Who Can File a Fairfield County Wrongful Death Suit?

Losing a loved one is a tragedy.  But if that tragedy could have been avoided, survivors are often left with a sense of anger, outrage, and confusion.

All of these feelings are very understandable.  And while a Fairfield County wrongful death attorney cannot take away the pain of your loss, what he or she can do is help you pursue legal redress. The steps towards filing a wrongful death suit are generally as follows:

• Step one is to determine if you are eligible for filing a wrongful death claim.  Typically, you must be a family member, or someone who suffered a financial or emotional loss because of the death.
• Step two is to consult qualified Fairfield County wrongful death attorneys to see if you have a case.  This will essentially hinge upon whether you can prove that the death was the foreseeable cause of the misconduct, negligence, or carelessness of another party.  Your attorney needs documentation such as a death certificate, medical bills or treatment plans, accident reports, and any other items that may provide evidence for your case.
• Step three is to file a claim in the appropriate jurisdiction for your case.  Your attorney can help with this step as well, if needed.
• Step four is to engage in discovery.  Once the defendant is notified of the lawsuit, a meeting is held with that defendant, the plaintiff, and their respective attorneys to exchange information and evidence gathered in the case.  This process is known as discovery.  A settlement may come about as a result, or those involved in the case may opt to go to court instead.
• Step five, if it comes to that, is the trial.  This is where your attorney pleads your case, and the attorney for the defendant argues for his or her client.  A judge or jury will make the ultimate decision regarding a verdict.
• Step six can go one of two ways.  If the verdict is in your favor, then you are eligible to collect compensation.  You will need to provide your attorney with a list of the ways in which the death of your loved one negatively affected your life, including lost wages, companionship, and funeral costs.  However, if the verdict is not in your favor, your attorney can discuss with you the possibility of appealing the decision, if there is a chance that an appeal would result in a more favorable outcome.

Contact a Fairfield County wrongful death attorney today

If you lost a loved one due to carelessness or negligence, Fairfield County wrongful death attorneys can help. Alexander H. Schwartz, Attorney and Counselor at Law, exemplifies the characteristics of experience, efficiency, and the ability to get results.  Call 1-203-225-9829 for help from his Fairfield County wrongful death law firm today.