Virginia Wrongful Death Lawyers

Understanding Wrongful Death Claims in Virginia

The sudden loss of a loved one leaves an irreplaceable void in your life. The pain is even more acute when their death was the result of someone else's careless actions. As you grapple with grief, you may also feel overwhelmed by medical bills, funeral costs, and the loss of financial support. At The Mottley Law Firm, our Virginia wrongful death lawyers understand the emotional and financial toll of your loss. We're here to guide you through the legal process and fight for the justice your loved one deserves.

What Constitutes a Wrongful Death in Virginia?

A wrongful death occurs when someone's negligent, reckless, or intentional actions lead to another person's death. In Virginia, various circumstances and events can lead to legitimate wrongful death claims.

Car and Truck Accidents

Vehicle crashes often have fatal consequences. Drunk driving, distracted driving, and reckless behavior on the road can tragically cut a life short.

Slip and Fall Incidents

Property owners have a legal obligation to maintain safe premises for guests. They may be liable for damages if a dangerous condition causes a fatal slip and fall accident.

Workplace Accidents

Lack of proper safety equipment, unsafe working conditions, or employer negligence can lead to fatal on-the-job accidents. It is an employer’s responsibility to keep workers safe.

Defective Products

Manufacturers may be held responsible when poorly designed or faulty products cause death.

Pedestrian Accidents

Inattentive or negligent drivers may strike pedestrians, often causing severe or even fatal injuries. Pedestrians are not afforded the same physical protection as drivers and passengers in motor vehicles.

Immediate Steps to Take After a Wrongful Death

To protect your legal rights to fair compensation and justice, you should take certain steps as soon after losing a loved one as you can.

Gather evidence. Collect police reports, medical records, and witness contact information to support your claim.
Avoid discussing the case. Limit conversations about the incident, especially with insurance companies, until you've spoken with a lawyer.
Hire a Virginia wrongful death lawyer. Seek legal counsel promptly to preserve evidence and ensure your rights are protected.
File a wrongful death claim. If the parties cannot agree on a settlement, your lawyer can take your case to trial to seek a fair resolution.

Understanding Virginia Wrongful Death Laws

Start with learning about relevant Virginia laws governing wrongful death cases in the Commonwealth.

Statute of Limitations

In Virginia, you generally have two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit. If you fail to meet this deadline, you may lose your right to seek compensation.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim?

Virginia law specifies that only the personal representative of the deceased can bring a wrongful death action forward. They are typically named in the will as the executor or administrator of the estate.

If there is no will or the named executor fails to qualify, the Virginia wrongful death statute prioritizes certain individuals who may step into this role. Namely, the surviving spouse, children, or grandchildren are common candidates. Parents, siblings, and other dependents may also be eligible.

Possible Damages to Recover

Examples of damages and losses you may recover in a wrongful death claim include:

Lost wages and future earnings
Medical bills
Funeral and burial expenses
Loss of consortium and support
Pain and suffering
Punitive damages

Why You Need a Virginia Wrongful Death Lawyer

Making sense of the legal system while grieving the loss of a loved one can be overwhelming. The experienced legal team at The Mottley Law Firm can help you in several ways.

Legal expertise. We understand the nuances of Virginia’s wrongful death law and how to build a strong case on your behalf.
Compassionate support. Our team provides empathetic guidance throughout the legal process, allowing you to focus on healing.
Thorough investigation. We work with experts to uncover all evidence and determine liability for your loved one's death.
Skilled negotiation. Our attorneys fight for fair compensation, whether through settlement negotiations or at trial.

Has Your Loved One Died In Due To The Negligence Of Others? Speak With An Experienced Virginia Wrongful Death Lawyer.

If your family member died due to the negligence of someone else you should speak with an experienced Virginia wrongful death lawyer as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Richmond office directly at (804) 409-0876 to schedule your free consultation.

We welcome clients throughout Virginia, including the communities of Bon Air, Glen Allen, Highland Springs, Laurel, Mechanicsville, Short Pump, and Tuckahoe.

We also have the ability to handle personal injury cases across the United States with appropriate local counsel admitted in the jurisdiction. Schedule your confidential consultation today.