Wrongful death claims are a type of legal remedy that may be available to surviving family members in Indiana when a loved one has been wrongfully killed because of someone else’s negligence. Wrongful death lawsuits can help surviving family members following the loss of a loved one due to medical malpractice, a defective medical device or after a traumatic accident.
When a family member has died because of the medical negligence of a doctor, nurse or other medical care professional, wrongful death lawsuits may be able to help surviving family members recover compensation for their financial and emotional damages. When a medical care professional, such as a doctor, nurse or other medical care professional, has provided medical care or treatment that falls below the standard of care, they may be liable to compensate the victim’s family when a death occurs.
A wrongful death claim for medical malpractice can be brought on behalf of the lost loved one’s estate for the benefit of surviving family members. Damages that may be available include those for medical and funeral costs; lost wages and lost-earning capacity; loss of consortium; and other damages depending on the situation and circumstances.
Both wrongful death and medical malpractice claims can be complex, so family members should be prepared for what to expect, including the settlement process and working with insurance companies that are commonly involved in the process of compensating families for their losses. The time period following the unexpected loss of a loved one is a difficult one, which is why wrongful death claims may be available in certain situations to help with the harm families face.