$5
Million
$5 million settlement
We recently won a $5 million settlement for a wrongful death & injury case to survivor due to car crash.
Life’s happenings don’t occur in a vacuum — every action affects others. Death is no different. When a loved one dies, the impact on their family members is significant. Emotionally, feelings of loss are considerable, and the fact that they are no longer around to contribute in so many ways to their family can make life so very difficult.
At Stephenson Rife, our Shelbyville, IN, wrongful death lawyer is ready to help families who want justice when their loved one’s death was caused by another’s neglectful actions or inaction. Perhaps the only thing worse than the sudden death of a loved one is the knowledge that the loss could have been avoided.
Indiana laws provide recourse for those who have lost a loved one due a wrongful death, and the assistance of a seasoned wrongful death attorney in Shelbyville, IN, can help you pursue justice. Since 1976, our firm has successfully helped obtain compensation for those who have lost family members due to the wrongful actions of others. We want to help you, too.
If you’ve lost a loved one in Shelbyville, IN, and you believe it may have been a wrongful death, don’t hesitate to get help. Contact our Shelbyville wrongful death attorney as quickly as possible to learn if you’re eligible for compensation.
Reach out to our firm today at (317) 680-2501 to schedule your free consultation with our Shelbyville, IN, wrongful death attorney.
What Is Wrongful Death?
Our Wrongful Death Lawyers in Shelbyville, IN, Explain
Wrongful death is the legal term for a death that was caused through the negligence of an individual or organization’s actions or inactions. Indiana law wrongful death claims request damages to compensate eligible family members for what they’ve lost. However, not all family members are eligible to file or collect a wrongful death claim. Indiana law identifies those who can.
A wrongful death lawsuit can be pursued in many different circumstances. They are commonly sought after a death caused by:
- Auto accidents
- Medical malpractice
- Defective products
- Defective drugs or medical devices
- Unsafe work environments or machinery
- Dangerous road or construction conditions
- Unsafe property conditions.
Any time a loved one dies unexpectedly, there’s a chance their death was the avoidable result of another’s negligence. Taking the time to consult with a wrongful death attorney in Shelbyville, IN, can impact your finances as you navigate medical bills, funeral costs, lost income, and other unanticipated expenses after an unexpected death.
No amount of money can alleviate the pain caused by the sudden loss of a loved one. However, wrongful death compensation can provide immense relief and support as your family grieves and adjusts to life after such a tragic loss.
Why You Need a Shelbyville Wrongful Death Attorney
The Chances of Winning Your Case Are Higher
Typically, settlements awarded in wrongful death cases are more comprehensive when the case is led by a seasoned Shelbyville wrongful death attorney. Our professionals not only understand the law, they are also well-versed in how insurers operate; we know how to effectively negotiate with them. Wrongful death cases are one of the most difficult types of lawsuits to successfully navigate. Insurance companies will fight tirelessly to protect their bottom line by not paying settlements.
Without a doubt, wrongful death suits are incredibly challenging. Companies have established protocols and experienced legal teams to help protect them from liability in situations like wrongful death. When you file a wrongful death suit in Shelbyville against an organization, you not only face their legal team but also their insurance company. You need professional representation.
How Our Shelbyville Wrongful Death Attorney Help Can Help You
We Lift the Burden from Grieving Families
When a loved one dies unexpectedly, because of the negligence of another, the surviving family members’ lives are turned upside down. Simply getting through the day can be a struggle, and knowing how to proceed with a wrongful death case is beyond overwhelming. Indiana law can be confusing, and the legal process is both complicated and time-consuming. When you engage the Stephenson Rife wrongful death attorneys in Shelbyville, IN, we will handle all aspects of the legal process for you. You can grieve appropriately and focus on helping your family through this devastating and difficult time. We will:
- Investigate the death and review the contributing factors to determine the validity of your case
- Gather evidence (videos, photos, and reports) to prove negligence and liability
- Interview witnesses
- Identify the entirety of your losses to ensure the settlement you request accurately compensates you for all of your costs.
- Engage experts to testify on your behalf regarding the accident and its fault
- Complete and file all paperwork efficiently and effectively
- Manage all legal procedures
- Communicate and negotiate with lawyers and insurance companies so you don’t have to
- Represent you in court, if necessary.
At Stephenson Rife, we believe that those who act negligently should be held responsible.
Wrongful death claims can arise from a wide variety of situations. The needs, processes, and outcomes in every case will be unique.
Why Choose Stephenson Rife
We Have a Proven Record of Success
Stephenson Rife is here for you when you need a wrongful death lawyer in Shelbyville, IN. Our experienced and successful attorneys have a proven record of obtaining sizable compensation for families who have lost a loved one through negligence.
Our team of driven professionals believes that our clients should be compensated appropriately, and we aggressively pursue settlements that are in their best interests. Our skill level is demonstrated by our past case results, client testimonials, and distinguished legal awards, all of which provide clients peace of mind when choosing a wrongful death attorney in Shelbyville, IN.
Additionally, our approach to service differentiates us from other wrongful death law firms. We appreciate how difficult this process can be. When you have just lost someone you love, even considering filing a lawsuit can seem too much to manage.
