Practice Areas
Rhode Island Wrongful Death Lawyer
Wrongful Death Attorney in Rhode Island
Few events in life are as traumatic and stressful as the loss of a loved one. And that intensity is magnified when the death is sudden and occurs due to an accident. There is no order a court can make to undo the effects of someone’s careless choices. Yet you and your family do not need to struggle financially on top of your emotional suffering.
A wrongful death lawsuit filed by your Rhode Island wrongful death lawyer from Sands Law can give you the resources you need to lay your loved one to rest. As a result, you can move forward without worrying about unexpected expenses and loss of income.
Sands Law’s legal team handles all wrongful death cases with the utmost care and expediency. Speak with one of our Rhode Island wrongful death attorneys today.
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.
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Leading Causes of Unintentional Death
According to the National Safety Council, three causes account for over 80% of all unintentional deaths: poisonings, motor vehicle crashes, and falls. No other reported cause of death accounts for more than five percent of unintentional deaths.
Motor vehicle accidents and falls are often the result of negligent behavior. This can include:
- Speeding or driving recklessly, especially in poor weather conditions
- Driving while intoxicated or using a cell phone while driving
- Operating a vehicle knowing it is in poor repair and unsafe for the road
- Ignoring spills or other dangers that can cause a slip or trip
- Allowing parking lots and walkways to fall into extreme disrepair
For a wrongful death case to succeed, the cause of your loved one’s passing, including the specific negligent acts that led to it, must be identified. Do not feel that you need to do this alone. With help from Sands Law, your Rhode Island wrongful death law firm, a thorough investigation into the cause of your loved one’s passing can take place.
Our attorneys are tenacious and will get to the bottom of who is responsible for your loved one’s death. Trust us to handle this important and sensitive matter with the utmost urgency and sensitivity.
Frequently asked questions
Our Rhode Island wrongful death law firm receives many questions about wrongful death cases. This information can help you decide whether filing a wrongful death suit makes sense in your case.
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.
Can I Act as the Personal Representative for a Close Friend?
Possibly, if the court appoints you as your friend’s personal representative over their estate. You may also be your friend’s personal representative if they named you as such in their will. In either event, you would need to be recognized as your friend’s personal representative in order to bring a wrongful death case.
Who Receives the Compensation in a Wrongful Death Case?
The spouse and surviving children are the primary beneficiaries of a wrongful death case. The surviving spouse receives one-half of the compensation, and the rest is divided between any surviving children. This distribution is different if the decedent has no surviving spouse or children.
If I Am Not a Personal Representative, How Can a Rhode Island Wrongful Death Law Firm Help Me?
Even if you are not the personal representative, your Rhode Island wrongful death law firm can help ensure a representative is appointed by the court and that they file a claim in a timely manner. Your attorney can also work with the representative or their attorney to help investigate and present your case, including any request for compensation.
How Much Will I Have to Pay for Wrongful Death Lawyer?
You will have to pay nothing up front for a reputable lawyer to take on your case. Most civil attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if and when you win your case. Furthermore, they are only paid a percentage of your total compensation award.
Can Family Members Recover for Wrongful Death?
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.
Call Sands Law Today for Additional Assistance
Do not hesitate to reach out for help from Sands Law if your loved one dies unexpectedly in an accident. We are ready to jump into action and help you and your loved ones assert their legal rights and pursue justice. Contact Sands Law and speak with our attorneys right away.
