Indiana's Wrongful Death Laws
Certain surviving relatives in Indiana can file a civil case against the party or parties responsible for their loved one's untimely demise under the state's wrongful death statutes. This includes deaths resulting from vehicle accidents, pedestrian accidents, accidents on someone else’s property, and other acts of negligence or recklessness. The purpose of a wrongful death claim is to compensate the victim’s family members for the loss of love, companionship, and financial support they’ve suffered. Each state's wrongful death laws specify who is eligible to file a lawsuit for damages following a fatal accident. Different laws apply in every state. Wrongful death claims in Indiana must be brought by the personal representative of the decedent's estate, per Section 34-23-1-1 of Title 34, Civil Law and Procedure. A personal representative of the estate would normally be a:- Surviving spouse
- Adult child
- Sibling
- Parent
Working with a Dedicated Wrongful Death Attorney
The experienced wrongful death lawyers at our firm recognize that no amount of money can make up for the tragic loss of a loved one. However, holding negligent parties fully accountable is an important part of seeking justice and closure. We partner with grieving families to build strong cases to recover the maximum compensation. Key aspects of a wrongful death claim may include calculating the lifetime earning potential of the deceased, determining contributory negligence, if any, and understanding laws related to damages caps. Our attorneys handle all correspondence with insurance companies and skillfully negotiate fair settlements or take cases to trial when needed.Why Choose Vaughan & Vaughan?
For years, the Shelbyville wrongful death attorneys at our firm have fought on behalf of Indiana families who have lost loved ones due to the wrongful actions of others. Our track record of success stems from a passionate, client-focused approach. Benefits of partnering with our firm include:- Free case evaluations - no upfront costs
- Contingency fee agreements
- Personal attention and communication
- Resources to fully investigate your claim
- Trial experience with multimillion-dollar verdicts
Fighting for Justice After a Wrongful Death
Losing a beloved family member leaves an unfillable void. Although monetary settlements cannot change what happened, holding wrongdoers fully accountable is an important step toward justice and closure. Under Indiana law, different categories of damages that may be recovered include:- Burial and funeral expenses
- Loss of the deceased's future earnings, retirement, and other benefits
- Loss of love, care, and companionship
- Mental anguish and emotional distress
- Medical expenses related to the accident
- Pain and suffering experienced before death