Plainfield Wrongful Death Lawyer

Serving All of Indiana Since 1913

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Plainfield wrongful death attorneys understand that, in the face of a loved one's unexpected death, you may not immediately consider legal action against the offending party. Grief is powerful. You need time to recover. That said, our team offers survivors like you the legal aid you need to demand fair compensation for the losses and dirt in the face of a loved one's death. Vaughan & Vaughan can walk you through the process of filing a personal injury claim against the party liable for your loved one’s passing. You can schedule a free case evaluation with Plainfield, IN, personal injury lawyers to discuss what the process of addressing a loved one’s wrongful death looks like.

How to Address a Loved One’s Wrongful Death

Contending with the semantics of a loved one's death while tackling your grief can leave you feeling drained. It’s often easier to break down the logistical responsibilities you have if you take them in steps. With that in mind, the following stepping stones can make your journey toward a full recovery simpler.

File an Insurance Claim

You need to determine whether or not you have the right to file an insurance claim with the liable party’s provider in the wake of a loved one’s passing. Should you have the right to act, you need to bring your claim forward within a few days of your loved one’s death. States like Indiana have minimum liability coverage that they require motorists and similar parties to hold in an effort to protect everyone around them. Even so, some parties may take to the road or day-to-day life without applicable insurance. If a liable party does not have coverage, let an attorney know so you can outline your next best steps. Even if a liable party does have coverage, you need to be wary of an insurance claim adjuster's intentions. These parties often prioritize their companies’ well-being over yours. As such, an insurance claim adjuster may attempt to minimize the economic value of your loved ones' losses. You can deal with that bad-faith behavior yourself, or you can call on an attorney for support. 

Determine Whether or Not You’re the Personal Executor

You may additionally have the right to assume legal action against the party liable for your loved one’s death. That said, Indiana only allows the deceased personal executor to take legal action on their behalf. If you do not fill this role, you may not file a wrongful death claim requesting compensation for a loved one's losses. If you don't know whether or not you feel this role, consider meeting with an attorney. The deceased should have named a personal executor in their will if they did not outright declare that person's role while living. Should you serve as the deceased personal executor, you can work with Plainfield wrongful death attorneys to begin gathering the evidence you need to file a civil claim against an offending party. You are not obligated to assume legal action against the party responsible for your loved one’s death. Many families would prefer the state to bring criminal action against these parties while the families themselves focus on their grief. That said, death is more expensive than anybody anticipates. Should you find yourself contending with unexpected bills, civil action can help you secure the financial support you need to recover. You can meet with an attorney prior to assuming legal action and face no pressure to take your case to court. Instead, attorneys with Vaughan & Vaughan can break down what right you have to legal action before outlining the best practices of going to civil court. No one will pressure you into additional action or otherwise obligate you to move a case forward. Whether or not you take a case to civil court remains up to you.

Choose Your Best Path Forward

Should you decide to progress with a civil claim, know that you do not necessarily have to go to trial to win fair compensation for a loved one's wrongful death. You can request that an attorney arrange out-of-court negotiations with the party liable for your loved one’s losses. That said, negotiating for a fair settlement after a wrongful death can often prove emotionally challenging. It’s difficult to sit across the table from the person responsible for your loved one’s death and request financial support based on their negligence. Our attorneys recognize that. That's why we present negotiating as an option but do not make it obligatory. You can take your case to trial if you so wish. No matter which path forward you choose, you can count on the attorneys with Vaughan & Vaughan to stand by your side throughout the legal process. 

Grieving Families are Working on a Limited Timeline

Indiana Code section 34-11-2-4 dictates the amount of time in which families may bring a wrongful death claim forward in Indiana civil courts. This personal injury statute of limitations gives you no more than two years to file a personal injury claim and demand compensation for your loved one's losses. Be aware that the deadline is a firm one. If you miss your personal injury statute of limitations, Indiana courts may assume that you have waived your right to take legal action on behalf of the deceased. 

Wrongful Death Lawyers in Plainfield Want to Help You Exercise Your Rights

Wrongful death lawyers in Plainfield and beyond understand that the grief that comes with a loved one’s passing can immobilize you. At the same time, we want to give you and your loved ones the tools you need to address the economic strain that comes with that loss. You can turn to our team in times of crisis to secure consummate legal support. Contact us online or by phone today to schedule a free wrongful death case evaluation. Vaughan & Vaughan’s attorneys can stand up for your right to fair compensation in the wake of a tragic loss.

