Personal Injury Lawyers Fort Wayne | South Bend Indiana
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Compassionate Fort Wayne Wrongful Death Lawyers

Our law firm is here for you after a loss

When you've lost a loved one, hiring an attorney may be the furthest thing from your mind. We understand you're dealing with the loss of a loved one and that this process can be a very personal, private experience. But if your loved one's death was due to negligence, it's important to contact an experienced wrongful death attorney as soon as possible to address all the legal implications.

To an insurance company, your family's tragedy is just exposure to their bottom line. That's why the attorneys at Boughter Sinak, LLC are committed to fighting for your family. We'll advocate for the compensation your family needs to move forward while you focus on mourning the loss of a loved one.

Understanding wrongful death lawsuits in Indiana

A wrongful death claim is similar to a personal injury claim, but it is filed on behalf of a person who has died. In Indiana, there are three different types of wrongful death claims under state law:

  1. Claims brought pursuant to the general Wrongful Death Act;
  2. Claims brought pursuant to the Child Wrongful Death Act; and
  3. Claims brought pursuant to the Adult Wrongful Death Act.

A personal representative (executor) of the deceased person's estate files the wrongful death claim in most cases with the exception of the Child Wrongful Death Act, which does not require an estate; one or both parents may simply bring the claim.  Depending on the circumstances, damages (financial compensation) may be awarded to the deceased person's spouse, children or other dependents.

There are two general categories of damages awarded in wrongful death cases. The first category of damages, which includes medical, hospital, funeral and burial expenses, is paid directly to the estate. The second category represents lost wages and benefits that the deceased person would have earned; these damages are divided among the surviving spouse and children.

It may seem strange to seek monetary compensation for a death - after all, you can never truly assign a financial value to a human life. But seeking damages can help to provide for your family, particularly in situations where the deceased person was the primary "breadwinner" for the family or provided other services that had a significant financial impact, such as childcare. For instance, after the passing of a primary caregiver parent, a wrongful death award may allow the working parent to stay home and care for the children.

Beyond the financial value of awarding damages, pursuing a wrongful death lawsuit often provides a degree of closure for families. A successful wrongful death claim establishes that a negligent person or organization was responsible for your loved one's death. It also sends a strong message to negligent parties and may help to protect other Indiana families from suffering similar losses in the future.

We can help your family move forward

During this difficult time, we would be honored to serve as your family's legal advocate. Our attorneys can thoroughly investigate your loved one's death to get to the bottom of what happened. We know how to build successful cases, and we will fight tirelessly for the compensation and closure you deserve.

If you've lost a loved one due to negligence, contact us online or give us a call at 1-877-962-4373 to schedule your free consultation. There is absolutely no cost and no obligation - we just want you to be aware of your legal rights and options. You can come to our offices in Fort Wayne or South Bend, or we can come to you.

Fort Wayne

5150 W Jefferson Blvd,
Fort Wayne, IN 46804 260-420-4878

South Bend

205 West Jefferson Blvd., Suite 303,
South Bend, IN 46601 574-208-1001

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