We are well-regarded for the manner in which we work with you; we are sympathetic to your loss. All communication will be handled gently; we provide you all the time you need to share your story with us, and we are always available to answer your questions and address your concerns.
While our interactions with you are always calm and caring, we will fight aggressively to get you the compensation you deserve. We believe that your loved one’s death should not go unaddressed — those at fault should be held responsible. Our wrongful death attorneys in Shelbyville, IN, will work hard to honor the memory of your loved one.
If you’ve lost a loved one and believe another’s negligence may have played a role, learn your options by speaking with our wrongful death attorney in Shelbyville, IN. Contact Stephenson Rife by calling (317) 680-2501 to learn how we can help you.
Determining Compensation in a Wrongful Death Case Is Complicated
Our Wrongful Death Attorneys in Shelbyville, IN, Take the Time to Identify the Entirety of Your Loss
Shelbyville wrongful death cases present a particularly challenging legal situation. In most personal injury cases, victims seek compensation for themselves. Wrongful death is more complex, as close family members seek compensation for the loss of their loved one. Once negligence is established, the responsible party may be held liable and required to provide compensation for damages.
Our wrongful death attorneys in Shelbyville, IN, will work to understand all aspects of the accident and how the resulting loss has affected your life. We know that no two cases are alike and the impact of death on each family is unique, so we will take the time necessary to identify an appropriate target compensation and build a case showing evidence of the damages you claim. We make sure the settlement we request appropriately represents your loss, both today and in the future.
Wrongful death settlements in Indiana are comprised of two different types of damages: economic and non-economic.
Economic damages are quantifiable, represented by specific dollar amounts. Some economic damages in a wrongful death case could include:
- Medical bills caused by accidents (these would have been incurred prior to death, including emergency transport, doctors’ and hospital bills, medication, etc.)
- Funeral and burial costs
- Lost wages and benefits
- Attorney’s fees.
Non-economic damages, on the other hand, are more subjective and difficult to calculate. They may include
- Emotional anguish
- Loss of consortium and companionship.
In cases where the deceased was unmarried and had no dependents, a damages payment cannot exceed $300,000. For any other situation, there is no legal limit on how much compensation you might receive.
Your wrongful death lawyer in Shelbyville, IN, will work with you to calculate all of your losses, making sure to include all applicable expenses. You should not be responsible for costs incurred for an incident that was someone else’s fault.
Frequently Asked Wrongful Death Case Questions
Our Shelbyville, IN, Wrongful Death Attorney Responds
When embarking on filing a wrongful death case, it is natural that you might have many questions. After all, the legal system is complicated, and you have likely never been through anything like this before. At Stephenson Rife, we pride ourselves on the personal approach we take. We know that every case is unique, as will be the responses to many of your concerns. However, there are several common questions whose general answers can be valuable to all. We have shared those, along with our responses, below.
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The statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death case in Indiana is two years from the date of death. Thus, you should contact a wrongful death lawyer in Shelbyville, IN, as soon as possible; time is of the essence.
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No, the state of Indiana does not allow punitive damages in wrongful death cases. You can only sue for economic and noneconomic damages. Your Shelbyville wrongful death attorney can help you calculate the entirety of your loss.
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In general, Indiana does not cap damages for wrongful death. However, if the victim in the wrongful death accident is an unmarried adult and does not have any dependents or children, this is the one situation (IN Code § 34-23-1-2) in which a cap exists. There is a $300,00 limit on non-economic damages.
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Only close family members can file a Shelbyville wrongful death claim. In Indiana, eligible family members are usually the deceased’s parents, children, spouse, or legal guardians.
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It’s hard to estimate in advance how long a wrongful death case will take. Many factors influence the time frame, including the strength of evidence, the number of parties, the complexity of the case, the amount of money at stake, and whether the case is settled through negotiation or a court verdict.
We hope the information provided above helps you understand wrongful death cases in Indiana just a little bit better. Our Shelbyville, IN, wrongful death lawyers are ready to meet with you, learn more about your specific situation, and share how we believe we can help pursue justice on behalf of you and the memory of your loved one. Reach out to us today to schedule a free consultation.
Contact Us Today
Our Shelbyville Wrongful Death Attorneys Can Help You Move Forward
At Stephenson Rife, we strongly believe that those who behave negligently should be held responsible for their actions (or inaction). Behaviors have consequences.
While no settlement or verdict can bring your loved one back and restore your life to normal, the successful outcome of a wrongful death case can be helpful as you and your family move forward.
The costs of your loss are considerable and will impact the way you and your family live both today and in the future.
Our team is ready to go to work for you today and work tirelessly on behalf of you and your family. We strive to obtain justice for your loved one.
If you have lost someone and believe that negligence was involved in their death, contact us today at (317) 680-2501.
Attorney Mike Stephenson
Mike Stephenson has 40 years of experience and is a trusted advisor to many individuals and companies. His current practice is dominated by civil litigation in state and federal courts. He focuses much of his time on handling catastrophic injuries caused by all types of accidents, including motor vehicle, trucking, workplace injuries, product liability, and fire, just to name a few. He also works extensively in construction accidents. [ Attorney Bio ]
