Wrongful Death Claims for Fatal Car Accidents in Kentucky
Wrongful death accidents are often very personal to the family of the deceased. The fact that one person’s negligence could lead to the death of another person is emotionally jarring and the pain is permanent. A spouse or child may be entitled to recover for emotional pain and suffering from the negligent party which caused the accident.
What Makes a Fatal Car Crash a Wrongful Death in Kentucky?
Not every fatal crash will result in a wrongful death claim. In order for a wrongful death lawsuit to be filed, it must be shown that the crash was caused by negligent actions and that the death caused harm to surviving family members. More specifically, you must prove all of the following:
- The person’s death was caused by negligent or wrongful actions by another.
- The death caused harm to surviving dependents.
- You have a rightful claim to damages as a beneficiary.
Any careless or negligent action on the part of a driver that causes a fatal crash could result in a wrongful death lawsuit. Some examples include running a red light, excessive speed, failure to yield, texting and driving, and driving while intoxicated. Some of these actions could also lead to criminal charges being filed against the at-fault driver, but those charges are completely separate from a wrongful death claim. While a criminal charge could lead to jail time, loss of a driver’s license, and fines, a successful wrongful death claim leads to financial damages being awarded to the surviving family members.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Kentucky?
The purpose of a wrongful death claim is to compensate survivors for their economic and emotional losses. Therefore, the person filing the claim must prove that they have suffered losses as a result of the death. In Kentucky, a wrongful death claim may be filed by the following:
- Surviving spouse of the deceased
- Dependent children of the deceased
- Executor or Administrator of the Estate of the deceased
Losses for which you may be compensated include emotional distress, loss of companionship, and loss of support, as well as funeral expenses and the cost of any medical treatment received by the victim between the crash and the death. Additionally, the estate may recover for any pain and suffering that the decedent endured prior to death.
Where to Find Legal Support
Filing a wrongful death suit is only done after consideration of the case, facts as well as available recovery. We know that no amount of money will bring back your loved one, but you also know that you and any other dependents will suffer financially because of the loss. If an at-fault driver was purposely careless or reckless, he or she should be held accountable for the actions that led to your loved one’s death. In most cases, damages will be paid by the negligent driver’s insurance company, but if he or she has financial means, other sources of compensation will also be investigated.
When you have lost a loved one in a car crash, you can turn to the wrongful death attorneys at Bouldin Law and Nevels Law. We understand what you are going through and, more importantly, we understand Indiana law and what you are entitled to under it. You are already suffering emotionally—don’t add to your suffering by failing to seek the damages to which you are entitled. Call today to discuss your loss. We will be honest about what we can do for you so that you can get started on the road to healing after your tragic loss. Schedule a free consultation at our office or we may be able to have an attorney visit you directly. We are looking forward to hearing from you.