Sturgis Wrongful Death Attorneys

Advocating for Your Right to Just Compensation for Wrongful Death in Sturgis

Personal injuries often carry with them a significant financial and emotional cost. An injury that results in the death of a loved one is one of the most devastating and emotionally painful experiences to go through. Cases involving the negligent conduct of another can involve minor injuries to catastrophic ones, including death. When someone’s negligence leads to the death of a relative, they may be held liable for wrongful death.

At Steven Titus & Associates, P.C., we are dedicated to delivering quality legal solutions that fit the specific needs of our clients. We understand how overwhelming the death of a loved one can be. If their death resulted from the negligence of another, you may be entitled to recover damages for wrongful death.

To learn more about your legal rights and options, call a dedicated Sturgis personal injury lawyer at (307) 257-7800 for a free consultation today.

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What Is Wrongful Death?

Wrongful death involves situations where an individual’s death results from the negligent, reckless, or intentional conduct of another. An individual’s legal right to be compensated for wrongful death covers a broad range of situations, including:

• Car accidents
• Workplace accidents
• Product liability incidents
• Intentional injuries

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Wyoming Wrongful Death Laws

Wyoming Statutes section 1-38-101 provides that “whenever the death of a person is caused by wrongful act, neglect or default such as would have entitled the party injured to maintain an action to recover damages if death had not ensued, the person who would have been liable if death had not ensured is liable in an action for damages, even though the death was caused under circumstances as amount in law to murder in the first or second degree or manslaughter.”

Essentially, the surviving kin or other representatives of the victim’s estate may sue a person responsible for causing the wrongful death of the victim. Sometimes when the evidence of wrongdoing is not sufficient to find the wrongdoer guilty of a related crime—such as murder or manslaughter—the surviving kin or representative of the victim’s estate can successfully sue them for damages in civil court.

Importantly, Wyoming Statutes section 1-38-102 also provides that “an action for wrongful death shall be commenced within two (2) years after the death of the decedent.” Accordingly, a person seeking to recover damages for wrongful death must file a lawsuit no later than two years from the date of the relative’s death.

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Building a Strong Wrongful Death Case

To craft a solid wrongful death case, it is crucial to gather relevant evidence to establish that wrongful conduct caused your loved one’s death. Important pieces of evidence for wrongful death cases include:

• Police reports
• Medical records
• Witness statements
• Photographs
• Video footage

To prove negligence, the plaintiff must present sufficient evidence to prove that the defendant violated a duty of care owed to the decedent. If the situation involved recklessness or intentional wrongdoing, evidence proving the defendant’s intent or knowledge that their actions were likely to cause the death of the victim. Furthermore, using experts such as accident reconstruction specialists and medical professionals may be essential for strengthening a wrongful death case.

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Compensation and Support for Families

In wrongful death cases, plaintiffs may be entitled to a wide array of damages, such as:

• Medical expenses: The plaintiff may receive compensation for the victim’s medical costs related to the injury that led to the wrongful death.
• Funeral and burial costs: The defendant may be liable to cover the cost of the victim’s funeral and burial arrangements.
• Loss of income: Compensation for income that the plaintiff was deprived of when the victim died may be available.
• Pain and suffering: The emotional distress and mental anguish of the plaintiff may be recovered from the defendant.
• Loss of companionship: The plaintiff may receive compensation for the loss of love, guidance, and support as a result of the victim’s death.
• Loss of consortium: The loss of benefits associated with marriage, such as companionship, intimacy, and affection, may be compensable.
• Punitive damages: In cases where the defendant’s misconduct rose to the level of recklessness or malicious intent, the decedent’s family or representative may collect damages designed to punish the wrongful behavior in question.

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Consult an Experienced Sturgis Wrongful Death Lawyer

The friends and family of a deceased individual need to focus their attention and energy on the grieving process. You should not have to fight for your legal rights while dealing with the death of a loved one or family member.

At Steven Titus & Associates, P.C., our Sturgis legal team can take the lead in your fight to receive just compensation for your loved one’s death so you can focus on caring for yourself and your family.

Reach out to us at (307) 257-7800 to schedule a free consultation.

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