What is a wrongful death in Kentucky? What does the family of the victim in a fatal accident need to know about this type of personal injury claim?
A wrongful death in Kentucky generally happens when someone loses their life due to the carelessness or negligence of another person. A wrongful death can be the result of a car accident, especially if the accident involved a driver under the influence or a heavy vehicle such as a semi-truck. It might also be the result of dangerous conditions on the job or intentional or deliberate actions by another person. If a loved one has lost their life due to someone else’s actions in Shepherdsville, Mount Washington, Shelbyville, Taylorsville, Radcliff, Elizabethtown, Jeffersontown, or anywhere in Louisville, Kentucky region, it is important to speak with an experienced wrongful death personal injury attorney.
My name is John Schmidt, and after more than 25 years as an attorney here in Shepherdsville, I can tell you that a wrongful death in Kentucky requires the guidance and services of a skilled attorney. Kentucky law requires a wrongful death action to be filed by the “personal representative” or “executor” of the victim’s estate. This person is usually identified in a will or estate plan documentation. A wrongful death lawsuit may also be brought by a court-appointed representative from the surviving family, quite often a spouse or an adult child. The action must be brought within one year of the loss of life. However, the timeframe may be extended for a short period if the Court is required to appoint the personal representative or executor.
A well-structured wrongful death action may seek a variety of damages on behalf of the surviving family to help offset the loss of financial support after the loss of a family member. This may include any medical bills and compensation for suffering between the moment of the accident and the date your loved one passed away, as well as compensation for your loss of the support, love, and companionship of a beloved spouse or parent. If the victim of a wrongful death does not have a spouse or children, the parents, or the estate may receive the proceeds of a successful lawsuit for a wrongful death in Kentucky.
If you have lost your spouse or a beloved family member in an accident due to the negligence of another person, we invite you to contact us via e-mail, schedule an appointment or call us today at (502) 509-1490 to get the important advice and counsel required to protect your wrongful death personal injury claim and achieve full and fair compensation for having to endure the loss of your spouse, parent or child.