When the actions of an individual or organization result in serious injury, the law gives victims the right to seek compensation for both financial and noneconomic losses, including medical expenses and emotional suffering. But what if the injured party does not survive and passes away before pursuing their claim? In these instances, survivors may pursue a wrongful death claim, seeking damages against those responsible on behalf of their loved ones.

What Situations Qualify as Wrongful Death Cases?

Because they are considered a type of personal injury case, any incident that could have resulted in a claim, if the victim had survived, may become a wrongful death case. Some of the most common examples include auto accidents and medical malpractice cases, but wrongful death claims may also arise from fatal accidents caused by unsafe premises, dangerous products, and intentional malice. In fact, a wrongful death suit may provide family members with an avenue of justice, even if prosecutors decline to pursue charges in assault or manslaughter cases.

Who May Pursue a Wrongful Death Claim?

Each state has different eligibility criteria for filing a wrongful death claim. In some jurisdictions, the immediate family members may pursue damages on behalf of the victim, while others, including Alaska, require the claim be filed by the personal representative of the decedent’s estate.

What Types of Damages Are in a Wrongful Death Case?

The damages survivors may pursue on behalf of an accident victim vary, depending on the specific circumstances of their case. Family members may seek compensation for the decedent’s lost wages, medical and burial expenses, pain and suffering, and a variety of other noneconomic damages. Properly valuing the losses in a wrongful death case is often extremely complex and usually requires the expertise of an experienced attorney.

The accident lawyers at Personal Injury Attorneys of Alaska in Anchorage have been guiding accident victims and surviving family members through the complexities of the legal process for over 40 years, building a reputation for individualized service and legal expertise. To schedule your free, no-obligation consultation, visit their website or call (907) 770-0777 today.