Category: Wrongful Death
July 29, 2024 / Wrongful Death
The Differences Between Wrongful Death And Survival Action Cases
Losing a loved one is never easy, especially when their passing could have been prevented. Amidst their grief, families often feel uncertain about their legal options for holding accountable those who were responsible. In Indiana, there are two primary legal avenues in such situations: wrongful death claims and survival actions. Although they may appear similar, each serves a distinct purpose and follows different rules under Indiana law. What Is a Wrongful Death Claim? A wrongful death case is initiated when a person dies due to the fault of another party, such as negligence, recklessness, or intentional harm. The purpose of a wrongful death lawsuit is to provide compensation to the deceased person's survivors for their losses. These[...]
June 8, 2024 / Wrongful Death
Who is Entitled to Wrongful Death Benefits?
Victims of wrongful death are those who die because of another party’s reckless or intentional actions or negligence. While offenders may face criminal charges for that wrongful death, the victim’s surviving family can also file a civil case, demanding that the offender pay wrongful death benefits – financial compensation – for their loved one’s death. When someone you love is the victim of a wrongful death, reach out to Stephenson Rife LLC to connect with a caring, experienced Indiana wrongful death lawyer. Our team will work to hold the responsible party accountable for compensating you and your family members for the loss of your loved one and the consequences of that untimely death. Wrongful Death Benefits Explained W[...]
February 20, 2024 / Wrongful Death
Is There a Statute of Limitations on a Wrongful Death Suit?
Losing a loved one due to someone else's negligence is a devastating experience. Families often seek legal recourse by filing a wrongful death lawsuit to hold the responsible parties accountable. In such cases, you may be entitled to file a wrongful death lawsuit to seek justice and compensation for your loss. However, it's crucial to understand the legal framework surrounding wrongful death claims, including the statute of limitations, to ensure your rights are protected. If you need legal help with your wrongful death suit, the experienced lawyers at Stephenson Rife can help. Contact us today at (317) 680-2501. Understanding Wrongful Death Claims A wrongful death claim is when the negligence, recklessness, or intentional miscondu[...]
December 22, 2023 / Wrongful Death
Bicycle Deaths: It’s No Longer Mostly Children
Bicycles, once synonymous with carefree childhood adventures, have become integral to adult life. Bicycle accidents were often seen as unfortunate yet commonplace misadventures, usually involving scraped knees and tales of daring escapades. As the wheels of time turn, so too does the narrative surrounding bicycle-related fatalities. What was once predominantly a concern for children learning to navigate their bikes close to home now impacts adults at an alarming rate. In recent years, there has been a notable shift in the demographics of bicycle-related fatalities. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2021, there were 966 cyclist fatalities, and the average age of the cyclist killed was 49. The National Lib[...]
November 18, 2022 / Wrongful Death
How Are Wrongful Death Settlements Paid Out?
Dealing with the death of a loved one caused by someone else’s negligence can be devastating. You may receive some benefits through your loved one’s life insurance, but that might not alleviate the financial and emotional burden that you feel. You may be able to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit for additional compensation. Wrongful death lawsuits can be complicated and stressful, so it is important to consult with an experienced attorney who can represent your best interests. If you’ve decided to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit for additional compensation, you might be wondering how the money gets paid out. Contact our experienced wrongful death lawyer to guide you through the process and help you understand your legal options. [...]
August 14, 2020 / Wrongful Death
Can You Sue a Hospital for Wrongful Death?
If you’ve put your trust in a hospital and agree to have your loved one receive medical care there, it’s a horrible shock when they die unexpectedly. You believed you were taking them to a safe, responsible environment only to discover that they died needlessly because of someone else’s negligence or carelessness. This could be a case of wrongful death, and your grieving family could be entitled to financial compensation. We know that no amount of money could ever replace your loved one, but a financial payout could help with medical bills, lost income that you relied on, and the opportunity to provide for family members in the future. Indiana’s General Wrongful Death Act is found at Ind. Code 34-23-1. The statute reads, in [...]
April 21, 2020 / Wrongful Death
Does Insurance Cover Wrongful Death?
If someone you love has been killed in an auto crash, medical malpractice event, at-home accident or other tragic circumstances, you not only have to endure the shock and grief of their death, but you might also have to pay medical bills, funeral costs and other expenses. If this is the case, you may be wondering, “does insurance cover wrongful death?” If the death occurred as a result of another person’s or company’s negligence, then there’s a good chance that their car insurance, home insurance and other kinds of insurance may provide a financial payout. There are many ways that a wrongful death can happen, and each case has its own unique set of facts. Whether it’s a car crash on an interstate, death during a hospita[...]
January 2, 2020 / Wrongful Death
Who gets the money in a wrongful death settlement?
Many family members are grieving after the death of a loved one, and those feelings are heightened if the person was killed in a vehicle accident or other wrongful death event. After initial confusion and sadness subside, family members can begin to ask questions like “who gets the money in a wrongful death settlement?” The role of attorneys in the wrongful death settlement process is to help navigate the legal system to ensure that you receive the financial compensation you are entitled to. If you have been affected by the wrongful death of a loved one and want to learn more about your legal rights, contact the attorneys at Stephenson Rife in Indiana for a free consultation. We can answer your questions, explain the law and di[...]
July 8, 2019 / Wrongful Death
What Qualifies as a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
If you’ve lost a close family member unexpectedly, you may be in shock, overwhelmed with grief, and not thinking clearly. The last thing on your mind may be tracking down who is responsible and initiating a lawsuit. But when you are ready, it’s something you should consider. There is a whole slew of expenses that come along with a relative’s passing, and you should not — and may not even be able to — pay them if someone else is at fault. No payout is going to bring back the person you love or ease the sense of loss you feel. But it will reduce the financial burden of your loved one’s death and ensure the responsible parties pay, as they should. If you’ve decided to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit for additional compens[...]
July 1, 2019 / Wrongful Death
How Do You Prove Wrongful Death?
The unexpected death of someone you love turns your world upside down. The person who has always been there for you is gone, and the emotional and financial fallout is life-shattering. When your loss is something that could have been prevented — that’s due to the negligence or wrongful acts of another person or business — the toll may be even more difficult to bear. How do you prove wrongful death? If you’ve lost a spouse, child, or parent and someone else is at fault, our wrongful death lawyer at Stephenson Rife will work hard to uncover the evidence, build an airtight case, and win you the damages you deserve. No amount of money will bring your loved one back, but you can hold the responsible party accountable. What Is Wrongfu[...]