Wrongful Death

When the worst has occurred, a wrongful death suit may help

Published on: October 18, 2016 | by Barsumian Armiger

Losing a loved one, no matter what the circumstances, is typically devastating, and the emotional impact for a family may be immeasurable. For many Indiana families, the financial impact may also be crushing. When a loss is the result of the recklessness or carelessness of another party, a wrongful death lawsuit is generally seen as an appropriate way to pursue claims for relief concerning the financial damages incurred.

Wrongful death claims are a common result when a loved one is killed in a car accident that is blamed on the negligence of another person. Negligent nursing home care is another circumstance that often leads to a legal claim of wrongful death. Construction site accidents may also spawn a wrongful death suit.

These are not the only incidents that may lead to a wrongful death suit. When a fatal accident occurs on someone’s property, that property owner may face claims of negligence from a wrongful death situation. A slip and fall accident is one of the most common sources of injuries, and unfortunately, wrongful death on someone’s property. Hazardous toys or medicines negligently left out can also lead to situations where a visiting family or child is put at risk and loss of life occurs.

Car accidents with motorcycles can cause injuries or worse

Published on: September 25, 2016 | by Barsumian Armiger

A collision between any two vehicles on a busy roadway can obviously lead to injuries or worse. When those car accidents involve motorcycles, the drivers and passengers on those motorcycles can be at a greater risk for serious injury or death. A recent collision between a car and a motorcycle on an Indiana roadway led to the death of the motorcyclist and injuries for his passenger.

The accident occurred just after noon on a Sunday. A 44-year-old man and his 32-year-old passenger were hit by a Pontiac. According to reports, the Pontiac driver was about to make a left turn onto another road. Then, that driver apparently pulled back into traffic upon realizing it was the wrong road; this lead to the collision.

The 44-year-old motorcyclist died at the scene of the accident. The passenger was transported to a medical facility by helicopter. The driver who hit the motorcycle suffered cuts on his hands and needed medical treatment also.

Individuals called to scene following crash put lives on the line

Published on: July 23, 2016 | by Barsumian Armiger

The risk of being injured does not necessarily go away after a crash is over. The individuals called to the scene following an incident are placed at risk as they tend to the scene as well. These individuals not only include first responders but tow truck operators as well. The recent death of a tow truck driver on an Indiana road highlights this.

When he died the 59-year-old man was working underneath a bus. As he did so, it rolled down, crushing him.

The owner of the towing company he worked for said that the general public does not understand how dangerous the job is. According to her, compared to policemen, the rate of tow truck drivers being hurt or killed while working is higher.

Not slowing for traffic can lead to deadly car accidents

Published on: July 4, 2016 | by Barsumian Armiger

Safely navigating traffic takes attentiveness and maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles. When traffic is held up or slow and oncoming drivers do not slow down for that traffic in a timely manner, deadly car accidents are an all too common result. A recent crash on an Indiana Interstate left one child dead and her mom and a baby sibling seriously injured.

Around 1:30 p.m. on Oct. 10, the driver of a pickup truck did not slow down for the traffic on Interstate 70. It struck a car with a 29-year-old mother and her two children inside. Tragically, the crash killed the 3-year-old toddler.

The mother and her surviving 1-year-old baby were airlifted to an area hospital. They were reported to be in critical condition. In all, the crash involved four vehicles, but there was no word as to any other injuries or if the driver who appears to have caused the crash would be cited or charged.

Wrongful death suit may be sensitive, but necessary pursuit

Published on: June 22, 2016 | by Barsumian Armiger

When a family loses a loved one in a tragic or sudden manner due to the negligent or reckless actions of another, the last thing that family may be thinking about is legal action. However, Indiana families may want to understand that while the pursuit of a wrongful death suit may come at a very sensitive or emotional time, it may be a necessary pursuit so that a family can move forward. When the pursuit of a wrongful death suit is necessary, having legal support who understands the sensitive nature of the case is also necessary, along with legal support who can effectively explain the process and when a wrongful death suit may be appropriate.

While there are endless scenarios that may warrant a wrongful death suit, there are some situations that are more common. Car accident deaths are one of the most common. However, wrongful death can be the result of nursing home neglect or abuse. Construction and industrial sites can also be the catalyst to a wrongful death situation. Accidents on someone’s personal property and dangerous products can also cause the wrongful death of a loved one.

