Wrongful death claims regarding minors

A tragic accident that claims the life of a child can leave a family devastated. The life of a child offers so much potential that it can be nearly impossible for parents and siblings to recover from the loss. When the death is the result of someone else’s negligent or intentional actions, often a wrongful death claim can provide parents with an outlet for their sorrow.

Recently, a 16-year-old Virginia boy died from injuries in a car accident. The accident occurred when a 35-year-old woman turned left into northbound lanes of traffic and struck another northbound vehicle. The speed at which the woman was driving forced the other vehicle off the road and into a ditch. All the passengers were wearing seat belts, but the teen in the back seat died at the hospital of his injuries.

A successful wrongful death claim may provide parents with compensation for funeral costs and related expenses, any medical bills from the fatal accident and other financial losses. Most especially, parents who have lost a child may obtain damages for emotional pain, suffering and the loss of the loved one’s companionship. The first step is to determine liability for the accident.

When dealing with the loss of a minor child, compensation may be more delicate to assess. Certainly putting a price on the life and death of a child is not the point, but rather to bring relief of any kind to grieving parents. With the guidance of a compassionate attorney, Virginia parents often find that a successful wrongful death action allows them to set aside their financial worries and focus of the difficult healing process.

Stick together as a family and lean on each other for help. While everyone in the family will need to have their private time, you also can find comfort in each other. Being together can help you remember that you are not alone in your grief. Use the strength of your family’s sense of belonging to help you manage your sorrow. Be there to consistently support one another.