Wrongful Death Attorney in Indianapolis

Very few things tear the financial and emotional fabric of an Indiana family more than a wrongful death. The fact that negligence causes most wrongful deaths makes these incidents even more difficult to deal with. In a way, no amount of money can ever fully compensate for such a loss. But financial compensation helps ease the financial burden and gives survivors the footing they need to continue on.

At Holland & Holland, our wrongful death attorneys in Indianapolis are committed to more than just financial compensation. We also work to bring wrongful death survivors a measure of justice and closure. 

What Causes Wrongful Death?

The negligence of others causes most of the wrongful deaths in Marion County. Specific causes include:

• Motor Vehicle Collisions: High-speed crashes often cause extremely serious injuries because no safety or restraint system can counter the forces in such a wreck. Blood loss, normally because of internal bleeding, is usually the official cause of death in these situations. 
• Poisonings: Unintentional drug overdoses kill almost as many Hoosiers as car crashes. Legally, overdose claims are extremely complex. The doctor who prescribed the pills, company which shipped the pills, and manufacturer which made the pills may all share in the legal responsibility for the death.
• Falls: These incidents are particularly fatal among older people with pre-existing conditions. Falls are one of the leading causes of unintentional death for people over 65, and they are the leading cause of accidental death for folks over 85. Due to the eggshell skull rule, full compensation is normally available in these situations.

Defective consumer products also cause a number of unintentional deaths. Legally, these claims work a bit differently. Manufacturers who sell defective products are normally liable for damages as a matter of law. Negligence, or the lack thereof, is normally only relevant for damages purposes.

Your Legal Claim

Indiana has an intricate set of laws with regard to wrongful death claims. These complexities begin at the beginning. For example, if an adult is a wrongful death victim, either a relative or the estate administrator may file a claim. But if the victim was a child, only the parents may file a claim. If the child’s parents were divorced, only the residential parent has the right to file a claim.

Furthermore, Indiana law restricts available damages to pecuniary losses. These losses include items such as:

• Burial and funeral expenses,
• Medical bills related to the decedent’s final injury or illness, and
• Lost future economic support.

A monetary damages cap may apply in some cases.

Survivors may be eligible to bring claims for compensation based on their own grief and suffering. Available theories include negligent infliction of emotional distress.

Contact Dedicated Lawyers

Wrongful death survivors may be entitled to compensation, but the laws are complex. For a free consultation with an experienced wrongful death attorney in Indianapolis, contact Holland & Holland. You have a limited amount of time to act.