The unexpected and wrongful death of a loved one is a difficult experience both emotionally and physically. The good news is, although nothing will bring back a lost loved one, the surviving family members may be able to recover compensation from the negligent party that caused the death.
Unfortunately, actually obtaining this recovery can take longer than the family would like. However, a California widow’s recent settlement from the fatal accident that killed her husband four years ago is proof that families should never give up until the receive what they deserve.
In February 2009, the 70-year-old man was struck by a streetcar in California. He was taken to a hospital for treatment of his injuries. Unfortunately, the medical professionals were unable to save the man and he died from his injuries. His wife filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Northern California Transit. The company has now agreed to a settlement of $900,000 to compensate the woman for the wrongful death of her husband.
A death is considered wrongful when it is the result of another person’s negligent behavior. A wrongful death can occur in any number of situations with the most common being a fatal car crash.
The tragic loss of a loved one can result in many unexpected commitments and difficulties. First of all, the emotional loss can be overwhelming for the surviving loved ones. If that isn’t difficult enough, at the same time the family is probably dealing with new financial obligations from medical bills, death expenses, lost wages if the deceased was the family breadwinner and possibly more.
When families file a wrongful death lawsuit, they can recover compensation to help them pay off their unexpected financial obligations that arose as a result of the accident. In addition, they may be able to recover damages for pain and suffering.
Source: Insurance Journal, “Northern California Transit Approves Settlement Over Journalist Death,” March 21, 2013
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