After a tragic accident in Omaha resulting in a loved one’s death, hiring a skilled wrongful death accident lawyer is vital to handle the complex legal process and seek justice.
The experienced Omaha wrongful death accident lawyers at Steffens Law Offices, P.C., understand Nebraska’s wrongful death laws, which allow certain family members to pursue compensation for damages like medical expenses, funeral costs, lost income, and emotional suffering caused by negligence or misconduct.
Speak to our experienced wrongful death accident lawyers in Omaha today for a free legal consultation at (402) 414-4896. Our wrongful death accident attorneys proudly serve the Omaha area and its surrounding communities.
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Why Hire Us?
Steffens Law Offices, P.C., is dedicated to supporting injured Nebraskans through life’s most challenging moments. Our seasoned wrongful death attorneys and personal injury lawyers, with over 50 years of combined skill in insurance negotiations and litigation, focus on personal injury and wrongful death cases.
Visit our Omaha office at 1299 Farnam St., Suite 319, Omaha, NE 68102, nestled near the vibrant Gene Leahy Mall at The Riverfront and Omaha Tap House Downtown, at the corner of Farnam and S. 13th streets.
Our accomplished wrongful death lawyers have recovered millions in compensation for our valued personal injury clients. Contact our Omaha law firm today at (402) 414-4896 for legal guidance.
Omaha Wrongful Death Compensation
Losing a loved one due to someone else’s negligence is a devastating experience, and pursuing a wrongful death claim in Omaha can help families seek justice and financial stability. You may receive compensation for some of the following damages if you hire our skilled Omaha wrongful death accident lawyers:
Economic Damages
These cover tangible financial losses caused by the death. These include medical expenses incurred before the deceased’s passing, funeral and burial costs and the loss of the deceased’s income or financial support. For example, if the deceased was a primary breadwinner, families may claim the projected earnings the individual would have provided. Nebraska law also allows compensation for the loss of benefits, such as health insurance or pensions, that the deceased contributed to the household.
Non-Economic Damages
These damages address intangible losses, such as emotional pain and suffering, loss of companionship, and the grief experienced by surviving family members. In Omaha, these damages recognize the profound emotional toll of losing a spouse, parent, or child.
For instance, a child may claim compensation for the loss of parental guidance, while a spouse may seek damages for the loss of love and support. Nebraska courts evaluate these claims based on the closeness of the relationship and the impact on the survivors’ lives.
Pecuniary Damages
Focus on the loss of services, care, or contributions the deceased provided. This may include the value of household tasks, childcare, or other support the deceased offered. For example, if a stay-at-home parent managed daily household duties, their loss could warrant compensation for the cost of replacing those services. Steffens Law Offices, conveniently located near Omaha Tap House Downtown, meticulously documents these contributions to strengthen claims, ensuring that no aspect of the loss is overlooked.
Punitive Damages
May apply if the responsible party’s actions were grossly negligent or intentional. These damages aim to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future. However, Nebraska law limits punitive damages due to constitutional restrictions, making them less common in wrongful death cases. The experienced wrongful death accident attorneys at Steffens Law Offices assess each case’s circumstances to determine if pursuing punitive damages is viable.
Types Of Omaha Wrongful Death Claims
Several types of accidents contribute to dozens of wrongful death claims annually in Nebraska:
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Motor vehicle accidents are a leading cause of wrongful death claims in Omaha. Nebraska’s roadways often witness fatal crashes due to speeding, driving under the influence, or distracted driving, such as texting.
For example, a driver running a red light may cause a deadly collision, prompting a claim against them. Steffens Law Offices excels in negotiating with insurance companies to recover damages for medical expenses, lost income, and emotional distress, ensuring families receive fair compensation.
Even if the accident is the other driver’s fault, you can anticipate the insurance company will fight your claim. Our wrongful death lawyers are familiar with every insurance company tactic. We’ll build the strongest possible case to prove negligence.
Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice claims arise when healthcare providers fail to uphold the standard of care, leading to a patient’s death. In Omaha, this may involve misdiagnoses, surgical errors, or improper medication administration. A missed cancer diagnosis or a fatal medication error can justify a wrongful death lawsuit. These cases often require expert testimony to prove negligence, a process Steffens Law Offices handles with precision to hold medical professionals accountable.
Workplace Accidents
Workplace fatalities, particularly in high-risk industries like construction or manufacturing, are another source of wrongful death claims. In Omaha, safety violations, including faulty equipment and inadequate training, can lead to deadly incidents. For instance, a worker killed by a malfunctioning crane may result in a claim against the employer or equipment manufacturer. Nebraska law allows families to pursue compensation for lost income and future financial support.
Defective Products
Defective products, including faulty vehicle components or dangerous drugs, can cause fatal injuries, leading to wrongful death claims. In Omaha, a malfunctioning car brake or a hazardous medical device may trigger lawsuits against manufacturers or distributors. Proving product liability requires a thorough investigation, which Steffens Law Offices wrongful death lawyers conduct effectively to secure justice for affected families.
Premises Liability
Premises liability claims stem from unsafe property conditions that cause death. In Omaha, examples include fatal falls due to neglected maintenance or drownings in unsecured swimming pools. A skilled Premises liability attorney can help determine if property owners, landlords, or government entities should be held liable for failing to ensure the safety of their premises.
Where Fatal Accidents Happen In Omaha
Fatal accidents in Omaha, Nebraska, occur in various settings, often leading to wrongful death claims when caused by negligence or misconduct. Talk to an Omaha wrongful death accident lawyer if your loved one died in any of the following types of incidents:
- Roadways and Intersections: Omaha’s busy streets, such as Dodge Street and 72nd Street, experience frequent fatal car crashes. Speeding, drunk driving, or distracted driving often contribute. Intersections such as 90th and L Street are notorious for collisions due to heavy traffic and signal violations.
