What constitutes wrongful death?

In Virginia, wrongful death is defined as a death caused by the negligent, reckless, or intentional act of another person or entity. This includes deaths that are caused by a defective product, medical malpractice, dangerous property conditions, or any other instance where someone else’s wrongful actions or inaction is directly responsible for the death. In order to qualify as wrongful death, a plaintiff must be able to prove that the death was caused by the negligence, recklessness, or intentional act of another. The plaintiff must also show that the victim would have been able to sue for damages had they not died and that the death was responsible for causing significant losses for the deceased’s estate, heirs, or survivors such as lost income, wages, or services. In a wrongful death suit, the court will also consider who—if anyone—is responsible for the death and the amount of money damages that the responsible party should be responsible for. This can include things like punitive damages, funeral costs, and medical expenses. It may also include the loss of companionship, guidance, and inheritance. Ultimately, wrongful death is a very serious matter that requires a great deal of consideration and due diligence. It is important to seek the help of an experienced lawyer to ensure that the maximum amount of damages can be recovered.

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What constitutes wrongful death?

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