Compassionate Representation for Wrongful Death Victims Throughout Virginia

When a loved one has passed away due to the negligence of another, the last thing on your mind is shuffling down to the courthouse to begin a long and drawn-out claim that will undoubtedly bring up old memories and pain. Your main focus is on mourning, healing, and getting your affairs in order in hopes of providing for your family and bringing your life back to normal.

However, often times, you and your family depended upon the loved one who passed away. In addition, the loved one deserves justice for his or her untimely passing. By hiring a talented wrongful death lawyer, you can entrust all of the hard work to them. A wrongful death attorney can help you obtain compensation for emotional distress and financial hardship. The Stellute Law Firm has spent the past four decades focusing on providing just and compassionate representation to victims of wrongful death accidents. We provide free consultations to all clients, and we never charge a dime unless we obtain compensation for your injuries.

To schedule a free appointment, call The Stellute Law Firm now at (757) 722-2815.

Wrongful Death Accidents
Wrongful death claims are not limited to only certain types of accidents. Wrongful death refers to a death caused by the negligence of another. The surviving family members of the victim are permitted to bring civil wrongful death claims on behalf of the victim. These claims provide financial compensation to the loved ones to cover the support they would have received from the victim's employment. In addition, the family members can seek pain and suffering damages to compensate for their emotional distress and the pain and suffering that the victim suffered during the accident.

The wrongful death statute in Virginia is Virginia Code Section 8.01-50. Accidents resulting in death give rise to viable wrongful death claims when the victim would have had a personal injury claim had he or she survived. Instead, in a wrongful death case, the family members bring the case on the deceased victim's behalf.

You must file your wrongful death claim within two years following the death, so it is imperative that you contact a wrongful death attorney as soon as possible who can investigate the case, explain your rights, and discuss your options.

Eligible Family Members
Virginia Code Section 8.01-54 only permits relatives with probate rights to file wrongful death lawsuits. An individual with no right to inherit any part of the decedent's estate usually has no legal ground to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Eligible family members ("Statutory Beneficiaries") include:

  • Spouses

  • Children

  • Parents

  • Siblings

  • GrandchildrenPoor Response To Emergencies

  • And other family members who lived in the same home and depended on the decedent or are inheritants under the intestacy laws.

Damages
Virginia Code Section 8.01-52 covers wrongful death damages. Damages can compensate loved ones for their loss, including emotional distress. Damages can also compensate loved ones for the financial support now missing because the decedent is no longer alive to provide for the family. Common damages include:

  • Pain and Suffering

  • Loss of Support

  • Lost Past and Future Wages

  • Medical Expenses

  • Funeral Expenses

  • Property Damage

  • Punitive Damages

Punitive damages are reserved for intentional or reckless conduct.


Contact The Stellute Law Firm for Wrongful Death Assistance Today
The Stellute Law Firm is renowned as one of the leading trial lawyer groups throughout Virginia and in the communities of Hampton Roads, Hampton, Newport News, York County, and Williamsburg. If you want a talented, aggressive, and zealous attorney fighting for your rights, you need the services of The Stellute Law Firm. We provide constant personalized attention to each client, regardless of case size.

To schedule a free consultation, call The Stellute Law Firm today at (757) 722-2815.