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Wrongful Death Facts

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June 7, 2018

Delaware Wrongful Death Statistics From Wilmington Personal Injury Attorneys

Deaths attributed to negligence or malice should be few and far between but, sadly, that isn't the case. Each year, more than 1 million people in the United States are killed due to the negligence or malice of another person or entity. Delaware is no exception to the problem. In 2016, more than 100 people in the state died in auto accidents alone, according to the Delaware State Police.

When someone is killed due to another person's negligence or wrongful actions, Delaware state law gives certain members of the victim's family the right to file a wrongful death lawsuit to seek compensation for economic and non-economic losses related to their loved one's untimely death.

Common Causes of Wrongful Death

Though various types of “accidents” are among the leading causes of wrongful death in Delaware and across the nation, most of the deaths attributed to these incidents could have been prevented if the proper care was exercised. The most common causes of wrongful death include:

  • Criminal activity

Who Is Eligible to File a Wrongful Death Claim in Delaware?

Delaware law doesn't give just anyone who was close with the deceased the right to file a wrongful death claim. The state restricts that right to the deceased person's spouse, child(ren), parents, and siblings—this includes children born out of wedlock, parents who were not legally married when the deceased was born, and half-siblings. The relative who has the ability to file a claim depends on who survives the deceased person.

Delaware Wrongful Death Statute of Limitations

Statutes of limitations are laws that determine how long potential plaintiffs have to file a lawsuit. In Delaware, a deceased person's surviving spouse, child(ren), parents, or siblings have two years from the date of the event that caused the death to file a wrongful death claim.

Wrongful death cases must be filed by the deadline specified in the statute of limitations. Lawsuits filed after the statute of limitations has expired will be dismissed without being heard, and the plaintiff will have given up the right to pursue a legal remedy for their beloved family member's wrongful death.

Damages Available in a Wrongful Death Claim

Plaintiffs in wrongful death cases can seek compensation for economic and non-economic damages. If the lawsuit is successful, the financial award will be divided among the deceased's beneficiaries. In Delaware, wrongful death claimants can be compensated for:

  • Funeral and burial expenses, up to a certain limit.
  • Wages and benefits the deceased would have provided.
  • Loss of spousal or child support.
  • Loss of household, marital, or parental services.
  • Mental and emotional anguish (who can collect this depends on who survives the decedent).

Elements of a Wrongful Death Case 

Not all deaths are legally actionable. To be considered a wrongful death, the case must have the following elements:

  • The defendant owed the plaintiff a duty of care (for example, motorists have a duty to drive safely to avoid causing accidents).
  • The defendant breached that duty.
  • That breach of duty resulted in the incident in question.
  • That incident directly lead to the death of the plaintiff's loved one.

Do You Need Help Pursing a Wrongful Death Claim?

If your loved one was killed due to another person's negligence or wrongful actions, you may have grounds for a wrongful death claim and be entitled to a wide range of compensation. Although a monetary award can never replace a beloved family member, it can help ensure that the family recovers financially from the tragic loss.

At Morris James, we understand this is a difficult and confusing time, and we're happy to answer any questions you may have. Contact us at 302.655.2599 or complete our online form to schedule a free initial case consultation appointment.

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