When a person is killed in a car crash or other accident caused by the negligence of another party, the surviving family members may be able to file a wrongful death suit. Awarded monies from these types of suits are often used to help the family with funeral expenses, and it may also be possible to be awarded damages for loss of companionship. Money is not a substitute for the life of a loved one, but a wrongful death suit can help bring those left behind closure.
Earlier this month a Wisconsin woman was tragically killed in a three-vehicle accident close to the state border. According to reports, the accident occurred a little after 11 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 8. The Kenosha County Sheriff’s Department reported that an 81-year-old man driving west allegedly ran a stop light at the intersection of State Line Road and 200th Avenue and hit a northbound tractor-trailer flatbed. The flatbed then struck a truck pulling a horse trailer.
The 23-year-old driver of the truck was killed. The 44-year-old tractor-trailer driver was taken to a local hospital for minor injuries, and the 81-year-old man was transported by air to Froedtert hospital with serious injuries. At the time of reports, the investigation was still ongoing, but a spokesperson for the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Department said that alcohol was not believed to be a contributing factor. At the time of reports, no charges or lawsuits had been filed.
There are many different factors to consider when thinking about filing a wrongful death lawsuit, and every situation is unique. An attorney experienced in personal injury cases can help family members understand their options.
Source: TMJ4, “23-year-old Wisconsin woman dies in three-vehicle crash on state line” Amy Burke, Aug. 08, 2014
