Losing a loved one due to someone else’s negligence is a devastating experience that no family should endure. The death of a loved one can leave the surviving family members struggling with grief and emotional anguish. When a loved one departs, it may also mean an end to their financial support. You, therefore, deserve compensation if a loved one has died in an accident caused by someone else’s fault. Even so, you must demonstrate how the negligent actions of the at-fault party contributed to the death and your losses.
Our wrongful death lawyers at Steffens Law Offices, P.C. understand the impact of losing a loved one and are ready to fight for your rights. We will investigate the incident, gather evidence, and initiate a settlement claim against the negligent party.
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Why Choose Us
You’re likely to face resistance from the insurer and the defense attorney of the at-fault party, who may downplay your claim and injuries. However, working with our wrongful death attorneys at Steffens Law Offices, P.C., can improve your chances of fair and just communication.
Here’s why you should work with us:
- Highly Experienced: Our wrongful death attorneys have over 50 years of combined experience, which gives us an edge to represent you. Our vast experience in numerous wrongful death cases allows us to take your case with compassion and confidence.
- Convenient Location: We are at 1919 S 40th St Suite 308, Lincoln, NE, a 2-minute drive from the National Museum of Roller Skating.
How Much Can You Get for Wrongful Death
You can sue the negligent party to obtain compensation for your wrongful death losses. There is no average value you can get for your wrongful death. The outcome depends on the facts and circumstances of your case.
Here are the factors that influence the value of a wrongful death lawsuit:
Availability of Insurance Coverage
The negligent party’s insurance coverage can influence the value of your wrongful death claim. Insurance often serves as the primary source of compensation for wrongful death claims, including medical expenses, funeral costs, and lost earnings.
A higher insurance policy limit means more coverage to compensate the surviving family members for their losses. On the other hand, low insurance coverage may limit the amount that the surviving family member can recover through a settlement or court judgment.
Our wrongful death attorneys can explore alternative sources of compensation, including underinsured/uninsured coverage or filing a lawsuit against the negligent party.
Strength of Evidence
Although you’re entitled to compensation for your losses, you must demonstrate the negligent actions of the at-fault party. Evidence is, therefore, the foundation of your wrongful death claim. The more evidence you have, the better your chances of receiving the deserved compensation.
Here are a few types of evidence that are likely to influence the value of your wrongful death claim:
- Direct Evidence: Sources of direct evidence include tangible proof such as eyewitness testimonies, photos, videos, or documents that directly link the defendant’s actions to the victim’s death.
- Medical Records: Detailed medical records documenting the victim’s injuries, treatment, and cause of death can significantly impact the strength of your case.
- Financial Records: Proof of financial dependence on the deceased, such as tax returns, pay stubs, and bank statements, can establish the economic impact of the loss.
- Expert Testimony: Expert witnesses, such as medical professionals or accident reconstruction specialists, can provide valuable insights and opinions based on their experience.
- Police Reports: Official police reports detailing the investigation into the incident can serve as evidence in determining fault and liability.
The Age of the Deceased
The age of the deceased can determine the extent of financial compensation you can receive in a wrongful death lawsuit.
Younger individuals who have tragically lost their lives tend to have potentially higher earning capacities over their lifetime. As a result, the financial impact of their death can be substantial. The court considers the deceased’s salary at the time of death, their potential for career advancement, and the number of earning years they may have had ahead of them.
Conversely, the potential earning capacity for older individuals tends to be lower due to fewer years left in the workforce. Their shrinking earning capacity can lead to a lower value in financial compensation for the wrongful death claim.
Degree of Negligence
Negligence refers to the failure to take reasonable care to avoid causing harm or injury to others. When it comes to wrongful death claims, the more severe the negligence of the at-fault party, the higher the potential settlement value.
For example, if a driver causes an accident due to texting and driving, a judge may consider their actions extremely negligent. A higher level of negligence can result in a more substantial settlement amount because their actions were reckless and knowingly put others at risk.
On the other hand, if someone accidentally rear-ends another vehicle at a stoplight, their negligence may be considered less severe, leading to a lower settlement amount.
Proving the degree of negligence in a wrongful death case can convince a judge to issue punitive damages to the surviving family members. Our experienced wrongful death attorneys can help gather evidence, interview witnesses, and work with experts to establish the level of negligence.
Where Do Wrongful Deaths Occur in Lincoln
Wrongful deaths occur for various reasons, including vehicle accidents, dog bites, and slip and fall accidents. Vehicle accidents are a major cause of wrongful deaths in Lincoln. Although vehicle accidents can occur in any part of Lincoln, road users are vulnerable in specific zones.
Here are specific roads where wrongful deaths occur in Lincoln:
- O Street: Also known as the Historic Lincoln Highway, O Street is a bustling thoroughfare that spans the city. Due to its high traffic volume and various commercial establishments along the way, O Street is a hotspot for accidents that can result in fatal injuries.
- 27th Street: The 27th Street, a major north-south artery in Lincoln, sees heavy traffic flow throughout the day, especially during rush hours. The convergence of vehicles from multiple intersections and the presence of pedestrians make 27th Street prone to accidents, some of which tragically lead to wrongful deaths.
