Wrongful Death Claims and Lawsuits in Gloucester, MA
Gloucester, Massachusetts, is a charming coastal city with rich history and picturesque scenery. While the community enjoys a vibrant atmosphere, the unfortunate reality is that accidents and wrongful deaths can occur. When tragedy strikes and a loved one is lost due to someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing, the impact on the family and the entire community is immense. Gloucester is a favorite destination for cyclists who take advantage of the Gloucester Biking Loop, but many encounter a negligent driver and are fatally injured. Other dangerous areas include the intersections of Bass Avenue and Sayward, Flanagan Square, the intersection of Washington and Centennial. A fatal accident leaves the family bereft and uncertain where to turn for help.
At DiBella Law Offices, P.C., our compassionate and experienced Gloucester wrongful death lawyers are here to support you through the legal process and help you pursue justice for your loss. We understand the pain and anguish faced by families who have lost a loved one due to another’s actions. We are committed to helping them pursue the compensation they deserve in Gloucester and the surrounding communities. Contact our firm at (978) 327-5140 today to schedule a free consultation.
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What is a Wrongful Death?
A wrongful death occurs when an individual loses their life because of another person or entity’s negligence or intentional actions. In Massachusetts, certain family members can file a wrongful death claim or lawsuit seeking compensation for damages from the responsible party. The compensation pursued includes losses such as medical bills, funeral costs, lost income, and emotional damages.
Common causes of wrongful deaths include:
- Car accidents: Fatalities can occur in vehicles such as cars, trucks, and motorcycles when a driver negligently operates a vehicle, whether speeding, driving distracted, or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Pedestrian accidents: Pedestrians can suffer fatal injuries, especially in urban areas near busy streets and roads.
- Bicycle accidents: Collisions between cyclists and motor vehicles can lead to severe injuries or death.
- Medical malpractice: Healthcare professionals’ negligence and errors can result in wrongful death, including misdiagnosis or surgical mistakes.
- Workplace accidents: Equipment malfunctions or exposure to hazardous substances in various workplace environments can cause fatalities.
- Premises liability: Property owners who fail to maintain safe premises may be held responsible for deaths resulting from accidents, such as fires or slips and falls.
- Defective products: Manufacturers can be held liable for wrongful deaths if their product causes fatal injuries due to design flaws or manufacturing defects.
Establishing Liability in a Wrongful Death Claim
For a successful wrongful death claim, liability must be established. Our attorneys will meticulously investigate your case and work diligently to identify the person responsible for your loved one’s death.
We've offered crucial support and guidance to individuals who have suffered injuries, ensuring their financial and emotional well-being.
Eligibility for a Wrongful Death Claim
In Massachusetts, only specific family members are allowed to file a claim for wrongful death on behalf of a deceased relative. Eligible parties include spouses, children, parents, siblings (including half-siblings), and grandparents.
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Circumstances Permitting a Wrongful Death Claim
You can bring a claim for wrongful death in Massachusetts if you meet the following conditions:
- Negligence: If another person or entity’s negligence, carelessness, or recklessness caused your loved one’s death, you may be able to file a claim for wrongful death. 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 able to file a claim for wrongful death.
- Strict liability: In some cases, 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 item causes 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 been aware of the facts supporting the claim.
Compensation for Gloucester Wrongful Death Claims
When it is proven that another party was responsible for your loved one’s death, you may be entitled to compensation for their medical bills relating to their illness or injury prior to their death, funeral costs, lost earnings, and emotional damages associated with the death. Our experienced Gloucester personal injury lawyer will seek all forms of compensation available under state law.
Contact Us Today
At DiBella Law Offices, P.C., we recognize the pain of losing a loved one due to someone else’s negligence or intentional actions. We are dedicated to helping families in Gloucester achieve justice for these losses. For nearly two decades, our firm has handled thousands of cases throughout Massachusetts for all types of clients, and we pride ourselves on our professionalism, compassion, and ability to achieve results for the people we represent.
Call us at (978) 327-5140 for a free consultation from an experienced Gloucester wrongful death attorney.
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