical care the deceased person received before their death. These costs can be significant, especially if emergency care was provided, surgery was performed, or a person was hospitalized for an extended period of time before dying. Other expenses that may be addressed by a wrongful death claim include the costs of a person's funeral and burial or cremation.

Compensation for the Personal Impact of a Wrongful Death on a Family

The harm caused by a wrongful death can include much more than financial losses. The emotional impact of a tragic loss on family members may be addressed in the compensation they receive.

A wrongful death claim can address the sorrow, grief, and mental anguish that family members experience. They may also be compensated for the loss of the deceased person's companionship, comfort, guidance, and care. A spouse may receive compensation for the loss of their partner's love and support. When children will be required to grow up without the guidance and care that their parent would have provided, this loss may also be addressed through financial compensation.

These non-economic losses are not always easy to calculate, but they are an important part of what a wrongful death claim can address. Our attorneys can provide a full picture of a family's loss, addressing the financial impact of a wrongful death and the human cost of what has been taken from them. We work to ensure that our clients will be fully compensated for all of these losses so that they can begin to put their lives back together

Contact Our Manassas, VA Wrongful Death Lawyers

While a legal case cannot undo the loss a family has suffered after a loved one's death, a successful wrongful death claim can provide them with financial stability and make sure the person or parties who were responsible will be held accountable. It can provide some sense of justice, help ensure that a family will have the necessary financial resources, and address the emotional impact of a tragic loss. To learn how Parthemos, Curran, Buelow and Polizzi, PLLC can assist with these cases, contact our Manassas wrongful death claim attorneys at 540-662-4222 and schedule a free consultation.