Norfolk Wrongful Death Lawyers

At Anchor Legal Group, PLLC, we understand the devastating impact the wrongful death of a loved one can have on a family. The loss of a family member due to the negligence, recklessness, or intentional actions of another person or entity can be overwhelming emotionally, financially, and psychologically. As experienced Norfolk wrongful death lawyers, we are committed to helping families seek justice and financial compensation for their loss.

What Is Wrongful Death?

Wrongful death occurs when the negligence, recklessness, or intentional conduct of another individual or entity causes a fatality. In Virginia, wrongful death claims can arise from various situations, including car accidents, medical malpractice, workplace accidents, defective products, and truck accidents. When someone dies due to the actions of another, the surviving family members or beneficiaries may be entitled to seek justice and compensation through a wrongful death lawsuit.

It’s essential to understand that wrongful death is not the same as a personal injury claim. A wrongful death claim can only be filed by the surviving family members or dependents, and the damages are intended to compensate for the loss of life, not the injuries sustained by the deceased person.

How Can a Wrongful Death Lawyer Help?

A wrongful death lawyer is vital in navigating the complex legal process and ensuring that the family receives the compensation they deserve. The process involves conducting an investigation, gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, negotiating with insurance companies, and, if necessary, representing the family in court.

At Anchor Legal Group, PLLC, our team is dedicated to advocating for your family’s best interests during this difficult time. Our Norfolk wrongful death lawyers can assist you with:

Investigation: We conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding your loved one’s death. This can include collecting physical evidence, reviewing medical records, interviewing witnesses, and consulting with experts if necessary.
Legal Representation: We represent you in negotiations with insurance companies. If the case cannot be settled, we are prepared to take your claim to court and fight for justice on your behalf.
Compensation Claims: We work to determine the full extent of the damages you are entitled to, including medical expenses, funeral costs, lost income, emotional distress, and loss of companionship.

Types of Wrongful Death Cases We Handle

Our Norfolk wrongful death lawyers handle a wide range of wrongful death cases, including but not limited to:

Motor Vehicle Accidents: Whether the fatal crash was caused by distracted driving, speeding, driving under the influence, or reckless driving, our team can help hold the responsible parties accountable.
Medical Malpractice: When a healthcare provider makes a mistake that results in a patient’s death, this may qualify as medical malpractice. Examples of malpractice include surgical errors, misdiagnosis, medication errors, and failure to provide appropriate care.
Workplace Accidents: Fatal accidents that occur in workplaces such as construction sites, factories, and other high-risk environments can lead to wrongful death claims. These cases may involve employer negligence or unsafe working conditions.
Defective Products: If a defective product, such as an automobile, medical device, or consumer item, causes a fatal injury, the manufacturer or seller may be held liable for wrongful death. We have experience handling complex product liability cases.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim?

In Virginia, only certain individuals are eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit. These individuals are typically the decedent’s immediate family members. Eligible parties include:

Spouse: A surviving spouse has the right to file a wrongful death lawsuit.
Children: If there is no surviving spouse, the decedent’s children may file the claim.
Parents: If the deceased person was unmarried and had no children, the parents may file a wrongful death claim.
Other Dependents: If a person is financially dependent on the deceased, they may also be able to file a claim, though this is less common.

Our team can help you understand your legal rights and determine who can file the claim on behalf of your loved one.

What Damages Can Be Recovered in a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?

The damages that may be recovered in a wrongful death case vary depending on the specific circumstances of the case and the impact of the death on the surviving family members. In Virginia, the types of damages that can be awarded include:

Funeral and Burial Expenses: The surviving family members may recover the costs of funeral services, burial, and cremation.
Medical Expenses: Any medical bills incurred by the deceased before their death due to the injuries sustained can be included in the claim.
Loss of Income: If the deceased was the primary income earner, their family may be entitled to compensation for the lost wages, future earnings, and benefits.
Pain and Suffering: Although Virginia law does not allow compensation for the pain and suffering of the deceased, surviving family members may be entitled to compensation for their emotional distress and mental anguish.
Loss of Companionship: Families may also seek damages for the loss of love, affection, companionship, and support that the deceased would have provided had they lived.
Punitive Damages: In cases where the defendant acted with extreme negligence or malicious intent, punitive damages may be awarded. These are intended to punish the defendant and deter others from engaging in similar behavior.

How Long Do You Have to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Virginia?

In Virginia, the statute of limitations for wrongful death claims is two years from the date of the deceased person’s death. It’s essential to file your claim as soon as possible to preserve your legal rights. Delays in filing can result in evidence becoming harder to obtain, and in some cases, you may lose the right to file a lawsuit entirely.

Why Choose Anchor Legal Group, PLLC

At Anchor Legal Group, PLLC, we are passionate about seeking justice for families who have lost a loved one due to wrongful death. We recognize that no amount of money can replace a loved one, but compensation can help ease the financial burden caused by the loss. Our Norfolk wrongful death lawyers are committed to:

Experience and Knowledge: Our team has years of experience handling wrongful death cases and an in-depth understanding of Virginia law.
Compassionate Support: We offer compassionate, personalized legal services, always keeping your best interests in mind as you navigate the complexities of the legal process.
No Upfront Fees: We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win your case. This ensures that you can focus on your family and healing during this difficult time.

Contact the Skilled Wrongful Death Lawyers at Anchor Legal Group, PLLC Today

If you’ve lost a loved one due to the wrongful actions of another, don’t face the legal challenges alone. Contact our Norfolk wrongful death lawyers at Anchor Legal Group, PLLC today for a free consultation. We will review your case, provide answers to your questions, and guide you through every step of the legal process. Call us at 757-LAW-0000 or fill out our online form. Located in Virginia Beach, we serve clients in Chesapeake, Norfolk, Suffolk, Portsmouth, Newport News, Hampton, Williamsburg, and Eastern Shore, Virginia.