Legal Help to Recover Financially After the Wrongful Death of a Loved One

A wrongful death occurs when a person's death is caused by the negligent or wrongful act or inaction of another. A wrongful death can result from any number of things, including careless driving, negligent medical care, or exposure to toxic substances in the workplace.

When a family member has died, it may seem inappropriate to file a wrongful death lawsuit since grieving families often have so many other tasks they must face. People sometimes avoid or put off considering a wrongful death claim, but there are several reasons you should consider contacting a wrongful death lawyer at Previant, Goldberg, Uelmen, Gratz, Miller & Brueggeman, S.C., during the difficult time following the death of a loved one.

• A wrongful death lawsuit is sometimes the only way to ensure that products or policies change to avoid similar tragedies in the future
• A wrongful death lawsuit will require careful and thorough investigation and that investigation becomes more difficult with time
• A wrongful death lawsuit can provide much needed financial support for the family members left behind

Who can file a wrongful death lawsuit?

Immediate family members are entitled to monetary damages. The most common beneficiaries are surviving spouses and children, and sometimes parents. Under certain circumstances, unrelated minor children living with and supported by the decedent may also bring a claim for wrongful death. If you have a question about whether you can bring a claim, ask our injury attorney.

In order to bring a successful wrongful death claim in Wisconsin, the following elements must be present:

• A person's death must have been caused by another's negligent conduct.
• The surviving family members must demonstrate that they are suffering the loss of financial support, love, care, comfort, supervision, guidance, household assistance and general society provided by the deceased.

Beneficiaries are entitled to recover money for both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include the financial contributions which the decedent would have made had he or she survived. It also includes the recovery for funeral services in memory of the decedent and for burial costs.

Non-economic damages include loss of love, society, companionship, comfort, affection, solace or moral support.

If you have questions about whether you have a wrongful death claim, contact our Milwaukee office to talk to a wrongful death lawyer. Your initial consultation is free.

Personal Injury Group: Larry B. Brueggeman, Thomas J. Flanagan, Lisa A. Bangert, Jason R. Oldenberg, David J. McCormick, Jeanne Welcenbach