SALEM WRONGFUL DEATH ATTORNEY

Starting a Wrongful Death Lawsuit

In the unfortunate case of wrongful death, it’s usually up to the victim’s family to initiate a lawsuit. Legally, the personal representative of your loved one’s estate has the legal right to file. This person should be identified in your loved one’s will. Most people choose a family member to serve in this capacity. If your loved one died without a valid will, then the probate court can appoint a personal representative. Again, usually a family member like a spouse is appointed.

However, it’s often too exhausting and emotionally trying for families to focus on their legal rights during such a difficult time. Don’t worry — we’ll take care of the legal issues while you take care of your family. At the Youd Law Firm, we’ve been representing individuals and families since 1993. Salem, Oregon Attorney Lance D. Youd is sensitive to your concerns and will work with you to establish the right case for your situation.

Evidence of Wrongful Death

How do you prove that your loved one’s death was “wrongful”? It’s not enough that they died following an accident. After all, they could have been responsible for getting into a car crash or cutting off a large truck. We typically need evidence of negligence or fault on the part of some individual or an entity like a business. And this requires the type of deep understanding of personal injury law that Attorney Youd has developed over years of practice.

The Youd Law Firm will thoroughly investigate the circumstances of the case. We’ll determine all the responsible parties, whether the fatality was caused by a defective product, or a car, truck, or boating accident. For example, if your loved one died in a pedestrian accident, we will find witnesses who can testify to what happened. Nearby businesses might have surveillance cameras that captured the accident. This evidence helps show that the driver who struck your loved one was not driving carefully.

Compensation for Salem Wrongful Death Cases

The Youd Law Firm will then work with financial experts to determine the monetary value of the damages you have suffered.

IN WRONGFUL DEATH CASES, THE BEREAVED OFTEN RECOUP THE FOLLOWING

• Funeral Expenses
• Medical Expenses
• Lost Wages (From the Time of Injury to Death)
• Loss of Earning Potential (From the Time of Death Based Upon the Decedent’s Life Expectancy)
• Loss of Companionship & Services (In the Case of Certain Family Members)
• Pain & Suffering
• Other Out-of-Pocket Expenses

Many clients wonder how much they can receive. The amount depends on the facts of your loved one’s life. If your spouse had a high earning job before being killed, then the loss of earning potential will be higher than if he had a low-paying job or was on the verge of retirement. Other factors include how long your loved one lived before succumbing and any out-of-pocket expenses.

Negotiating a Wrongful Death Settlement

Our firm is generally able to obtain a settlement from the defendant without the need for a trial. Settlement offers many advantages, such as allowing you to avoid testifying, which many people find stressful. We can usually get you a settlement faster as well.

Attorney Youd has the experience you need to obtain a fair settlement. He is sensitive to his clients’ emotions during this difficult time but also fully investigates the accident that led to your loved one’s death. When appropriate, our firm can also file a lawsuit to hold the defendant accountable.

Call Our Salem Wrongful Death Attorney

This is an emotional time, and you need a passionate legal advocate representing your interests. Contact Attorney Lance D. Youd today. Our firm is happy to meet with anyone in a confidential setting to discuss the death of a loved one. Please call (503) 399-8967 or submit your information online.