The unexpected death of a loved one is a tragedy. It can also be a source of hardship. Losing the primary wage earner for the family can leave surviving family members scrambling to pay the mortgage or other financial obligations. Losing a parent who stayed home with the children could make it very difficult for the surviving parent to meet the needs of their children.
In scenarios where those affected by a tragedy can credibly claim that wrongful acts or negligence are the underlying cause of their loved one’s death, they may have grounds for a wrongful death lawsuit. While preparing for litigation, the lawyer representing the plaintiffs may recommend partnering with expert witnesses. Expert witnesses are paid outside professionals with training and experience in specialized fields. How can expert witnesses affect wrongful death lawsuits?
Helping establish fault
In many cases, the opinions of expert witnesses are necessary to effectively evaluate an individual’s death. An expert witness with medical credentials may be able to explain to the courts how the malpractice of a physician caused a patient’s death, for example.
Expert witnesses familiar with vehicle design or what occurs during a collision could help convince the courts that a particular party was responsible for a fatal crash. The insight of expert witnesses can make complex situations more accessible and can clarify the connection between the defendant and the recent tragic death.
Quantifying long-term losses
Fault isn’t the only thing that plaintiffs have to prove in a wrongful death lawsuit. They also have to validate the economic and non-economic losses that contributed to the overall value of the lawsuit. A professional familiar with current wages across many sectors could help validate the lost income a family has to recoup after losing a loved one.
Professionals familiar with support services could also help explain how the unpaid labor of a stay-at-home parent translates to real-world financial costs for the people left behind. Expert witnesses can help affirm that the situation warrants wrongful death litigation and can validate the amount of compensation sought by the plaintiffs in the lawsuit.
Having the right assistance when developing a wrongful death lawsuit is important for those affected by a tragedy. The right support can help increase the chances of success and may also increase the final amount of compensation.