9.  What is a wrongful death claim?

A wrongful death lawsuit alleges that the decedent was killed as a result of the negligence (or other liability) 
on the part of the defendant's, and that the surviving dependents or beneficiaries are entitled to monetary 
damages as a result of the defendant's conduct.

Under "common law" (the general legal principles passed from England to the United States over hundreds of 
years) this type of claim did not exist. It was reasoned that the claim died with the victim, and the surviving family
 members could not claim damages from the person who caused the victim's death. To correct this injustice, the 
individual states have passed "wrongful death statutes" over the years, and some form of wrongful death claim 
action exists in all state jurisdictions today. While they all follow some general principles, each state jurisdiction 
is unique, since each state has drafted its own form of "wrongful death statute."

If you believe you have a valid claim for the wrongful death of a family member, call William Grover Arnett, P.S.C.  We have helped our clients recover millions of dollars they deserved for injuries and wrongful death claims. 1-606-349-2065.