Rhode Island Wrongful Death Lawyer
No even can cause the profound grief that is associated with the sudden and unexpected death of a loved one. Families in these situations face a number of significant challenges that can be incredibly difficult to adjust to.
Under Rhode Island General Laws § 10-7-2, a person has only three years to file an action to recover damages for the death of an individual caused by another party’s wrongful act, neglect, unlawful violence, or negligence. This time limit is known as the statute of limitations, and a court will not hear any case filed after it has expired.
Need an Injury Lawyer Rhode Island understands that families are not immediately prepared to handle court cases after a loved one’s death, which is why our firm takes care of all paperwork and court appearances on their behalf. We represent families in South Kingstown, West Warwick, Johnston, North Kingstown, Newport, Bristol, Westerly, Smithfield, Lincoln, Providence, Warwick, Cranston, Pawtucket, East Providence, Woonsocket, Coventry, Cumberland, and North Providence.
Wrongful Death Laws in Rhode Island
Under Rhode Island General Laws § 10-7-2, a wrongful death action needs to be brought by and in the name of the executor or administrator of the descendant. If no executor or administrator has been named or such person does not wish to serve, the court can appoint a representative.
The same statute stipulates that half of the damages awarded in a wrongful death action are awareness to the descendant’s spouse and the other half goes to his or her children. If there is no spouse or children, then the only eligible beneficiaries get all of the award.
A wrongful death claim is essentially the legal action the deceased would have brought against the negligent party had he or she survived the accident. Instead, the action is brought by the family members of the deceased, and it can seek damages for many different kinds of costs incurred as the result of a family member’s death.
Damages may include awards for:
- Funeral expenses
- Medical expenses
- Hospital expenses
- Nursing expenses
- Pain and suffering
Types of Wrongful Death Cases in Rhode Island
Any one of a number of accidents or even intentional acts can result in a person’s death. Some of the most common causes of wrongful death in Rhode Island include, but are not limited to:
- Car Accidents
- Motorcycle Accidents
- Truck Accidents
- Commercial Vehicle Accidents
- Bus Accidents
- Driving Under the Influence (DUI) of Liquor or Drugs Accidents
- Bicycle Accidents
- Ridesharing (Uber or Lyft) Accidents
- Pedestrian Accidents
- Medical Malpractice
- Workplace Accidents
Wrongful Death Attorney in Rhode Island
Was your loved one killed as the result of another party’s negligence in Rhode Island? Do not make any recorded statement to an insurance company until you have legal representation. Contact Need an Injury Lawyer Rhode Island as soon as possible.
Our firm serves people in communities all over Bristol County, Newport County, Washington County, Kent County, and Providence County. We are available 24/7 to set up a free consultation so you can have our personal injury attorneys provide an honest and thorough evaluation of your case.