After losing a loved one to a tragic accident, you are likely dealing with many emotions as you try to find your way in an unfamiliar world. If you are uncertain of the steps you need to take to file a wrongful death claim, it’s time to contact a Mechanicsville wrongful death lawyer from Tronfeld West & Durrett to help seek justice for your loved one.

Another’s negligence left you without your loved one, and there should be consequences for those negligent actions. While finances may not be uppermost in your mind during this difficult time, if your loved one was the primary breadwinner in your family, your financial future may be a very real concern.

What Is Wrongful Death?

When an individual is careless, and that negligence results in the death of another, the family members or personal representative of the decedent’s estate can file a wrongful death lawsuit. This civil action is separate from any criminal charges that might be filed. For example, if a drunk driver hits another driver, severely injuring that driver, they might have criminal charges filed against them for driving drunk and injuring another person.

The injured person can file a personal injury claim against the drunk driver in an effort to recover damages for their medical expenses, lost wages, lost future wages, and pain and suffering. If the injured person then dies, his or her family members or the personal representative of the estate can file a wrongful death claim for damages.

These damages could include medical bills prior to the death, lost future earnings, funeral and burial expenses, loss of care and companionship for a spouse, and loss of guidance and care for the children of the decedent. Wrongful death damages could even include loss of inheritance. Many different circumstances can give rise to a wrongful death claim, including medical malpractice, motor vehicle accidents, manufacturing defects, property accidents, and more.

For answers to your questions with a wrongful death serving Mechanicsville, call:
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Why Choose a Mechanicsville Wrongful Death Lawyer from Tronfeld West & Durrett?

At Tronfeld West & Durrett, we always work hard for our clients to ensure they are properly compensated for an accident caused by the negligence of another. We are wholly dedicated to obtaining the best results, whether through a settlement or a trial and verdict. Since 1972 we have represented thousands of injured clients and families who have lost a loved one.

At Tronfeld West & Durrett, we understand that you have choices when deciding on a wrongful death lawyer. We hope you will allow our firm to show you what we can do for you and how much client service is a part of our firm. We are tenacious and committed to making a difference in your future. With the vast litigation experience, distinguished academic degrees, and extensive knowledge of our specialty, the Tronfeld West & Durrett attorneys are ready to help you during this difficult time.

About Mechanicsville

Mechanicsville, Virginia, is a Hanover County census-designated place with a population of 38,000. Mechanicsville was settled by English colonists in the 17th century. In downtown Mechanicsville, there is a stone windmill that is a landmark in downtown Mechanicsville. During the American Civil War, numerous battles were fought in Mechanicsville and surrounding areas. Garthright House on the Cold Harbor battlefield is surrounded by Hannover County Park and across the road from the Cold Harbor National Cemetery.

Garthright House was used as a Union field hospital for ten days during the battle of Cold Harbor in 1864; after the Union army moved on to Petersburg, the Confederates took over the house, continuing its use as a hospital. While Mechanicsville is a charming area filled with history, tragedy can strike those who live in this picturesque area in the same way it can strike anyone. If you have lost a loved one to a wrongful death, having a zealous advocate in your corner can make a difference.

How Long Does a Wrongful Death Claim Take?

How long it takes your wrongful death claim to settle depends on a number of factors. The underlying accident will impact the length of time it can take to investigate and settle a claim. Whether liability is clear or not can also impact the length of time your wrongful death claim takes. If there are allegations that the decedent’s actions contributed to his or her death, settlement negotiations can stall. It can also take time to value your claim and ensure you are fully compensated for your losses. It can take time to place a dollar figure on a death, particularly if your loved one was young and had a full and productive life ahead.

If there is no question of liability, then your attorney may be able to negotiate a full and fair settlement relatively quickly. Other times—particularly if the case goes to trial—a wrongful death claim can take a year or longer. Damages in a wrongful death claim can be much more complex than damages in a personal injury claim, as it can be difficult to calculate the income a person would have earned had they lived. Age, education, current skill level, and the reasonable path their career would have taken are all factors in lost future income.

What Steps Can I Take to Help My Attorney Win My Wrongful Death Claim?

While your Mechanicsville wrongful death lawyer will handle all the legalities, including the investigation, compilation of information, and paperwork, there are certain things you can do to help the case go more quickly, with fewer glitches. If your loved one was in the hospital or had medical expenses as a result of the accident caused by the negligence of another person, then you can make sure all the medical expense receipts are properly organized.

Likewise, you can keep good records of all funeral and burial expenses incurred following the death of your loved one. Calculating lost future income is something your attorney will be experienced in; however, you can provide all the pertinent employment information. Your Mechanicsville wrongful death lawyer will also know how to prove liability for the death of your loved one and will gather all relevant evidence to the wrongful death claim.

How Can a Mechanicsville Wrongful Death Lawyer from Tronfeld West & Durrett Help?

Losing a loved one may be the most difficult thing you will go through in your life. While money certainly does not ease your emotional pain, it can give you some solace in knowing that you do not have to worry about how to pay the bills in the midst of your grief. A wrongful death settlement also provides justice in that the negligent party is held liable for the death. If you have lost someone you cared deeply about, having a compassionate, knowledgeable, experienced wrongful death attorney from Tronfeld West & Durrett can make a significant difference in the outcome of your wrongful death claim. Contact Tronfeld West & Durrett today for the legal assistance you can trust and count on.

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What Are the Most Common Types of Personal Injury Claims?

Automobile accidents are, by far, the most common type of personal injury claim. There are more than 17,250 car accidents every day in the United States, and many of those accidents are the direct result of negligence or carelessness on the part of a driver. Auto accidents can cause injuries that result in lifelong medical issues and pain. Therefore, holding the careless driver responsible is extremely important.