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Rhode Island Wrongful Death Lawyer
Put Decades of Experience in Your Corner
The unexpected loss of a loved one can leave you spiraling out of control, feeling as though your entire world has crumbled. If you lost a family member or other loved one because of another’s negligence or wrongdoing, we at Sands Law Offices are here to help you.
We know how helpless you can feel after losing someone you love. We also know how difficult it can be to deal with funeral expenses and arrangements, medical bills and legal issues in the midst of everything else you are trying to cope with.
Frequently asked questions
Please don't hesitate to contact us if you can't find the answers to your questions.
What Does Wrongful Death Mean?
A wrongful death claim is a claim that can be filed in any instance where an individual or company was responsible for the loss of life of another person. These claims may stem from acts of negligence, where someone failed to uphold their duty to reasonably provide for another’s safety.
As a Rhode Island wrongful death attorney, Richard Sands can provide experienced information regarding your options in this critical matter. Although it may be difficult to even consider taking legal action at this time, now is the time to act if the at-fault party is to be brought to justice.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Rhode Island?
According to Rhode Island law, an executor or administrator of the deceased estate is eligible to file a wrongful death claim. An executor or administrator of an estate is typically appointed in the estate plan of the deceased. If there is no person appointed, or the person appointed does not wish to file a claim, the court can appoint an administrator. Any compensation recovered in a wrongful death claim is distributed to the surviving family members of the deceased, regardless of whether or not the administrator of the estate is a family member of the deceased.
How Long Do I Have to File a Wrongful Death Claim?
According to the Rhode Island General Laws section 10-7-2, the statute of limitations to file a wrongful death claim in Rhode Island is three years from the date of your loved one’s death. It’s important to speak to an attorney as soon as possible about your claim, however, as there are exceptions to this three-year rule which can change your filing time period. Our experienced attorneys offer free, no-obligation consultations so you have nothing to lose by contacting our firm today.
Elements of a Wrongful Death Suit
Wrongful death lawsuits may be filed when a victim is killed due to a negligent party's wrongful action. Examples of wrongful death situations may include:
- Car accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Workplace injuries
- Construction site accidents
- Medical malpractice
Our Warwick wrongful death lawyer can help with any of these cases.
In Rhode Island, the family may be able to pursue financial compensation when they experience the following after a wrongful death:
- Loss of earnings
- Loss of future earnings, including pensions, bonuses or other benefits
- Medical expenses, including hospitalization, medical procedures, medication and more
- Property damage, such as vehicle damage, damage to personal property and more
- Emotional trauma
Truly, no amount of money could make up for the loss of a loved one. It can, however, alleviate the financial burden such a loss can cause, helping the family focus on remembering their loved one rather than dealing with the stress of mounting bills and lost earnings.