Manassas, VA Wrongful Death Lawyers

The wrongful death of a loved one due to another party’s negligence or misconduct can result in inconceivable pain and anguish. Moreover, families often rely on the individual who passed and may find themselves both emotionally devastated and unable to meet their financial obligations.

Although no amount of money can replace what your family has lost, you may be entitled to financial compensation as a form of justice and closure.

At Portner & Shure, P.A., we can use our legal understanding to work to secure the financial compensation you and your family deserve. In Virginia, the family members and individuals who depend on wrongful death victims may seek compensation from the at-fault party. Given the complex and painful nature of wrongful death cases, it is imperative that you retain a top-rated Manassas, Virginia wrongful death attorney. For over 30 years, our attorneys at Portner & Shure have vigorously fought for wrongful death victims and have won substantial financial awards on their behalf.

Call today at (410) 995-1515 to learn more about our contingency fee basis. If we accept your case, you will not pay us a dime unless we win your case.

What is a Wrongful Death Claim?

A wrongful death is a death caused by a wrongdoer’s wrongful act, neglect, recklessness, or carelessness. Wrongful death claims often result from truck accidents, car accidents, industrial accidents, swimming pool accidents, product liability, and medical malpractice. Every state has different rules regarding wrongful death claims. Therefore, it is essential that you hire a knowledgeable and experienced local attorney who can handle the intricacies of your claim.

What Damages Can I Recover In A Wrongful Death Claim?

According to Virginia’s Wrongful Death Statute, family members and dependents may recover damages that are “fair and just.” These damages include medical expenses, funeral expenses, and loss of income. Non-economic damages include loss of companionship, loss of consortium, the pain and suffering endured by the deceased prior to their death, and grief.

Calculating the appropriate damages is a difficult task, and our attorneys typically work with economists and other experts to ensure that our clients are awarded what they deserve.

Defenses in a Wrongful Death Case

Generally, in Virginia, there are three common defenses used in a wrongful death case. These defenses include:

• assumption of risk,
• contributory negligence, and
• a lack of proof.

Under the defense of assumption of risk, the at-fault party claims that the victim had knowledge of the risk involved and decided to take that risk. If this is proven, the defendant may avoid any financial liability. Additionally, Virginia is one of the four states that allows the defense of contributory negligence. Here, if a victim is found to have acted negligently, and their negligence contributed even 1% to their injuries, they are barred from recovering any compensation. Simply put, if the victim did anything that contributed to their death, their estate and family are unable to receive compensation. The last defense commonly used, a lack of proof, is particularly straightforward. Simply, defense counsel will argue that you failed to meet your burden of proof. In Virginia, an individual who files a lawsuit must prove all elements of their case by a preponderance of the evidence, i.e.,51%. If a plaintiff fails to meet the preponderance of evidence standard, their claim will fail.

Who Should I Hire for my Wrongful Death Case?

For over 30 years, our attorneys at Portner & Shure have fought tirelessly for wrongful death victims and obtained excellent results for their dependents and families. Wrongful death claims are complex and nuanced. Therefore, it is essential that you hire an experienced attorney that can get you the best possible results. It is also important that you hire an attorney as soon as possible to ensure that you are within the two-year statute of limitations. Portner & Shure has countless 5-star Google reviews from clients, tremendous results, fantastic ratings, and national recognition.

To schedule a free consultation regarding your Manassas, Virginia wrongful death claim, contact us at (410) 995-1515 or online today. Expect more, call Portner & Shure.