Wrongful Death
Loss of Income | Funeral & Medical Expenses | Pain & Suffering | Punitive Damages
“Wrongful death” claims are specifically allowed by laws that give certain
family members or beneficiaries the right to recover when a person died as a
result of wrongdoing. In order to file a wrongful death lawsuit, it is first
necessary to file papers with the court creating an “estate” of the deceased
person. Then the lawsuit is brought in the name of the estate.
Damages that can be recovered include:
- loss of love and friendship (see ORS 30.20 “loss of society, companionship, and services of the decedent.”)
- expenses associated with the death, e.g., medical and funeral
- loss of income of the decedent
- decedent’s pain and suffering before death
- punitive damages
Wrongful death claims can have many causes, such as automobile accidents, defective products, airplane crashes, etc. Obviously, these are very serious cases that require thorough investigation and analysis. If you have a family member or friend who you believe was the victim of wrongful death, let us help you.
