Woodbridge Wrongful Death Lawyer

Unintentional injuries were the third leading cause of death in the United States in a recent year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report. If your loved one was tragically killed due to someone else’s reckless or negligent actions – or even through an intentional act – you may have a civil cause of action for wrongful death. 

Are you struggling to deal with grief following the wrongful death of a family member? Although nothing can replace your loved one, our Woodbridge wrongful death lawyer can help you through the legal process of pursuing compensation for your losses related to the death.

D. Michael Mullori, Jr., Attorney at Law, is ready to prepare your wrongful death claim and pursue the compensation you deserve while you focus on grieving your loss and rebuilding your family’s future. Mike Mullori understands the emotional and financial impact an unexpected death can have. Mike and his legal team have been helping Northern Virginia families seek maximum compensation since 1999.

Our firm offers free consultations, so you do not have to worry about the cost of talking to an experienced wrongful death attorney in Woodbridge. Contact us online or call (703) 762-2142 today to find out more about your potential wrongful death claim.  

What You Need to Know About Wrongful Death Claims in Virginia 

A wrongful death is caused by someone else’s negligence, default, or wrongful act. A wrongful death action is a lawsuit the decedent could have filed had they survived the fatal accident. Because they cannot bring their own case, someone else pursues justice for them through a wrongful death lawsuit. 

Some examples of common causes of wrongful death in Woodbridge and surrounding areas of Prince William County include: 

• Motor vehicle accidents, including car accidents, motorcycle crashes, and truck wrecks
• Pedestrian accidents
• Bicycle accidents
• Bus and train accidents
• Boating accidents
• Nursing home abuse and neglect
• Workplace accidents, including construction site accidents
• Defective products, including dangerous drugs and automotive defects
• Hazardous property conditions, including slip-and-fall accidents and toxic exposure
• Dog bites and other animal attacks
• Fires and explosions
• Acts of violence, including domestic violence

Under the Virginia Statute of Limitations law, a wrongful death lawsuit must be brought within two years after the death. If you fail to file your lawsuit within this timeframe, a judge will likely dismiss your case, precluding you from seeking money in court. 

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Woodbridge, VA? 

Virginia’s wrongful death laws allow only the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate to bring a lawsuit. Virginia law further specifies that the proceeds of any wrongful death case are distributed to the deceased’s dependents or family members in a particular order. 

Specifically, proceeds are first distributed to the surviving spouse or children (or grandchildren if one of the children is deceased). The decedent’s parents, siblings, or dependent household relatives may benefit if no surviving spouse, child, or grandchild exists. However, if none of these parties exist, anyone eligible to inherit from the decedent’s estate may receive the money. 

The complexities of these laws demonstrate how critical having an experienced Woodbridge wrongful death lawyer is to achieve the best result in your case. Further, by having a lawyer on your side from the start, you can rest assured that your case is properly handled while you cope with the grief of an unexpected loss. 

Damages Available in a Woodbridge Wrongful Death Case 

Every wrongful death case is different, so the compensation you can pursue differs based on your family’s unique circumstances. Your attorney will advise you concerning the types of losses you can seek financial compensation for in your case, including: 

• Medical expenses for treatment received by the decedent before their death
• Funeral expenses and burial costs
• Lost wages
• Loss of future earning capacity
• Loss of companionship
• Loss of services and consortium

There is no cap on the amount of money the beneficiaries can receive, except for punitive damages and in cases of wrongful death due to medical malpractice resulting from negligence. 

If your case does not settle and it proceeds to trial, your Woodbridge wrongful death lawyer may seek punitive damages if your loved one died as a result of someone’s willful or wanton conduct. Punitive damages punish the responsible party for their conduct. Although a jury can award punitive damages, the amount is capped. The total amount awarded for punitive damages in Virginia cannot exceed $350,000. 

The Legal Process: What to Expect When Filing a Wrongful Death Claim 

At D. Michael Mullori, Jr., Attorney at Law, we will tailor our legal strategy to the unique facts and circumstances of your case. However, you can generally expect the following steps when filing a wrongful death claim: 

• Investigation – We will conduct a comprehensive investigation as to how the accident or incident that resulted in your loved one’s death occurred. We will build a strong case while obtaining the necessary evidence to support your claim as we evaluate the liability of all potentially responsible parties.
• Negotiations – An experienced attorney from our law firm will handle all communication and negotiations with the insurance company for the at-fault party to seek the full and fair settlement you deserve. We understand that speaking with insurance adjusters can be confusing and that you do not want to say anything that could jeopardize your case. Let an attorney who understands the tactics insurers use to minimize settlements handle these negotiations for you.
• Potential litigation – By timely retaining an attorney, you will have a legal advocate on your side from the start. That is helpful because if the insurance companies refuse to offer you the settlement you deserve, your attorney will be well-equipped to initiate litigation and take your case to court.

Why Choose D. Michael Mullori, Jr., as Your Woodbridge Wrongful Death Lawyer?

Michael Mullori, Jr., Attorney at Law, is a full-service legal practice. Although past results do not guarantee future success, Mike Mullori’s proven track record in handling Virginia personal injury cases speaks for itself.

Our law firm is committed to offering our clients personalized legal services and aggressive representation in state and federal court. 

• Mike is a hands-on, no-nonsense personal injury lawyer.
• Mike will provide constant communication about your case.
• Mike takes an honest, ethical approach to every case.

Contact Us Today for a Free Consultation with a Woodbridge Wrongful Death Attorney 

At D. Michael Mullori, Jr., Attorney at Law, we are committed to fighting for justice for families grieving after a loved one’s untimely passing. You do not have to navigate the Virginia legal system alone. We are pleased to offer confidential, free, no-obligation initial consultations so you can learn more about your legal options. 

Contact us online or call (703) 762-2142 today to speak to a wrongful death lawyer in Woodbridge, VA.