Wrongful Death Attorneys in Northern Virginia

A loved one’s death is an extremely difficult event to work through, and it can leave many in financial and emotional turmoil. What makes death even worse, however, is when it could have been avoided. In cases where a wrongful death has taken place, it’s important to have a qualified legal team to analyze and evaluate your options. At Westlake Legal Group, our team of skilled wrongful death attorneys has the experience necessary to successfully evaluate and litigate your case.

If you believe a loved one has died as a result of another’s wrongful actions, don’t hesitate to contact the knowledgeable attorneys at Westlake Legal Group. Schedule your consultation with our team today!

Understanding Wrongful Death Litigation in Virginia

Common Causes of Wrongful Death Cases

Before filing for wrongful death, it’s important to understand how such a case could arise in the first place. There are a number of events that can transpire that would result in a wrongful death claim, including:

• Auto Accidents: If your loved one died in a car accident that was negligently caused by speeding, distracted driving, a DUI, or another factor, you may have a wrongful death case.
• Aviation Accidents: If the airline or its employees negligently failed to follow safety protocol and it led to your loved one’s death, you may be able to sue for wrongful death.
• Birth Injury: If the infant or the mother is injured during childbirth and either the child or the mother dies as a result, this could be considered wrongful death.
• Medical Malpractice: Failure to diagnose an illness, failure to follow the proper standard of care, and other negligent acts from a medical professional can result in death and may ultimately end in wrongful death litigation.

No matter the cause of death of your loved one, our team can analyze the matter, help you understand your options, and determine whether you have legal basis for filing a wrongful death suit in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Wrongful Death and Virginia Law

Following the death of a loved one, each state has its own laws that stipulate how wrongful death suits may be pursued. In Virginia, “statutory beneficiaries,” (family members/dependents of the decedent) may legally recover wrongful death damages. These individuals may include:

• Surviving spouses, children, or grandchildren
• Surviving parents, siblings, or relatives who share the decedent’s household and are a dependent of the decedent
• Surviving family members entitled to inherit the decedent’s estate under Virginia’s intestacy laws

To find out whether you are eligible to file a wrongful death suit on behalf of your deceased loved one, contact Westlake Legal Group for a consultation today!

FAQs for Wrongful Death Lawsuits in Northern Virginia

What is the statute of limitations on filing suit for wrongful death?

According to state law, wrongful death claims must be filed within two years of the date of the deceased person’s death.

What evidence is needed to prove a wrongful death lawsuit?

Every wrongful death case is a little different, but plaintiffs generally must be able to prove the following:

• Duty: You must be able to prove to the court that the party responsible for your loved one’s death owed them a duty of care (i.e., duty to drive safely).
• Breach of Duty: You must be able to prove that the responsible party breached that duty (i.e., speeding, distracted driving, DUI, etc.).
• Causation: You must be able to prove not only that the responsible party breached their duty, but also that the person’s actions caused the wrongful death.

In order to ensure the best outcome for your case, be sure to carefully document all facts related to your loved one’s death and contact a knowledgeable attorney as soon as you can.

Westlake Legal Group: Northern Virginia’s Wrongful Death Attorneys

While our legal team will not be able to mend the emotional anguish related to your loss, we can help you assess your case and recover damages, if you are entitled. Westlake Legal Group has significant experience with wrongful death cases and looks forward to assisting you.