Have you recently lost someone you love because of the negligence or actions of another party? You could have a wrongful death lawsuit on your hands. To prove wrongful death, there are some important pieces of evidence that you need. Here is some evidence that you and your wrongful death attorney can use.
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5 Pieces of Evidence Your Wrongful Death Attorney Can Use
Losing someone you love is difficult no matter what. When your loved one dies wrongfully, this can be even more traumatizing and difficult to deal with. You and your family deserve justice for what’s happened. Making sure that you have a qualified lawyer on your side will help you get the justice you deserve. Visit this page to see some of the important ways that your lawyer can help you. One of the things they’ll do is help you gather evidence. Here are some potential pieces of evidence that could help you win your case:
1. Medical Records
Some of the most critical information that can help to prove wrongful death will be included in the deceased’s medical records. You should make sure that you get these documents from the hospital to present in front of a judge or jury. These records will include proof that the person’s death is directly connected to any injuries they received due to the accident they were in. They will also provide the expenses that your loved one’s accident incurred, which will offer a basis for how much money you should be asking for from your settlement.
2. Death Certificate
Your loved one’s death certificate is another important piece of evidence that you’ll need to prove your case. The death certificate will outline the exact time and date of the death and clearly state the reason for the death. A coroner will officially verify this certificate. Additionally, if an autopsy was performed on your loved one after their death, getting the autopsy report will also help to support your case. Your lawyer needs to have as much evidence as possible to support your claim, so make sure you gather all these documents.
3. Police Reports
If the police investigated the accident that took place, then you’re going to need to get a copy of the official police report. For example, if your loved one died in a car accident and the police investigated, this report will provide important evidence and context for what caused your loved one’s death.
4. Photos and Videos
One of the best ways to support your claim that your loved one’s death could have been avoided is by taking photos and videos of the scene where the accident took place. Taking these photos and videos as soon as the accident happens can provide compelling evidence that can help you win your case. Even if you were unable to gather this evidence immediately after the accident happened, going back and doing so later can still provide you with what you need. For instance, if your loved one died in a car accident, photos and videos of the area that include important context, like street signs or traffic lights, can help you prove that your loved one died wrongfully.
5. Proof of Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering is a legal term that refers to the amount of physical and mental anguish a person experiences. Proving that your loved one suffered before their death can ensure that you get a higher settlement. However, you should also prove your own pain and suffering. You likely went through some significant emotional turmoil because of your loved one’s death. You should be compensated for this.
Physical Pain and Suffering
You can help to prove that your loved one experienced pain and suffering before their accident via their medical records. If you have proof of any communication between you and your loved one after their accident but before their death where they describe their pain and suffering, this will also be hugely beneficial to support your case.
Emotional Pain and Suffering
The death of your loved one may have affected you strongly, and for good reason. You should be compensated for the emotional suffering you have been through. There are a few ways that you can prove that you have suffered. Keeping a journal that you write in every day outlining how you feel can be useful evidence. If your loved one’s death resulted in a loss of income that you needed to support yourself, then providing evidence like pay stubs and bills can help. Losing someone you love is never easy. If your loved one died wrongfully, then you deserve to be
fairly compensated. Make sure you hire a qualified lawyer to help you. They’ll ensure that you gather all the evidence you need and that you and your family get the justice you need.