- Interstate 80: A vital highway connecting Lincoln to other parts of Nebraska and beyond, Interstate 80 witnesses a significant number of collisions each year. The high speeds at which vehicles travel on this interstate increase the likelihood of severe accidents, including fatal injuries.
- Cornhusker Highway: Stretching north-south on the eastern side of Lincoln, Cornhusker Highway is another road that has seen its fair share of tragic accidents. The mix of commercial establishments, residential areas, and varying speed limits along this highway can create hazardous conditions for drivers, potentially leading to wrongful deaths.
You deserve compensation after the wrongful death of a loved one on any of the above roads. Our wrongful death lawyers can use the traffic camera footage, eyewitness statements, and accident reconstruction experts to prove your claim.
Nebraska Wrongful Death Attorney
Many people who lose their loved ones due to someone else’s negligence find it challenging to process the aftermath. Our Nebraska personal injury lawyer can handle the legal aspects of the claim so you can cope with or recover from the loss of your loved one.
Our wrongful death lawyers can support in any of the following accidents:
- Car accidents: Our wrongful death attorneys are skilled in handling wrongful death claims resulting from car accidents. We can help pursue justice and compensation for your loss.
- Motorcycle accidents: If your loved one’s life was tragically cut short in a motorcycle accident, our wrongful death attorneys can offer compassionate representation to prove fault by negligent parties.
- Truck accidents: Wrongful death cases involving truck accidents require understanding commercial vehicle regulations. Our wrongful death lawyers have dealt with similar cases, allowing them to protect your rights.
- Dog bites: The emotional trauma of losing a family member to a dog bite can be overwhelming. Our wrongful death attorneys can investigate the incident, gather evidence, and initiate a compensation claim against the negligent dog owner.
- Pedestrian accidents: Pedestrians are particularly vulnerable on the roads, and fatalities from pedestrian accidents are tragic. Our wrongful death lawyers can help seek justice for your loved one’s untimely passing.
- Rideshare accidents: The growing prevalence of rideshare services has increased the risk of wrongful deaths. Our wrongful death attorneys understand the unique laws of rideshare accidents and are ready to protect your rights.
- Slip and fall accidents: Slip and fall accidents can lead to fatal injuries, resulting in wrongful death claims. Our wrongful death lawyers can assess the circumstances of the incident and advocate for your family’s rights.
- Bicycle accidents: Bicycle accidents can have devastating outcomes, particularly when they result in wrongful deaths. Our wrongful death lawyers can provide you with legal support during the claim.
Fighting the Insurance Company
You’re likely to face stiff resistance from the insurer of the negligent party, which can affect your likelihood of obtaining compensation for your losses. However, you can level the playing field by working with our wrongful death lawyers.
Here’s how our wrongful death attorneys can help:
- Thorough Investigation: Our wrongful death lawyers will conduct a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding your loved one’s wrongful death. By gathering evidence, examining police reports, and consulting with experts, we can build a strong case to counter the insurance company’s attempts to discredit your claim.
- Negotiation Skills: Dealing with insurance adjusters can be daunting, especially when grieving and under immense emotional stress. Our wrongful death attorneys have extensive experience negotiating with insurers and will work tirelessly to ensure you receive fair compensation for your loss. We will handle all communication with the insurance company, allowing you to focus on healing and rebuilding your life.
- Litigation Support: In cases where a fair wrongful death settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, our wrongful death lawyers are prepared to take your case to court. Our wrongful death attorneys can gather and present evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and make compelling arguments before a judge or jury.
What to Do After a Wrongful Death
Although losing a loved one in a wrongful death is an overwhelming experience, your actions can protect your legal rights.
Here’s what to do after a wrongful death:
Preserve Evidence
After the tragic loss of a loved one due to wrongful death, preserving evidence can help build a strong case for your claim. Document everything from medical records and police reports to witness statements and photographs.
Different sources of evidence can help you prove liability and seek appropriate compensation for your loss. The more evidence you preserve, the better our wrongful death attorneys will be equipped to fight for your rights and pursue compensation from the negligent party.
Consult Our Wrongful Death Lawyers
You should speak with our wrongful death lawyer after the loss of your loved one. They will evaluate the circumstances of the death and design a legal strategy to pursue compensation for your losses.
Our wrongful death attorneys also understand the legal timelines and deadlines applicable to your cases. For example, the Nebraska wrongful death statute of limitations requires the surviving relative to initiate a claim within two years from the date of death.
At Steffens Law Offices, P.C., our wrongful death lawyers understand the applicable legal timelines and will initiate a timely claim so you don’t lose your right to compensation. Most importantly, they will advise you to make appropriate decisions that protect your interest in the claim.
Get Legal Support After a Wrongful Death of a Loved One
You’re likely to experience a worsening mental health after the wrongful death of a loved one. If the death was traumatic or violent, you may experience nightmares, flashbacks, or anxiety related to the accident.
You may also feel disconnected from others, avoid family or friends, and daily routines, which can worsen your depression or grief. You deserve representation from our experienced wrongful death attorneys at Steffens Law Offices, P.C. who’ll fight for your right to compensation.
We will establish the value of your losses and use evidence to demonstrate why you deserve a fair settlement value after losing a loved one due to wrongful death. Contact us online or at (402) 414-4898 for a free case evaluation.