Wrongful Death Lawyer in NH & ME
There are few experiences more difficult than losing a love one. When these
deeply personal issues collide with the legal system, it often proves
to be an overwhelming process to families. This is why Shaheen & Gordon,
P.A. handles all the necessary legal work involved in wrongful death claims
and works toward obtaining the best compensation possible in a timely
and non-invasive manner.
Wrongful death claims are formal legal actions filed by a decedent's
living relatives. These claims can be pursued when the death of a family
member is caused by another party's negligence, carelessness, or wrongful
act. They are also filed in civil courts, and are conducted independently
of any criminal court proceedings. Wrongful death claims can be filed
even if there is no criminal prosecution.
Recovering Damages
Once liability is established and another party is determined to be legally
responsible for compensating a victim's family members, a court will
award damages. Similar to a
personal injury claim, wrongful death damages are awarded for physical damages endured
by a decedent, emotional damages and financial damages. The New Hampshire
wrongful death statute RSA §556:12 establishes the ways in which
damages are awarded to a decedent's family members.
Courts will consider a number of circumstances for each category of damages.
This includes a decedent's mental and physical pain and suffering
and any medical expenses incurred prior to death. Courts will also calculate
the probable duration of life and the probable support a decedent would
have provided their family had they not passed away. In addition, family
members will be awarded compensation for emotional damages such as loss
of comfort, society and companionship. In some cases that involve gross
or egregious acts of negligence, courts may also award punitive damages
to families in order to further punish the responsible party.
Compassionate Legal Support
At Shaheen & Gordon, P.A., our attorneys understand the severity of
wrongful death cases and we make it a point to remain attentive, compassionate
and supportive to the families we represent. Our efforts are geared toward
resolving legal proceedings quickly and favorably so that our clients
can focus on their future.
If you would like to discuss your wrongful death claim with a member of
our legal team,
contact our firm today.