Wrongful Death

Losing a family member is devastating under any circumstances. When that loss is caused by someone else’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct, the grief is compounded by a sense of injustice — and by the very real financial consequences that follow. At Maples, Connick & Brendel, we represent families who have lost loved ones due to the wrongful acts of others, and we pursue every avenue of accountability and compensation on their behalf.

What Is a Wrongful Death Claim?

A wrongful death claim is a civil lawsuit brought by the surviving family members of a person whose death was caused by another party’s wrongful conduct. These claims are separate from any criminal charges that may arise from the same incident. A wrongful death suit seeks to provide financial compensation to the surviving family for their losses — it cannot undo the tragedy, but it can provide stability, accountability, and a measure of justice.

Common Causes of Wrongful Death

We handle wrongful death cases arising from car, truck, and 18-wheeler wrecks, workplace and construction site wrecks, nursing home abuse and neglect, defective products, premises liability incidents, and other acts of negligence or recklessness.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim

The rules about who may bring a wrongful death claim differ by state across the Southeastern United States. In some states, the right to file belongs to the surviving spouse and children, with parents or other family members able to file if there is no surviving spouse or children. In other states, wrongful death claims must be filed by the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate. The types of damages available — including compensatory damages, punitive damages, or both — also vary depending on where the death occurred.

Statutes of limitations vary across states. That’s why it’s important to contact an experienced wrongful death lawyer as soon as possible.

Compensation in Wrongful Death Cases

Depending on the state and circumstances, surviving family members may seek compensation for funeral and burial expenses, medical expenses incurred before death, loss of the deceased person’s income and financial support, loss of companionship, guidance, and consortium, pain and suffering experienced by the deceased before death, and punitive damages in cases involving egregious conduct.

Our Approach to Wrongful Death Cases

We understand that no amount of money can replace a loved one. Our role is to lift the legal burden from grieving families, investigate the circumstances of the death thoroughly, and hold the responsible parties accountable.

We handle every wrongful death case with sensitivity, respect, and an unwavering commitment to achieving the best possible outcome for the family. We also understand that families need time and space to grieve, and we manage the legal process in a way that minimizes additional stress while keeping families informed at every step.

If your family has suffered a wrongful death, we are here to help. Contact us for a free, confidential consultation.