Losing a loved one can be crushing, especially when you know it could’ve been prevented. If you’ve lost a family member due to someone else’s negligence, a Topeka personal injury lawyer can help you file a claim.
When you’re grieving, the last thing you need is a complicated legal battle. But without a lawyer, you may find yourself in the midst of one.
Foster Wallace Personal Injury Lawyers has recovered over $1 billion for our clients. If you’ve lost someone you love due to another party’s negligence, a wrongful death lawyer in Topeka can help you pursue the compensation your family deserves.
How Can a Topeka Wrongful Death Lawyer Help Me?
If you’ve lost a loved one in an accident, a wrongful death lawyer can provide the guidance and representation you need to pursue a successful claim. Here’s how they can help:
- Investigating the case: An attorney can gather evidence, interview witnesses, and consult experts to build a strong claim.
- Handling negotiations: Insurance companies often try to settle claims for as little as possible. A lawyer can negotiate with them to secure fair compensation for your family.
- Representing you in court: If a settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer will advocate for you and your family in court.
A Topeka wrongful death lawyer can handle every aspect of your claim so you and your family can focus on healing.
How Much Is a Wrongful Death Attorney in Topeka?
The wrongful death attorneys at Foster Wallace work on a contingency fee basis. This means:
- You don’t pay anything up front.
- Your lawyer’s fee will be a prearranged percentage of your settlement or verdict.
- If your claim is unsuccessful, you won’t owe anything.
Contact our Kansas city personal injury lawyers now.
Who Can Sue for Wrongful Death in Kansas?
Under Kansas law, a wrongful death lawsuit can be filed by any heir-at-law of the deceased person. This generally includes the:
- Surviving spouse
- Children (including adopted children)
- Parents
- Siblings, in some cases
A wrongful death attorney in Topeka can help determine whether you’re eligible to file a claim.
Types of Compensation You Can Pursue
While no amount of money can truly make up for the loss of a loved one, financial compensation can help your family move forward. If you file a wrongful death claim, you may be able to recover:
- Medical expenses: You can recover costs related to the final injury or illness before death.
- Funeral and burial costs: You can be reimbursed for reasonable expenses related to laying your loved one to rest.
- Loss of financial support: You can pursue compensation for the income and benefits your loved one would have provided.
- Loss of companionship: You can receive damages that recognize the emotional void left behind.
- Pain and suffering of survivors: You can recover compensation for the emotional anguish experienced by your family.
A wrongful death attorney can evaluate your case and identify the damages you’re eligible to pursue.
How Long Do I Have to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Kansas?
In most cases, the wrongful death statute of limitations in Kansas is two years from the date of an individual’s death. If you fail to file before this deadline, you may lose your right to pursue compensation altogether, which is why it’s important to consult a lawyer as soon as you can.
How Long Does It Take to Settle a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
Every wrongful death case is different. Some settle in a few months, while others take years. Some factors that will determine your case’s length include:
- The complexity of the case
- How willing the insurance company is to negotiate
- The amount of evidence that needs to be gathered
- Whether the case proceeds to trial
While it can be frustrating to wait, a skilled wrongful death attorney can work to expedite the process without compromising the value of your claim.
Common Causes of Wrongful Death
Wrongful death can result from a wide variety of accidents and negligent actions. Some of the most common causes of wrongful death include:
- Car, truck, and motorcycle accidents
- Medical malpractice
- Workplace accidents
- Dangerous or defective products
- Nursing home neglect or abuse
- Criminal acts such as assault
What Constitutes Wrongful Death in Kansas?
According to Kansas Statutes § 60-1901, wrongful death occurs when a person’s death is caused by the wrongful act or omission of another party. This means the death could have been avoided if reasonable care had been taken.
Examples include a driver running a red light and causing a fatal crash, a doctor failing to diagnose a treatable condition, or an employer ignoring safety regulations that lead to a worker’s death.
Contact a Wrongful Death Attorney in Topeka
If you’ve lost a loved one because of someone else’s negligence, you don’t have to navigate the legal process alone. A compassionate Topeka wrongful death attorney from Foster Wallace can handle every step, from investigating the death to negotiating a settlement to taking your case to trial (if necessary).
The sooner you take action, the stronger your case will be. Schedule a free consultation today to discuss your case and learn how you can achieve justice for your loved one.
