Springfield Wrongful Death Lawyer

When it is within reason a person or entity could have prevented an accident resulting in the fatality of another human being, the victim’s death is legally viewed as wrongful. A wrongful death is one connected to the negligence, recklessness, or wanton act of someone else. “Within reason” is legally defined as a logical or sensible scope of action. 

If you recently lost a loved one in an accident or crime in Springfield, Massachusetts, Sweeney Merrigan understands the deep pain this can invoke. Losing a loved one due to another’s negligence is enormously difficult. If a loved one has passed due to the negligence of another, our Springfield wrongful death lawyers encourage you to schedule a free consultation today. You can give us a call at 617-391-9001 or fill out our contact form. A claim could bring you and your family not only justice, but closure as well.

Why Choose a Wrongful Death Lawyer From Sweeney Merrigan Personal Injury Lawyers?

Navigating the legal process after a wrongful death has occurred can be overwhelming and stressful. Sweeney Merrigan Personal Injury Lawyers is here to help you during this difficult time and take some of the stress off your shoulders so you can focus on spending time with your family and friends. We work alongside you throughout the entire process and put our clients first. Other perks of partnering with our firm include: 

• We address more than just our clients’ legal needs. We do our best to provide everything they need during the claims process. Our goal is to offer peace of mind in a difficult time.
• We work hard to obtain our client’s positive outcomes. While we know compensation will not make up for your loss, it could provide financial stability for your family when you need it the most.
• We take Springfield wrongful death claims on a contingency fee basis. Our attorneys make legal representation affordable by only deducting our fees from awards won on behalf of our clients.

Our team of lawyers has over 100 years of combined experience, which shows through our recognitions and outcomes. Many of our lawyers, including managing partners Peter M. Merrigan and J. Tucker Merrigan, have received recognition from outlets such as Best Lawyers, Super Lawyers, Top 40 Under 40, and more.

What Does a Springfield Wrongful Death Attorney Do?

A wrongful death claim involves many complicated state laws, including strict deadlines for filing and elements of proof. Handling a claim on top of dealing with the loss of your loved one can be overwhelming. When you hire an attorney, you do not have to worry about the legal aspects of bringing a cause of action. A lawyer can handle the legwork of your case on your behalf, making sure to obey related laws during each phase. Your wrongful death lawyer in Springfield can file a claim on your behalf and negotiate with insurance companies for maximum compensation while you focus on grieving and healing.

What Are the Wrongful Death Laws in Massachusetts?

Each state handles wrongful death claims differently. Understanding a few basic wrongful death laws in Massachusetts can help you understand when to file, if you can file, and what type of recovery to expect. Sweeney Merrigan Personal Injury Lawyers can guide you through the statutes that may apply to your case.

• Grounds for a claim. Your family might be able to bring a claim based on negligence, a wanton disregard for others’ safety or a breach of warranty. Our lawyers can help you understand your specific grounds for a cause of action.
• Statute of limitations. In general, you will have three years from the date your loved one passed away to file a wrongful death claim in Massachusetts. This filing deadline is crucial, so speak to an attorney as soon as possible.
• Limits on who can file. State law requires the executor or administrator of the deceased person to file the wrongful death claim on behalf of surviving loved ones. A will might name an executor, or else the courts will assign one.

You do not have to understand or navigate Massachusetts’ wrongful death laws on your own. Hiring a Springfield wrongful death lawyer from Sweeney Merrigan Personal Injury Lawyers can make it easier to sort through the elements of your lawsuit. We can help you identify the defendant, file your claim by the deadline, learn the value of your claim and fight for maximum compensation on your family’s behalf. We know what it takes to succeed during a wrongful death claim in Springfield.

Who May File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Springfield, Massachusetts?

In the wake of losing a loved one, the last thing on most family members’ minds is going through the legal process of filing a wrongful death claim. However, despite the grief you may be feeling, your deceased loved one still deserves justice. By filing a wrongful death claim, you can pursue justice and hold the liable party responsible for your unimaginable pain. The state of Massachusetts has specific laws that determine who may file a wrongful death claim. 

In many states, family members are allowed to file wrongful death claims. However, in Massachusetts, the rule is different. Only the executor or personal representative of the deceased’s estate has the legal right to file a wrongful death lawsuit in Massachusetts. If a representative was not appointed in the deceased individual’s will, the probate court would appoint one.

Schedule Your Free Consultation With a Springfield Wrongful Death Lawyer Today

If your Springfield wrongful death attorney succeeds in bringing your wrongful death claim, your family could recover compensation for losses such as funeral and burial expenses, mental anguish, loss of consortium, property damages, medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. Find out what your wrongful death case might be worth during a free consultation with our lawyers in Springfield today. To speak to a dedicated representative of Sweeney Merrigan Personal Injury Lawyers, please give us a call 617-391-9001 or contact us online.