If you have lost a family member or loved one as a result of a traffic accident, you and your family may have a wrongful death claim under Wisconsin law.
In order to have a valid wrongful death claim, another individual must have acted negligently or recklessly in causing the accident that led directly to your loved one’s death. A wrongful death claim allows surviving family members to hold an individual responsible for his or her negligence and collect damages for their losses.
Either the executor of the deceased’s estate or a close family member, such as a spouse, child, or parent, has the right to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the person responsible for the crash that led to the death.
If the lawsuit is successful, any damages would go to the surviving family members who are entitled to inherit from the deceased individual. For example, if the deceased was a minor child, any damages recovered would go to the child’s parents. If the deceased was an adult with a spouse, then the spouse would be entitled to the damages.
In a wrongful death suit, surviving family members can seek damages for loss of support and services. Additionally, the spouse, parents, children, or minor siblings of a deceased adult can recover $350,000 for loss of their society and companionship, and $500,000 if the deceased was a minor child. These are referred to as pecuniary damages.
The estate of the deceased also has the right to bring a survival action, which seeks compensation for expenses related to the individual’s death. These damages include medical bills, loss of income and earning capacity, and pain and suffering that the individual sustained prior to death.
Whether your loved one’s death is the result of a drugged driving crash, drunk driving accident, or an incident caused by another driver’s wrongful behavior, the Madison wrongful death lawyers of Boller & Vaughan are here to help you get through the often complex process of filing a wrongful death claim.
We will determine if you have a legally valid wrongful death claims, and help you choose the best course of action for you and your family to get compensation for your losses as quickly as possible. Start the healing process by contacting our office today, and get a better understanding about how our attorneys can help ensure that you obtain the maximum compensation that is possible in your case.
Wisconsin’s Winter Awareness Week is an annual campaign sponsored by several state agencies to promote safe driving habits throughout winter. Every November, Wisconsin officials share new statistics and useful reminders about the dangerous of winter […]
All types of motor vehicles can be involved in horrific traffic accidents that can cause injuries or even death to drivers, passengers, and pedestrians alike. However, when a commercial motor vehicle such as a large […]
"*" indicates required fields
Δ
We live in Friendship, Wisconsin, and Boller & Vaughan came to our doorstep to discuss our mother’s wrongful death claim on a Saturday morning. Not only were we pleased with the large recovery, we were so thankful to have lawyers who were willing to explain to us every twist and turn along the way. It is great to know there is a law firm that will fight for the rights of elderly people all over Wisconsin.
Mr. Boller and Ms. Vaughan were incredible in working on my case and my daughter’s case. I was out of work and in the hospital with a new baby. Mr. Boller and Ms. Vaughan protected our rights and it was a pleasure to work with them. I hope never to be in another motor vehicle accident, however, if I am and I am injured, I will contact Boller & Vaughan immediately.
I was referred to Michelle through a friend. I have never had a better experience. It took a little over a year to get my settlement but the staff there stayed in constant contact and kept me in the loop. Oh, and Michelle actually got me MORE money than we discussed. I will refer anyone to this firm. Words cannot do justice the thanks that I have for Michelle and her staff (Mary especially) thank you guys so much!
After my husband died as a result of a motor vehicle accident, Boller & Vaughan spent countless hours talking with me, meeting with me in person, and making sure that I was okay. The drunk driver who hit us did not have any insurance, and we had to make a claim through our own insurance. Boller & Vaughan was fantastic at explaining the law to me and the handling of our claims.
After my son was injured in a daycare setting, Ms. Vaughan took the time to thoroughly investigate our case and my son’s injuries. Michele was approachable and had answers to our questions. Talking with her helped to relieve many of our anxieties.
