There is no denying the fact that a wrongful death will impact many people, including but not limited to a surviving spouse, children, parents, and siblings among others.

If somebody close to you died due to the negligence of another, you may be in position to file a wrongful death lawsuit. During this difficult time in your life, hiring an experienced attorney is one of the best moves you can make.

While it is perfectly natural to take as much time as you need to grieve, it is important to remember that there is a statute of limitations on wrongful death claims. This varies from one state to the next, ranging in time from one to six years.

Since it can take a long time to compile the necessary information for such a case, it is essential to contact a wrongful death attorney as soon as possible. As unfortunate as it may be, if legal papers are filed after the statute of limitations expires, a court has the right to permanently deny the lawsuit.

There are many types of damages typically associated with a wrongful death lawsuit, including:

Loss of companionship: The loss of a family relationship

Loss of future earnings: The loss of financial support from the deceased

Loss of support: The loss of emotional support from the deceased

Punitive damages: The damages awarded to a family to punish the responsible person’s wrongdoing

It is also possible to collect compensation for medical bills and funeral expenses. Of course, it can be difficult to place a value on some of these costs. A lawyer can help guide you through this process, calculating an amount that will appropriately cover the total cost of your damages.

Massachusetts Has a Time Limit On Wrongful Death Lawsuits

Now that you have a better understanding of how a wrongful death claim is approached, including the finer details of the statute of limitations, you can determine how to best move forward if you find yourself in this position. Navigating your legal options following a loss can feel overwhelming, but a wrongful death lawyer can give you the guidance you need at this difficult time. A lawyer can also help you make some of the difficult decisions that follow a negligent loss.