The possible compensation garnered from a wrongful death suit can be beyond useful for a grieving family. That compensation may be necessary as the family could be left to deal with a mountain of medical bills. Also, the costs related to unexpected funeral expenses and the impact of lost income can all be alleviated with a wrongful death suit.

Fatal hit and run could lead to wrongful death lawsuit

Published on: April 16, 2016 | by Barsumian Armiger

A hit and run accident can lead to criminal charges in many cases. However, when a hit and run turns fatal, the family of a victim may also be able to pursue a claim of wrongful death. A woman recently lost her life on an Indiana roadway after she was hit by a driver who left the scene.

The accident occurred in the early morning as the woman, a 44-year-old, was crossing a street in Indianapolis. The vehicle left the scene and police were then on the hunt for that vehicle and its driver. Police conducted a search and later located the vehicle that was alleged to have been involved. It was found abandoned at a business that was near the scene of the crash.

After processing the vehicle, police found and questioned a man they believe was involved. The 23-year-old man was arrested and charged with leaving the scene of a crash that caused bodily injury. That driver was also given a blood test.

Tragic bus accident in Indiana may be wrongful death

Published on: March 24, 2016 | by Barsumian Armiger

Anytime anyone is struck by a vehicle, the potential for injuries is great. When that vehicle is a bus, the injuries can be massive if not fatal. In fact, one incident recently unfolded outside of an Indiana elementary school in which a principal was fatally injured and the incident may possibly open the door to a wrongful death suit.

The accident occurred as school was being dismissed. The principal, who had been at the school for 22 years, was with students when a bus jumped a curb and came toward her and the children. The principal reportedly pushed children out of the way before she was struck.

Medics treated and rushed two children to a nearby hospital for treatment of serious injuries. Those children were said to be stable. The principal died at the scene of the incident. Police are still investigating what caused the bus to jump the curb and a fatal alcohol and crash team is involved.

Crash on Indiana highway may open door to wrongful death suit

Published on: February 11, 2016 | by Barsumian Armiger

When a group of college kids got a flat tire on their vehicle, they pulled over to attend to their disabled vehicle. When they did so, a car accident occurred that left three of them dead. The situation and resulting criminal charges may open the door to a wrongful death claim if the families of the victims in the Indiana crash are inclined to pursue such a legal option.

The accident happened early on a Sunday as the international students were traveling back to their college. The students were outside of the vehicle changing the tire at the time they were hit. Three of the students died and one was injured. The injured student was in critical condition.

The van driver, a 26-year-old man, was injured and treated for minor injuries. He was charged with reckless homicide. He was also charged with OWI resulting in serious bodily injury. He was being held on $300,000 bond.

Death of man along road may be wrongful death situation

Published on: February 1, 2016 | by Barsumian Armiger

Fire department personnel were shocked and dismayed to respond to a recent car accident because the victim was one of their own. An intern with the Indiana fire department was the victim, and he was helping with a tow truck alongside the roadway when the accident occurred. The 20-year-old died of his injuries, which may possibly open the door to a wrongful death case if some percentage of liability can be placed upon the driver who hit the young man.

The young man was outside of a house on a Thursday night where he was trying to help his brother. They were getting a pickup truck off of a tow truck and were on the edge of the driveway. A car came along and hit the man. His brother, who was volunteer firefighter, attempted to save the man, but those attempts proved to be futile.

The man who hit the fire department intern was transported to a hospital for injuries he received in the crash. Investigators have said there is no reason at this point to believe impairment was a cause of the accident. A fire chief speaking about the accident pointed to the narrow roads and high speeds when discussing how this unfortunate turn of events affected one of their own.

Wrongful death suit may prove necessary for families

Published on: January 17, 2016 | by Barsumian Armiger

While the death of a loved one is difficult under any circumstances, the loss may be made all the more devastating if it comes about as the result of someone else’s negligence. Despite the emotional upheaval and duress a family may suffer, a wrongful death suit filed in an Indiana civil court may be appropriate. A successfully navigated claim may provide a means of dealing with the economic losses sustained by holding a tortfeasor financially accountable.

There are a number of situations that may justify a wrongful death suit. In addition to fatal car accidents, slip and fall accidents that result in death may also be grounds for a civil claim for damages. A dangerous product, such as a toy that causes a victim to choke, may also fit the criteria necessary to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit in civil court.

The process of pursuing this kind of litigation may provide some sense of closure to surviving families. It may also result in financial redress for monetary damages sustained, which may help pay for outstanding medical bills, funeral and burial expenses. Other applicable damages may relate to the loss of the victim’s income and/or companionship.