What Do We Need to Know About Wrongful Death?

In the eyes of the law, ignorance excuses no one. Thus, it is more than a prerogative to know the general truth about some claims in order not to sleep on our rights. One of the most prevalent claims is the wrongful death. Moreover, we have to be acquainted with this claim to help us out in the future if wrongful death has occurred.

A wrongful death is a lawsuit which alleges that a person has died due to deliberate and negligent acts of the defendant. Thus the surviving dependents or beneficiaries of the decedent are entitled to compensation. In connection to wrongful death, every statute is unique though they may follow some general principles.

Generally, the immediate family members like the spouse, parents and children, provided they are of major age and capacitated to do so, are the ones entitled to institute a claim. There are instances when the guardian ad litem is also allowed. This happens when the surviving beneficiaries are less than 18 years of age. Other statutes also allow grandparents, legal dependents and the extended family to do the same.

Another crucial point to remember is the period to file the claim. It must be within the