Middleborough Wrongful Death Attorney
Massachusetts lawyer seeks damages for plaintiffs in cases involving fatalities
The weeks and months after the tragic death of a family member can be excruciating. The pain might be even worse if your loved one died because another person or a business acted carelessly or maliciously. At the Studley Law Offices in Middleborough, we pursue a measure of relief for bereaved Massachusetts clients in wrongful death proceedings. For more than three decades, we have obtained substantial verdicts and settlements to help families hold other parties accountable for causing the death of their loved ones.
What qualifies of a wrongful death?
A fatality caused by the negligence or intentional act of someone besides the victim is grounds for a wrongful death lawsuit, unless an exception applies. One such exception is that an employer cannot be sued if one of their workers dies on the job. Though many loved ones might be affected by an untimely death, Massachusetts law states that the plaintiff in a wrongful death case must be the personal representative for the decedent’s estate. Nothing can ever fully replace a lost family member, but our firm is dedicated to maximizing monetary compensation for clients, which can include payment for funeral expenses, for income the victim would have earned in their lifetime and for the care, household services and counsel the victim had provided.
Types of wrongful death claims
Throughout Plymouth County and in other Massachusetts communities, we handle all types of wrongful death cases, such as claims from the following types of incidents:
- Auto accidents
- Slip and fall accidents on someone else’s property
- Medical malpractice
- Defective products
No matter what led to the death of your loved one, you can count us for reliable counsel and strong advocacy until your case is resolved.
Evidence used in cases stemming from fatal incidents
Depending on the circumstances, proving a wrongful death claim might be difficult because the victim is unable to testify as to what happened. As an accomplished Massachusetts injury lawyer, John E. Studley Jr. understands how to construct a case in order to succeed at trial or during settlement negotiations. Specific ways our firm might show that the requisite legal elements exist include the following:
- Obtaining testimony from eyewitnesses
- Examining physical evidence, such as brake marks, from an accident scene
- Consulting with experts, including doctors in medical malpractice cases
- Reviewing healthcare records to pinpoint the cause of death
Each case is unique, and after reviewing your situation, we can advise on the best way to litigate your wrongful death action.
Civil damages in wrongful death actions
A wrongful death lawsuit is a civil action, in which the plaintiff can collect monetary damages from the party or parties who are responsible for someone else’s death. In some cases, the negligence or willful act that gives rise to a wrongful death claim also constitutes criminal misconduct. However, any criminal prosecution is a separate matter filed by the government and does not affect the outcome of the civil claim. You can file a wrongful death case even if the potentially liable party was acquitted or if charges were never brought.
Contact a Massachusetts lawyer to discuss a wrongful death claim
At the Studley Law Offices in Middleborough, we represent plaintiffs in Massachusetts wrongful death lawsuits. Our firm offers free, no-obligation consultations and serves clients in Lakeville, Taunton, Bridgewater, East Bridgewater, Raynham, Plymouth and other locations. Please call 508-923-7207 or contact us online for an appointment.
