Bridgeport Wrongful Death Lawyers

The unexpected death of a family member is never an easy experience. Whether your loved one died in a car crash on I-79, in a workplace accident, or because of an act of violence, it is crucial to know your rights when it comes to filing a wrongful death claim against whoever is responsible for their death. An experienced Bridgeport wrongful death lawyer is an invaluable asset in this difficult situation.  

Compassionate Legal Counsel for Wrongful Death Claims in Bridgeport, WV 

The team at Hansberry & Wagoner, PLLC, has successfully resolved a wide range of personal injury cases for clients in Bridgeport and the surrounding Harrison County communities. When you think another party caused the death of a family member, you could have grounds to file a wrongful death claim. We can help you understand West Virginia’s wrongful death laws as they apply to your case and assist you in pursuing accountability.  

Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of accidental deaths in West Virginia each year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the state recorded 2,175 motor vehicle accident fatalities in 2023, with a fatal accident rate of 118.8 per 100,000 residents. Other common causes of wrongful deaths include slip-and-fall accidents, workplace accidents, acts of violence, and medical malpractice.  

Our team provides client-focused legal counsel, and when you choose our firm to represent you, you will work directly with your attorney through every step of your proceedings. We do not pass cases to legal assistants; we promise direct interaction with your legal representative, and you can trust us to answer your questions and address your concerns as your case unfolds. You have limited time to file a wrongful death case, so you need to hire a wrongful death lawyer right away. 

Building Your Wrongful Death Case in Bridgeport 

Any situation that can cause a personal injury can potentially form grounds for a wrongful death claim. Essentially, a wrongful death case is a personal injury claim filed on behalf of the family of the victim. Only the personal representative of the deceased’s estate may act as the plaintiff in a wrongful death case, and they seek compensation that will be distributed to the victim’s surviving family and beneficiaries.  

You must prove liability to succeed with your wrongful death case. This could require obtaining evidence you do not know how to secure on your own, and you must eliminate any doubt as to whether the defendant named in your civil suit is responsible for causing the victim’s death. The evidence that comes into play will depend on the nature of the fatal accident.  

Unlike a typical personal injury case that seeks compensation for the victim’s economic and non-economic damages, a wrongful death claim seeks compensation for the losses experienced by the family of the victim. Your Bridgeport wrongful death attorney can accurately calculate the full scope of the damages you are eligible to claim and guide you through each step of these difficult proceedings.  

Ultimately, it can be incredibly difficult to face a wrongful death case in Bridgeport, so you need legal counsel you can trust on your side to provide guidance and support. The team at Hansberry & Wagoner, PLLC, has more than 30 combined years of experience handling a wide range of personal injury cases in Bridgeport, including wrongful death cases. Reach out to us as soon as you can to learn more about our legal services and how we can help with your case.  

FAQs 

Q: How Do You Prove Liability in a Wrongful Death Case?  

A: To prove liability in a wrongful death case, you must identify the party responsible for causing the victim’s death, prove exactly how they caused it, and then show the full scope of the family’s resulting damages. The exact types of evidence you will need depend on how the death occurred. For example, proving fault for a fatal car crash may require vehicle computer data, police reports, and eyewitness testimony.  

Q: Will the Defendant Go to Jail for Causing a Fatal Injury?  

A: The defendant could go to jail for causing a fatal injury if their behavior exceeded the scope of typical negligence or if they broke the law. For example, if your family member was killed by a drunk driver, the drunk driver faces civil liability for the wrongful death, along with criminal prosecution from the state. Penalties for criminal offenses in West Virginia increase significantly when defendants cause fatal harm.  

Q: How Much Is a Wrongful Death Claim Worth in Bridgeport?  

A: The value of a wrongful death claim in Bridgeport varies based on multiple factors. It’s possible for the plaintiff to claim compensation for funeral and burial expenses, lost financial support the victim can no longer provide to their family, damages to the deceased’s estate, and compensation for the family’s emotional suffering and mental anguish. Your Bridgeport wrongful death attorney can help you maximize your compensation.  

Q: Why Should I Hire a Wrongful Death Lawyer in Bridgeport?  

A: You should hire a wrongful death lawyer in Bridgeport to have a better chance of not only winning your case, but also a better chance of maximizing your compensation. A skilled local attorney can gather proof of liability to hold a defendant accountable, accurately calculate all of the damages you are eligible to claim, and determine the optimal way to resolve your case efficiently.  

Q: Will I Need to Go to Court for a Wrongful Death Case?  

A: You may not need to go to court for a wrongful death case. Some of these cases are settled outside of court in private settlement negotiations. However, this is not always a viable option and may not yield maximum compensation for the family. Hansberry & Wagoner, PLLC will help you settle your case if this suits your interests, but we are fully prepared to litigate on your behalf if necessary.  

The team at Hansberry & Wagoner, PLLC, has extensive experience handling some of the most challenging personal injury cases in Bridgeport, including wrongful death claims. We are confident we can guide you to a positive result, but it’s vital to start building your case as soon as possible. Contact us today and schedule a consultation with an experienced Bridgeport wrongful death lawyer to learn more about our legal services.