Wrongful death is a complicated legal matter, no matter how much grief you are feeling in this moment. When your loved one dies because of the negligence of another person, it's normal to feel unsure about the steps that come next.

If you have lost a loved one, this is what you need to know about filing a wrongful death case.

Can You Pursue a Wrongful Death Case?

You can pursue a wrongful death claim against an individual, company, or entity when your loved one dies because another party was negligent or reckless. As soon as you realize the cause of your loved one's death, you can file this claim.

What Are Some Examples of Wrongful Death Cases?

Wrongful death cases occur in a variety of ways. These are just a few examples:

• Your mother died in a car accident caused by another party driving while intoxicated
• Your grandfather experience a slip and fall accident that caused a fatal head injury
• Your father passed away after experiencing nursing home neglect

This list is by no means exhaustive, but you can see that these cases typically involve negligence.

Who Can Pursue a Wrongful Death Case?

Wrongful death cases are typically pursued by people who are closely related to the victim. For example, you may be the spouse, parent, or child of the victim who passed away. Somebody who relied on the financial help of the victim may also pursue a case.

What Damages Can You Recover?

If you are successful with your wrongful death claim, you can recover a variety of damages. These include costs associated with your loved one's medical bills, funeral costs, burial costs, and more. If you relied on your loved one's income, you may also recover some funds to cover those expenses.

When Can You File a Wrongful Death Claim?

You can file a wrongful death claim at any point after your loved one's passing, but it is important that you keep in mind that you are working against a statute of limitations. You may have a set period of time in which you must file this claim for it to be valid.

Should You Hire a Personal Injury Attorney?

If you decide to pursue a wrongful death case, it is a good idea to speak with an attorney about these issues. A local personal injury attorney can help you determine what steps you need to take next and what kind of case you have.