When a loved one is taken too soon due to negligent or intentional acts, the grief can feel unbearable. No amount of money can make up for such a profound loss, but seeking justice through a wrongful death claim is an important step toward accountability and closure.
At Vaughan & Vaughan, our Plymouth wrongful death lawyers know you are going through an incredibly difficult time. For generations, our compassionate legal team has supported Indiana families coping with tragic losses, guiding them through the legal process with care.
While compensation cannot undo your pain, it can provide a sense of justice and the financial means to move forward without undue hardship. Reach out to our Plymouth personal injury lawyers today to learn how we can help in a free, no-obligation consultation.
Do I Have Grounds for a Wrongful Death Case?
Filing a wrongful death lawsuit can allow families to hold negligent parties accountable and recover damages. But what constitutes a valid wrongful death case? Our attorneys can help you determine if you have grounds for a claim in cases involving:
- Negligence (e.g. auto accidents, unsafe premises)
- Strict liability situations (defective products, animal attacks)
- Construction accident negligence
To have grounds, you must be able to establish that the death was directly caused by another’s negligence or intentional misconduct. This involves carefully investigating the circumstances and gathering supporting evidence.
Your Case Will Get
The Attention It Deserves
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim?
Under Indiana’s wrongful death statute, claims can be filed by the personal representative of the deceased’s estate on behalf of the surviving spouse, dependents, or next of kin. This may include:
- The deceased’s spouse
- Children, grandchildren, or other legal dependents
- Parents of the deceased
- Other family members specified by law
An experienced Plymouth wrongful death lawyer can review the circumstances and advise if you have the legal standing to pursue a claim and recoverable damages.
There is no fee
unless you win
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim in Indiana?
In Indiana, there are strict time limits for filing a wrongful death lawsuit, known as the “statute of limitations.” This time period is generally 2 years from the date of the death. While this may seem like ample time, it’s critical to begin the claims process promptly.
Key evidence can deteriorate or disappear, and investigating circumstances grow more difficult as time passes. By consulting an attorney early, you protect your rights and increase the chances of a successful claim.
Missing the filing window will mean being permanently barred from pursuing compensation.
How Can a Plymouth Wrongful Death Lawyer Help Me With My Claim?
The grief of an unexpected loss makes a complicated legal battle seem overwhelming alone. A compassionate wrongful death lawyer can navigate this process for you, handling:
- Investigating to establish fault/liability
- Identifying all sources of compensation
- Calculating all available damages
- Filing paperwork and claims properly
- Negotiating with insurers for a full settlement
- Litigating in court if negotiations break down
They protect your rights while allowing you to prioritize emotional healing. With expert representation, you increase your chances of a favorable resolution.
Types of Damages in Wrongful Death Cases
Monetary awards in these cases aim to compensate for both economic and non-economic damages, such as:
- Funeral and burial costs
- Pre-death medical care
- Loss of the deceased’s future earnings
- Loss of love, care, companionship
- Pain and suffering of the deceased before death
- Punitive damages in cases of egregious negligence/misconduct
Insurers often aggressively dispute the full extent of damages owed. Our wrongful death lawyers in Plymouth gather evidence to demonstrate each loss so you recover appropriately.
I’m Not Sure I Can Afford an Attorney. How Much Does it Cost?
Cost should never be a barrier to qualified legal representation. Our Plymouth wrongful death attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. This means:
- You pay no upfront costs or retainers
- Fees are only due if/when we win your case
- Fees are a percentage of your settlement/award
Until we secure compensation, you owe us nothing. The financial risk falls entirely on our firm, not you, during this difficult time.
We also offer free, no-obligation consultations. You can have your claim evaluated and get answers to your questions without spending a dime.
Healing and Moving Forward
The grief and trauma of losing a loved one tragically can feel all-consuming. While financial compensation can never make up for your profound loss, a wrongful death claim can:
- Provide a sense of justice and accountability
- Alleviate financial burdens after a tragic loss
- Discourage negligent acts that cost lives in the future
At Vaughan & Vaughan, we believe you deserve fair recoveries to help rebuild your life. Our compassionate team will handle your claim with the utmost care and professionalism.
A consultation is free and comes with no obligation to take legal action. But by having us evaluate your case, you can discover if you have grounds to demand accountability and damages.
Contact a Plymouth Wrongful Death Law Firm for a Free Case Evaluation Today
At Vaughan & Vaughan, we understand no amount of money can truly make you whole again. However, our Plymouth wrongful death attorneys believe you deserve justice and fair compensation to help provide financial security as you rebuild your life.
A consultation with our compassionate legal team can help determine if you have grounds to pursue a wrongful death claim. We will listen to the details of your loss with empathy and advise you of your rights and options for seeking compensatory damages.
You don’t have to shoulder this difficult battle alone. Contact us today to learn why families across Indiana have trusted Vaughan & Vaughan for over 100 years. Our results speak for themselves. We’re here to be your voice and fight tirelessly for justice.
