Losing a loved one in a wrongful death, which can result from the wrongdoing or negligence of someone else, can leave families with emotional and financial burdens. In addition, wrongful death cases can be complex and challenging.
If you have lost a loved one due to the actions of another party, you may be thinking about how to go through the legal process during a time of grief and mourning. How can you seek justice for your loved one and pursue the compensation you deserve?
Know the legal process
Knowing the legal process is crucial in pursuing fair compensation. This includes learning about the filing requirements, legal procedures and statute of limitations in Tennessee. According to state law, you must file a wrongful death lawsuit within one year of the death, which is typically the time limit for filing a personal injury lawsuit.
Gather evidence and documentation
Evidence and documentation can also be vital in establishing liability and determining damages. This includes medical records, police reports and witness statements. Additionally, having thorough and relevant evidence and documentation can help you build a solid case.
Identify all potential defendants
Also, it is critical to identify all defendants in a wrongful death case. They may be persons, companies or government entities responsible for the death. In a fatal motor vehicle crash, multiple defendants may include the driver, manufacturer of the vehicle and road maintenance entities.
Consult with expert witnesses
Further, expert witnesses can provide testimony to help establish liability and determine damages. Examples are medical experts, accident reconstructionists and engineers. Expert witnesses must meet certain qualifications to ensure that their testimony is admissible in court.
Protecting your rights while grieving and healing
Pursuing compensation for wrongful death is not just about recovering financial losses and other damages. It is also about holding all negligent or reckless parties accountable and ensuring that justice is served. By seeking legal counsel, you may receive guidance and support for going through the legal process. In addition, having an advocate on your side may help you protect your rights and interests while you are grieving and healing.