Don’t Struggle Alone After The Loss Of A Loved One. Let Us Help.
Losing a loved one is an unimaginably painful experience, especially when the loss is due to someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing. Families often find themselves navigating not only their profound grief but also the complex legal landscape that follows a wrongful death. Our dedicated team of wrongful death lawyers in Indiana is here to guide you through this difficult time, ensuring that justice is served for your loved one and your family’s rights are protected.
The Wrongful Death Lawyers of Doehrman Buba Ring are Here For You
While no amount of money can bring back your loved one, pursuing a wrongful death claim can provide a sense of justice and closure. Our lawyers at Doehrman Buba Ring have decades of experience representing families who have lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence.
Your loss is immeasurable. Let us help you pursue the compensation you need, so you and your family can focus on more personal matters.
Contact our team today for a free consultation.
What is Wrongful Death?
Wrongful death occurs when an individual’s death is the result of another party’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct. This can encompass a wide array of circumstances, from automobile accidents and medical malpractice to workplace incidents and criminal acts.
Wrongful Death Claims
A wrongful death claim seeks to hold the responsible party accountable for who committed the wrongful act that led to death, offering financial compensation to the deceased’s survivors for their loss. While this legal process cannot reverse the tragedy, it aims to provide some measure of relief and support to the grieving family during their time of need.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Indiana?
In Indiana, the right to initiate a wrongful death claim is designated to the personal representative of the deceased’s estate. This representative, who may also be known as the executor or administrator, is responsible for managing the estate, which includes appraising assets, paying off debts, and distributing what remains to the rightful heirs.
Furthermore, it falls upon this individual or entity to decide whether to file a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of the deceased. Wrongful death lawsuits aim to benefit both the estate and the deceased’s surviving family members, and any damages awarded by the court are allocated accordingly between the estate and family.
How a Personal Representative is Chosen
If the person who passed away had a will, they likely chose someone to be the executor, whose job it is to handle their affairs after death. However, if there was no will or the chosen executor couldn’t or wouldn’t take the job, the courts would step in to appoint a personal representative. Often, this person is a close family member like a spouse or child, though sometimes it could be a wrongful death lawyer or a professional who specializes in managing estates.
Eligible Damages in an Indiana Wrongful Death Claim
When tragedy strikes due to someone else’s negligence in Indiana, the law provides a pathway for seeking justice through a wrongful death claim. This legal recourse enables the deceased’s estate and their beneficiaries to claim compensation for various facets of loss and damage. Here’s an overview of the compensation types:
Compensation Available to the Estate
The deceased’s estate is afforded the opportunity to claim compensatory damages reflective of what the deceased might have been eligible to claim had they survived. These damages include:
Pain and Suffering: Monetary compensation for the decedent’s physical pain and emotional distress experienced before their demise.
Lost Wages: Potential earnings the decedent would have accumulated over their lifetime had they not passed away.
Medical Expenses: The financial burden of medical treatments associated with the decedent’s terminal injury or illness.
Compensation for the Surviving Family Members
Surviving relatives of the deceased are entitled to compensation for both their emotional and financial afflictions, which encompasses:
Loss of Companionship: Compensation for the emotional impact and suffering caused by the absence of the deceased.
Economic Damages: Compensation for the financial support the deceased would have provided to their dependents in the future.
The determination of compensatory amounts takes into account various factors, such as the deceased’s earning potential, health at the time of death, expected lifespan, and the degree of emotional and financial dependence the family had on the deceased. Consulting a proficient Indianapolis wrongful death attorney in Indiana can significantly help bereaved families understand and seek their rightful compensation amidst the anguish of their loss.
The Process of Filing a Wrongful Death Claim
Filing a wrongful death claim can be a daunting and complex process. At Doehrman Buba Ring, our lawyers are committed to providing compassionate and comprehensive support to guide you through each step.
Steps to Take After a Wrongful Death
Consulting with Our Indianapolis Wrongful Death Attorneys
The first step after experiencing the tragic loss of a loved one due to wrongful death is to consult with our Indianapolis wrongful death lawyers. We offer a free initial consultation to discuss the specifics of your case, advise on the legality of your claim, and outline the steps forward. This preliminary meeting is crucial for establishing a foundation for your claim and ensuring you understand your rights and options. We have extensive experience with wrongful death cases in Indiana and can provide tailored guidance based on the specifics of your situation.
Investigation and Evidence Collection
Upon taking your case, our skilled team will meticulously investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of your loved one. This involves gathering vital evidence such as medical records, accident reports, eyewitness statements, and any other relevant documentation. Our attorneys work closely with forensic experts, medical professionals, and accident reconstruction specialists to build a strong wrongful death case on your behalf.
Filing the Claim
After a thorough investigation and collection of evidence, our attorneys will proceed to file the wrongful death claim against the responsible party or parties. This involves drafting and submitting all necessary legal documents on time. Our team ensures that every aspect of the case is meticulously prepared to meet Indiana’s legal standards, paying close attention to deadlines and procedural requirements.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies often play a significant role in wrongful death claims. Our attorneys are adept at negotiating with insurers to seek fair compensation for your loss. We understand the tactics that insurance companies may use to minimize payouts, and we are prepared to counter these strategies effectively, ensuring that your rights and interests are protected throughout the negotiation process.
Representing You in Court
If a satisfactory settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, our attorneys are prepared to represent you in court. With years of trial experience, our team is committed to presenting a compelling case on your behalf, advocating for the justice and compensation you and your family deserve.
Throughout every step of the wrongful death claim process, the attorneys at Doehrman Buba Ring stand by your side, offering the legal expertise and compassionate support needed during such a challenging time. Our goal is to ease the burden on you and your family by handling the legal complexities, allowing you to focus on healing.
Time Limits for Filing a Claim in Indiana
In Indiana, as in all states, wrongful death claims are bound by a statute of limitations—a time limit within which the claim must be filed. The statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death claim in Indiana is two years from the date of the decedent’s death. It is critical for surviving family members to be aware of this deadline, as failing to file the claim within this timeframe typically results in the loss of the right to seek compensation through the courts. While that may seem like a long time to file a suit, it goes by quickly. The aftermath of loss moves quickly.
Furthermore, after a person dies, it can take some time to determine if negligence was the cause. Car accident investigations, for example, can be highly complex. A full forensic breakdown may not be immediately available. The information from that breakdown may be hard for you to acquire.
Consulting with an experienced wrongful death attorney promptly after the loss can help ensure that your rights to file a claim are preserved within Indiana’s legal time limits.
Contact An Indianapolis Wrongful Death Lawyer Today
If you have experienced the loss of a loved one due to wrongful death, our team at Doehrman Buba Ring is here to help. Our knowledgeable and compassionate attorneys understand the gravity of your situation and are committed to seeking justice for your family’s loss. Contact us today for a free consultation and learn more about how we can support you through this difficult time.
