Bellevue Wrongful Death Lawyer
When a loved one is killed because of another party’s wrongful conduct, surviving family members may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim to hold the responsible person or entity accountable. Of course, no compensation award can make up for the devastating loss of a loved one, but a damage award or settlement may help alleviate some financial stresses associated with the loss. If you have recently suffered the loss of a loved one or family member, contact a Bellevue wrongful death lawyer.
Each family typically must decide what steps to take to move forward after such a loss. If you would like to pursue civil action against whoever caused your loved one’s death, consider filing a wrongful death claim with the help of our compassionate personal injury attorneys at Inkelaar Law.
Compensatory Damages in Wrongful Death Cases
Wrongful death damages may include some damages that are unique to a situation in which the injured individual dies due to another party’s negligence in addition to medical bills and end-of-life care. Families of someone who was killed due to a negligent or careless act may be eligible for damages related to funeral costs, pain and suffering, loss of the companionship and support of their family member, and loss of their family member’s wages. In certain cases, they may also be eligible to pursue punitive damages aimed at punishing the party who allegedly caused the death.
Punitive Damages
In addition to compensatory damages, Nebraska also allows punitive damages in personal injury cases. Punitive damages are aimed at punishing the defendant rather than just compensating for the plaintiff’s losses and injuries. Nebraska courts generally mandate that punitive damages only be awarded in cases where the wrongdoing party acted in an intentionally malicious, wanton, or especially reckless manner.
Punitive damages in Nebraska are typically capped at 10 times the amount of compensatory damages, though the courts have been known to make certain exceptions. An experienced Bellevue wrongful death attorney at Inkelaar Law can analyze the circumstances of a claim to determine whether they might be eligible for punitive damages, and if so, in what amount.
Comparative Negligence
The comparative negligence rule that Nebraska adheres to generally allows Bellevue courts to bar recovery when the injured person contributed more than half of the fault in bringing about their own injuries. During a wrongful death claim, it can be painful for families to learn that the defendant may attempt to blame their deceased loved one for their own death. The good news is that our Bellevue wrongful death lawyers at Inkeelar Law could combat such allegations. For more information about comparative negligence, consult with a knowledgeable attorney.
Consult a Bellevue Wrongful Death Attorney
The State of Nebraska typically requires wrongful death cases to be filed within two years of when the injury or death occurred. In some cases, courts may make exceptions for delayed discovery when families were not yet aware that their loved one’s death resulted from the negligent conduct of another party. Losing a loved one due to the harmful conduct of a negligent party can be extremely devastating. Fortunately, you could reach out to a compassionate Bellevue wrongful death lawyer to explore different legal options. Call Inkelaar Law today and schedule an appointment.