The grief caused by the loss of a loved one is difficult to bear under any circumstances but knowing that their death was caused by someone else’s negligent or reckless behavior can feel impossible to face. Your loved one deserves justice; you deserve answers and the at-fault party must be held accountable.
The Code of Virginia states that a person or corporation that causes the death of a person, whether through neglect, default, or any wrongful act, may be held liable for that death. Further, the Code lists the following as factors to be considered when determining if damages can be awarded in a wrongful death case:
In cases where the at-fault party exhibited a significant degree of willful or wanton disregard for the safety of others, punitive damages may be available. Punitive damages are awarded not as remedial or restorative compensation for the harm suffered by the victims but rather as a punishment given to the perpetrator for their reckless or malicious behavior.
A wrongful death lawsuit is a civil action that acts as a claim for the deceased victim and for surviving family members who have been impacted by this loss of life. The complexity of wrongful death claims, coupled with the emotional upheaval faced by grieving loved ones, makes these cases challenging to navigate. Walter Ruiz understands that his clients are in the midst of some of the most difficult times of their lives.
You may be able to file a wrongful death claim in Virginia if you have any of the following relations to the deceased:
Virginia laws designate a relative as someone who is related by blood, marriage, or adoption, and they use a hierarchical system when determining who can receive damages from a wrongful death lawsuit. If you are looking for more information or assistance, Walter Ruiz will be a valuable resource in your wrongful death claim. More importantly, he will be your tireless advocate and ally.