- Highways: Interstate 80 and Highway 75 around Omaha are hotspots for deadly accidents, especially involving semi-trucks. High speeds and driver fatigue increase risks, leading to catastrophic multi-vehicle crashes.
- Construction Sites: Omaha’s growing urban landscape means active construction zones, like those near the Gene Leahy Mall. Falls from scaffolding, equipment failures, or trench collapses can result in worker fatalities when safety protocols are ignored.
- Hospitals and Clinics: Medical facilities in Omaha, including Nebraska Medical Center, may be sites of fatal medical malpractice. Misdiagnoses, surgical errors, or medication mistakes can lead to patient deaths, prompting wrongful death claims.
- Commercial Properties: Retail centers and apartment complexes, such as those near Westroads Mall, can be dangerous if poorly maintained. Fatal slips, falls, or drownings in unsecured pools occur when property owners neglect safety.
- Industrial Facilities: Warehouses and factories in areas like South Omaha face risks from heavy machinery or hazardous materials. Lack of training or faulty equipment can cause fatal workplace accidents.
Fighting The Insurance Company In A Wrongful Death Claim
Fighting an insurance company in a wrongful death claim in Omaha is often a challenging but necessary step to secure fair compensation for grieving families. When a loved one’s death results from another’s negligence, insurance companies representing the at-fault party typically aim to minimize payouts, employing tactics to undervalue or deny claims. However, our tenacious Omaha wrongful death lawyers will help you fight these insurance company tactics:
Dispute Liability
Insurance companies may dispute liability, argue the deceased was partially at fault, question the extent of damages, and downplay financial and emotional losses. For instance, in a fatal car accident on Omaha’s Dodge Street, the insurer might claim the victim’s actions contributed to the crash to reduce their payout. Steffens Law Offices counters this by gathering robust evidence—police reports, witness statements, and expert analyses—to establish clear liability. Their attorneys meticulously document damages, including lost income, funeral costs, and loss of companionship, to justify comprehensive compensation.
Lowball Settlements
Another common tactic is offering quick, lowball settlements to exploit families’ emotional and financial distress. These offers rarely reflect the claim’s true value. Steffens Law Offices advises clients to avoid accepting premature settlements and instead build a strong case through detailed investigations and, if necessary, litigation.
In cases such as medical malpractice at an Omaha hospital, where insurers may deny negligence, the firm collaborates with medical experts to establish fault, ensuring that insurers face pressure to settle fairly.
Slow Walking Settlement Discussions
Negotiations can be prolonged, as insurers delay in paying claimants. Steffens Law Offices remains steadfast, leveraging its litigation skill to pursue timely resolutions while preparing for trial if negotiations stall. Nebraska’s two-year statute of limitations for wrongful death claims adds urgency, and the firm ensures compliance to protect clients’ rights.
What To Do After An Omaha Fatal Accident
Experiencing a fatal accident in Omaha, Nebraska, caused by another person’s negligence is devastating. Taking the right steps afterward can help protect your family’s legal rights and pursue a wrongful death claim with our attorney’s assistance:
- Ensure Safety and Seek Medical Attention: If you’re at the scene, prioritize safety. Call 911 to report the accident and request emergency services. Even if injuries seem minor, ensure that any surviving family members receive medical evaluations, as some conditions may not appear until later. For fatal accidents, authorities will handle the scene; however, your focus should be on ensuring immediate safety.
- Notify Authorities and Gather Evidence: Omaha police or the Nebraska State Patrol will investigate fatal accidents, especially on roads like Dodge Street or I-80. Cooperate fully but avoid admitting fault. If possible, collect evidence: take photos of the scene, vehicles, and conditions (e.g., traffic signals). Obtain contact information from witnesses. Request a copy of the police report later, as it’s critical for claims.
- Preserve Documentation: Keep accurate records related to the accident, including medical reports, funeral expenses, and correspondence with insurance providers. Document the deceased’s financial contributions and emotional support. Steffens Law Offices can help organize this for a strong case.
- Avoid Speaking to Insurers Alone: The at-fault party’s insurance company may contact you quickly, offering settlements or requesting statements. Do not accept offers or provide details without consulting a lawyer, as insurers often aim to minimize payouts. Politely decline and refer them to your attorney.
- Consult a Wrongful Death Attorney Promptly: Nebraska’s two-year statute of limitations for wrongful death claims means time is critical. Our wrongful death lawyers in Omaha want to review your case well before the deadline.
- File a Wrongful Death Claim: Your attorney will file the claim through the deceased’s estate, as only the personal representative can do so in Nebraska. This may involve proving negligence and calculating damages. Steffens Law Offices handles court filings, evidence gathering, and litigation if needed.
- Seek Emotional Support: Losing a family member is traumatic. Engage with grief counseling or support groups in Omaha, such as those offered through Nebraska Medicine or local nonprofits. Your wrongful death accident attorney can focus on legal matters, allowing you space to heal.
Contact Our Omaha Wrongful Death Accident Lawyer Now
At Steffens Law Offices, we take pride in our work as Omaha wrongful death accident lawyers. We will fight for you if you have lost a loved one in an accident due to another person’s negligence. We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
Our dedication to personalized service sets us apart, as we take the time to understand each client’s story and needs. If you’ve lost a loved one in Omaha due to negligence, contact us at (402) 414-4896 for a free consultation. Let our experienced wrongful death attorneys help you seek the justice and compensation your family deserves, allowing you to focus on healing during this difficult time.