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What Clients Have to Say About Working With Charles

D. J.

D. J.

1 week ago

What an amazing law firm!! Charlie and Elizabeth are amazing! They were always willing to take our -- sometimes we thought -- unnecessary questions we had and explain them to us so...
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What an amazing law firm!! Charlie and Elizabeth are amazing! They were always willing to take our -- sometimes we thought -- unnecessary questions we had and explain them to us so we knew what to expect.
Client

Client

1 week ago

Vaughan & Vaughan knows how to treat their clients. They handled my personal injury case and saved me a great deal of stress. They worked efficiently and effectively to get me the...
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Vaughan & Vaughan knows how to treat their clients. They handled my personal injury case and saved me a great deal of stress. They worked efficiently and effectively to get me the justice that i deserved! I would recommend them to everyone!
W. B.

W. B.

1 week ago

Very great team of hard working people. Thank you for being there for me at hard times , without all of you life would be much harder. Very much grateful to have...
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Very great team of hard working people. Thank you for being there for me at hard times , without all of you life would be much harder. Very much grateful to have had you all by my side. Keep up the hard work.
K. M.

K. M.

1 week ago

I have been involved in a couple accidents that havent been my fault. My other attorney was horrible...he never called back, never explained anything. If you asked questions, he would make me...
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I have been involved in a couple accidents that havent been my fault. My other attorney was horrible...he never called back, never explained anything. If you asked questions, he would make me feel as if I were incompetent. Elizabeth is amazing! She goes above and beyond to make sure to answer any questions and to follow up on everything! Elizabeth always calls or emails back typically the same day. More times than not, she will get back in just an hour or less of leaving a message. I know I'm not their only client, but the way I am treated, makes me feel as if I am. I knew my previous attorney was horrible by the end of it all, but didnt realize just how horrible until I hired Vaughan and Vaughan.
Client

Client

1 week ago

I was involved in my first serious car accident and didn't know what to do. The other party had admitted fault and their insurance company wanted to offer me a very low...
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I was involved in my first serious car accident and didn't know what to do. The other party had admitted fault and their insurance company wanted to offer me a very low dollar amount to settle. When I sensed that something was amiss, I immediately called Mr. Vaughn at Vaughn & Vaughn Law Firm. He and his staff were very friendly and knowledgeable. They took me through the process step-by-step and made sure that I was comfortable and informed with all decisions made. Mr. Vaughn was not only able to address my medical, property, and personal expenses, he also considered the physical long-term effects of my health as a result of this accident. I was able to settle for a much higher dollar amount that they initially offered. I would highly recommend his services to anyone. If he cannot help you, he will refer you to someone who can. As his firm truly believes, once you hire the firm of Vaughn & Vaughn, you are a part of the family.
Client

Client

1 week ago

Charles R. Vaughan answered all my question where I could understand. And his advice was excellent.
K. A.

K. A.

1 week ago

Charlie Vaughan and his staff worked very diligently to get both of our cases resolved in a timely manner and with great results! I would definitely recommend them to help you with...
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Charlie Vaughan and his staff worked very diligently to get both of our cases resolved in a timely manner and with great results! I would definitely recommend them to help you with your needs! Very professional and easy to get a face to face with or over the phone for updates, the progress of your case and questions. Thanks again Charlie and staff, for all you did to help us and our family to be back on track!
D. K.

D. K.

1 week ago

Charlie and his office staff are easy to work with and make the process of working with a law firm less intimidating. Charlie explains the process of working with insurance companies and...
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Charlie and his office staff are easy to work with and make the process of working with a law firm less intimidating. Charlie explains the process of working with insurance companies and the legal system in terms that are easy for anyone to understand. I have never worked with an attorney before but if you need one, I would not be afraid to call them.
V. K.

V. K.

1 week ago

Charles and his team fought for me. I was rear ended by a drunk driver minimal damage. Got my vehicle fixed and all hospital bills paid in less than a year even...
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Charles and his team fought for me. I was rear ended by a drunk driver minimal damage. Got my vehicle fixed and all hospital bills paid in less than a year even got some money back. Thank you so much Charles!!
A. J.

A. J.

1 week ago

Vaughan and Vaughan -- they are true experts at what they do and they will guide you through each step of the process in a welcoming and professional style. They have been...
Read More
Vaughan and Vaughan -- they are true experts at what they do and they will guide you through each step of the process in a welcoming and professional style. They have been in this business for decades because they truly care for their clients; they are great at what they do and they get results.

Contact the Fearless Indiana Car Accident Lawyers at Vaughan & Vaughan Today

Don’t let an insurance company dictate the quality of your recovery. Trust a firm with over 110 years of history and elite board certification to protect your future.
Contact Vaughan & Vaughan today at (765) 742-0056 or fill out our online contact form for a free, 24/7 consultation.

Our Office

Indianapolis Office

9595 Whitley Dr Suite 203,
Indianapolis, IN 46240

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