Wrongful Death Settlements: Everything You Need to Know

Wrongful death settlements are financial awards that are given to surviving family members of a person who has died due to someone else’s negligence or recklessness. These settlements are intended to compensate the family for their emotional and financial losses, and are typically handled through civil court proceedings. To help simplify things, we thought it would be useful to put together a brief article about this subject. If this is something that you’re interested in learning more about, here’s everything you need to know about wrongful death settlements.

What is a Wrongful Death Settlement?

A wrongful death settlement is a legal settlement that is awarded to family members of a deceased individual who died due to the negligence or wrongful act of another person or entity. Wrongful death settlements are designed to compensate the family of the deceased for their loss, both financially and emotionally. The amount of compensation provided by a wrongful death settlement can vary greatly depending on the circumstances of the case. 

The primary goal of a wrongful death settlement is to provide justice to the family of the deceased and hold the responsible party accountable for their actions. In a wrongful death settlement, the responsible party may have to pay a lump sum of money to the family of the deceased, as well as provide ongoing financial assistance. This money can be used to cover medical expenses, funeral expenses, loss of wages, and other costs related to the death. 

It is important to note that a wrongful death settlement is not the same as a criminal conviction. In a criminal case, the responsible party is held criminally liable for their actions and may face jail time or other criminal penalties. In a wrongful death settlement, the responsible party is held civilly liable for their actions and may have to pay a monetary settlement to the family of the deceased. 

No amount of money can make up for the loss of a loved one, but a wrongful death settlement can provide families with the financial compensation they need to move forward. If you have lost a loved one due to the negligence or wrongful act of another person or entity, it is important to seek legal advice so that you can determine if you have a valid wrongful death claim.

How Do You File a Wrongful Death Settlement?

In order to file a wrongful death settlement, the family of the deceased must be able to prove that the responsible party acted negligently or committed a wrongful act that directly caused the death of their loved one. This process can often involve extensive investigations and legal proceedings. It is important to note that wrongful death settlements can also be pursued in cases of medical malpractice and defective products. 

How Are Wrongful Death Settlements Paid Out?

When a wrongful death settlement is reached, the parties involved usually agree to a lump sum payment. This amount is typically calculated based on the deceased’s earning capacity, life expectancy, and the financial losses suffered by the family. The settlement may also include punitive damages, which are intended to punish the wrongdoer.

In some cases, the settlement may be paid out in installments. This is often the case when the defendant is unable to pay the full settlement at one time. The payments are typically made over a specified period of time, with interest being charged on any unpaid balance.

The settlement may also be placed into a trust. This allows the family to receive regular payments from the trust, either in the form of a lump sum or a series of payments, depending on the agreement between the parties.

It is important to note that the settlement process can vary from state to state. Some states may require the parties to go to court in order to reach a settlement. Other states may allow the parties to resolve the matter through mediation or arbitration. It is important to research the laws in your state to determine the best way to proceed with a wrongful death settlement.

Conclusion

As you can see, wrongful death settlements are complex and difficult to understand. Many factors can influence the amount of a wrongful death settlement, including the age of the deceased, their earning potential, the amount of pain and suffering endured by the deceased, and the amount of medical bills resulting from the death. It is important to consult with a knowledgeable attorney who can help you understand the process and ensure you receive the maximum amount of compensation possible.

If you or a loved one were hurt due to someone else’s negligence, our renowned lawyers at Circeo Law Firm would tenaciously pursue justice on your behalf. Contact us if you need to speak with a law firm in Lexington, KY!