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Personal Injury

What You Need to Know About Wyoming Wrongful Death Claims

January 22, 2021

Most of the cases we handle involve people who suffer serious injuries. Unfortunately, some accidents result in death. If you have lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, you may be able to pursue compensation in a wrongful death claim. A Cody wrongful death lawyer can help you understand your rights and discuss whether you should consider pursuing a claim. 

When You Should Consider a Wrongful Death Claim

In Wyoming, you can pursue a wrongful death claim where death results from another person’s negligence or intentional acts. Wrongful death cases are often negligence claims arising from accidents such as car accidents or medical malpractice. In those situations, your claim is based on proving that the responsible party’s negligence caused the action that led to your loved one’s death. That said, you can also pursue a wrongful death claim if the act was intentional and even if the responsible party has been charged with a crime. A wrongful death claim is a civil action that is seeking monetary compensation for your loss, as opposed to a criminal prosecution. 

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim

Under Wyoming law, only the personal representative of the victim’s estate may file the wrongful death claim. However, the victim’s surviving spouse, parents, children, or other dependents may participate in the suit and receive a portion of any compensation that is awarded. Filing a wrongful death suit involves a complex process, so we recommend that you work with an experienced Cody wrongful death lawyer to ensure you get the compensation you deserve. 

Damages

The compensation you may seek in a wrongful death claim is referred to as “damages.” The damages you are entitled to seek include the following: 

  • Compensation for the victim’s final medical bills
  • Compensation for any funeral or burial expenses
  • Future lost income that the victim likely would have earned had they lived, including any investment or retirement income
  • Compensation for any pain and suffering the victim may have experienced before death
  • Compensation for the family’s lost care and companionship

The death of a loved one can cause tremendous hardship for the family, both financially and emotionally. Wrongful death claims are a way for the victim’s family to be made whole, helping them recover their lost financial support and other damages. Unfortunately, many families will settle their claims for far less than they are worth or maybe not pursue a claim at all. A Cody wrongful death lawyer can help you get fair compensation that can help you rebuild your life. 

The Deadline to File a Wrongful Death Claim

In Wyoming, you have two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim. If you fail to file your claim within that period, you will lose all of your rights, no matter how strong you think your claim may be. Two years can pass faster than you think, and the sooner you contact a Cody wrongful death lawyer, the better your chances of getting fair compensation. 

Contact a Cody Wrongful Death Lawyer at Ragain & Clark

Losing a loved one is a horrible tragedy, and of course, there is nothing you can do to bring them back. But if you need compensation to help rebuild your family’s life, we can help. Contact us today at 307-388-6400 to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case. We have office locations in Montana and Wyoming for your convenience. 

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