Experienced Lawyer for Wrongful Death Claims in Chelsea
Chelsea, Massachusetts, is a picturesque town with a rich heritage and beautiful surroundings. Despite the tranquil atmosphere that the community enjoys, accidents and wrongful deaths occur in the community. Boston Magazine reports on the most dangerous intersections, and Chelsea is listed as having the most dangerous crosswalks in New England. The intersection of Twenty-third and Sixth Avenue is the site of many serious and fatal accidents, affecting both residents and visitors to the area. When a loved one’s life is tragically cut short due to another individual’s negligence or wrongdoing, the impact on the family is unimaginable.
Our compassionate and skilled Chelsea wrongful death attorneys are here to guide you through the legal system and pursue justice for losing your loved one. We are committed to supporting families in Chelsea who have lost a loved one due to acts of negligence. Contact our firm today at (978) 327-5140 to schedule a free consultation.
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What Is a Wrongful Death Claim?
Wrongful death occurs when a person’s life is taken as a result of the negligence or intentional actions of another individual or entity. In Massachusetts, certain family members have the right to file a lawsuit against the liable party for wrongful deaths. Compensation may include medical expenses incurred before death, funeral costs, lost earnings, and emotional damages.
Common Causes of Wrongful Death
Some common causes of wrongful death include:
- Vehicle accidents involving cars, trucks, and motorcycles, particularly when factors such as speeding or distracted driving are involved.
- Pedestrian accidents, especially in urban areas or near busy roads.
- Bicycle accidents involving collisions with motor vehicles, which can lead to severe injuries or death.
- Medical malpractice, where errors or negligence by healthcare professionals result in wrongful deaths, such as misdiagnoses or surgical mistakes.
- Workplace accidents, including equipment failure or exposure to hazardous substances, can cause fatalities.
- Premises liability, where property owners who fail to maintain a safe environment may be held responsible for fatal accidents, such as fires, slips and falls, assaults, and other incidents.
- Defective products, where manufacturers may be held accountable for fatal injuries caused by their products due to manufacturing or design defects.
We've offered crucial support and guidance to individuals who have suffered injuries, ensuring their financial and emotional well-being.
Establishing Liability in a Wrongful Death Claim
In a wrongful death claim, evidence must be presented to prove another party acted negligently or recklessly, which caused the death. Our attorneys will meticulously review the facts in the case, identify the liable party or parties, and vigorously pursue justice and full compensation for your loved one’s untimely passing. The first step is to obtain and preserve all relevant evidence before it is lost or destroyed and interview witnesses before memories fade.
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Eligibility to File a Wrongful Death Claim
Only certain family members in Massachusetts are permitted to file a claim for wrongful death on behalf of a deceased relative. The list includes spouses (including adoptive or biological parents), parents, children (including adopted kids), half-siblings, and grandparents.
Conditions Allowing a Wrongful Death Claim to be Filed
A wrongful death claim can be filed in Massachusetts if the following criteria are met:
- Negligence: If your loved one’s death was caused by another person or entity’s negligence, carelessness, or recklessness, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim. Examples include car accidents, medical malpractice, and premises liability.
- Intentional harm: If someone intentionally caused your loved one’s death, such as through assault or murder, you might be eligible to file a wrongful death claim.
- Strict liability: In certain situations, an individual may be held strictly liable for wrongful death even if they did not act with negligence or malicious intent. This is most common in product liability cases when a defective product leads to death.
A wrongful death claim must be filed within three years from the date of death or when the personal representative first knew or should have known the facts supporting the claim.
Compensation in Wrongful Death Claims
If it can be proven another party was responsible for your loved one’s death, you may be entitled to compensation for their medical bills related to their illness or injury before their death, funeral expenses, lost earnings, and the emotional damages resulting from the loss of life. Our experienced Chelsea personal injury attorney will fight to ensure all possible forms of compensation are pursued to maximize the financial recovery.
Contact Us Today
At DiBella Law Offices, P.C., we understand the pain of losing a loved one due to someone else’s negligence or intentional actions. We are dedicated to helping families in Chelsea achieve justice for these losses. Call us at (978) 327-5140 to receive a free consultation from an experienced wrongful death attorney. We will work tirelessly for you throughout the entire legal process.
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