Rhode Island Wrongful Death Attorney

Legal Assistance After Losing a Loved One

If you have lost a loved one to someone else’s negligence, it is important to explore your legal options for compensation, which can also bring a sense of justice and closure. Crowe & Harris, LLP is here to help clients throughout Rhode Island deal with such sensitive and devastating cases. Trust in our wrongful death lawyers to navigate your case on your behalf, so you can focus on the grieving process, not frustrating and complex legal processes.

Dial (617) 404-3417 now or contact us online.

What is a Wrongful Death?

Rhode Island uses a fairly wide definition for wrongful death in the context of its laws. If someone dies due to a wrongful, negligent, or malicious act, then their death can be considered “wrongful.” Another way to think of the definition is to say that if the deceased could have filed a personal injury claim had they lived, then their loved ones can file a wrongful death claim because they didn’t.

Common causes of wrongful deaths include:

• Motor vehicle accidents
• Medical malpractice
• Slip and fall accidents
• Assault and battery

Are You Allowed to File a Wrongful Death Claim?

Knowing someone who passes away due to neglect does not automatically let you file a wrongful death claim in pursuit of compensation. Rhode Island law only allows the administrator of the deceased’s estate to file a claim. However, if no administrator or executor was named in an estate plan, then the court can transfer the right to file a claim to another family member who stands to be a beneficiary of such a claim.

In this order, family members who can be given the option to file a claim are:

• Spouses
• Children
• Parents

Rhode Island’s Short Statute of Limitation

You don’t have too much time to file a wrongful death claim in Rhode Island. The state has a three-year statute of limitations that begins on the date of the deceased’s passing. You and your family could still be in the throes of grief when the statute nears its expiration date, which can feel very unfair. Please allow us to help with your case, so you can continue grieving without jeopardizing your chances of being fairly compensated for your devastating loss.

Damages in a Wrongful Death Claim

A wrongful death claim can seek a recovery that helps pay for:

• Final medical costs associated with the deceased’s fatal injury.
• Pain and suffering experienced by the deceased due to their fatal injury.
• Reasonable funeral, burial, and last rites costs.
• Wages the deceased would have earned had their injury been survivable.
• Value of day-to-day services provided by the deceased, like housekeeping.
• Value of lost companionship suffered by the claimants.

We know that no amount of money can replace your loved one or dull the pain you feel after losing them. But regaining financial security can help you find emotional stability and see a path to a better tomorrow that might otherwise seem far away.

Let’s Talk About Your Case Today

Our Rhode Island wrongful death attorneys know that starting a claim can be difficult because of its emotional toll. We try to do everything we can to make this process simpler and less stressful for you. Our attorneys are known for balancing great legal services with genuine compassion and care.

To request a consultation with our firm, dial (617) 404-3417. We help people across Rhode Island.