Can You Sue an Estate for Wrongful Death?

Wrongful death claims are a crucial aspect of the legal system, allowing the loved ones of a deceased individual to seek justice and compensation for the loss they have experienced due to someone else’s negligence or misconduct. Sometimes, the person responsible for the wrongful death may have passed before legal proceedings can begin. This raises the question: can you sue an estate for wrongful death? 

There are numerous complexities related to wrongful death lawsuits against estates. Working with a wrongful death lawyer from John Foy & Associates can help provide a better understanding of the legal process, potential challenges, and key considerations.

Understanding Wrongful Death Claims

A wrongful death claim is a legal action brought by the surviving family members or the personal representative of a deceased individual’s estate against the party responsible for causing the death. These claims arise when someone dies due to another person or entity’s negligent, reckless, or intentional actions. Wrongful death claims can result from various situations, including medical malpractice, car accidents, workplace accidents, and criminal acts.

The purpose of a wrongful death claim is to compensate the surviving family members and the estate for the losses they have suffered due to the wrongful death. This may include financial support, loss of companionship, and emotional distress.

The Legal Basis for Suing an Estate for Wrongful Death

In most jurisdictions, it is possible to sue an estate for wrongful death if the person responsible for the wrongful death has passed away. The rationale is that the deceased person’s estate, which consists of their assets, should be responsible for any outstanding debts and liabilities, including damages arising from a wrongful death claim.

The basis for suing an estate for wrongful death is the “survival statute” in a particular jurisdiction. Survival statutes allow the deceased person’s legal claims to survive their death, enabling the deceased person’s estate to be held liable for any outstanding claims. This means that, even if the person responsible for the wrongful death has died, their estate can still be held accountable for their actions.

The Role of an Estate in a Wrongful Death Lawsuit

When the defendant in a wrongful death claim dies before or during the legal proceedings, the plaintiff may sue the deceased’s estate. An estate comprises the deceased’s assets, including property, bank accounts, and investments. The estate’s personal representative, often appointed in the deceased’s will or by the court, has the legal authority to represent the estate and its interests.

Suing an estate for wrongful death involves the following steps:

• Identifying the Personal Representative: The plaintiff must first identify the personal representative of the defendant’s estate. This can be done by checking the probate court records or contacting the deceased’s attorney.
• Filing the Lawsuit: The plaintiff must file the wrongful death claim against the estate’s personal representative, who will act as the defendant.
• Serving the Lawsuit: The plaintiff must serve the lawsuit on the personal representative, notifying them of the legal action and the claims against the estate.
• Discovery Process: During the discovery phase, both parties exchange evidence, documents, and information related to the case. This process allows both sides to gather the necessary information to build their respective cases.
• Settlement or Trial: The case proceeds to trial if the parties cannot settle. A judge or jury will then determine whether the estate is liable for the wrongful death and, if so, the number of damages to be awarded.
• Collecting the Judgment: If the plaintiff is awarded damages, they must collect the judgment from the estate. The estate’s assets will be used to satisfy the judgment, which may involve liquidating property or investments if necessary.

It is important to note that the estate may not have sufficient assets to cover the full amount of the judgment. In such cases, the plaintiff may only be able to collect a portion of the awarded damages.

Damages and Compensation in Wrongful Death Cases

In a wrongful death lawsuit, the plaintiff seeks compensation for the financial and emotional losses resulting from the untimely death of their loved one. The specific damages awarded in a wrongful death case can vary depending on the circumstances and jurisdiction. However, several common types of damages may be awarded in such cases, including those referenced below.

Economic Damages

Economic damages in wrongful death cases are intended to compensate the plaintiff for the quantifiable financial losses resulting from the death. These damages can encompass a variety of costs, such as medical expenses incurred before the death, which may include hospital bills and treatment costs. 

Additionally, economic damages can cover funeral and burial expenses, lost income from the deceased’s future earnings, and benefits that would have been earned if they had lived. Another aspect of economic damages is the loss of inheritance, which refers to the decrease in the value of the deceased’s estate due to their untimely death.

Non-Economic Damages

On the other hand, non-economic damages in wrongful death cases aim to compensate the plaintiff for the non-financial losses and emotional suffering caused by the death. This category of damages includes the pain and suffering experienced by the deceased before their death and the loss of companionship, care, guidance, and protection for the surviving spouse, children, or other family members. Non-economic damages also consider the emotional distress experienced by the surviving family members due to their loved one’s death.

Punitive Damages

Sometimes, the court may award punitive damages in wrongful death cases. These damages punish the defendant for wrongful conduct and deter others from engaging in similar behavior. Punitive damages are not awarded in every wrongful death case and are typically reserved for situations where the defendant’s actions were particularly egregious or malicious.

Statute of Limitations and Other Considerations

When pursuing a wrongful death claim, knowing the statute of limitations is crucial – the deadline for filing the lawsuit. The statute of limitations varies by state and can range from one to several years from the date of death. If the plaintiff fails to file the claim within the specified time frame, they may be barred from pursuing compensation.

In addition to the statute of limitations, there are other factors and considerations to keep in mind when pursuing a wrongful death claim against an estate, including those below.

Estate Solvency

The estate must have sufficient assets to cover any potential damages awarded to the plaintiff. If the estate is insolvent or has limited assets, the plaintiff may have difficulty recovering the full amount of the judgment. It is crucial to evaluate the financial status of the estate before initiating a lawsuit.

Probate Process

A wrongful death claim against an estate is subject to the probate process, which can be time-consuming and complex. The probate court oversees the administration of the estate and ensures that the deceased’s debts and liabilities are settled before distributing the remaining assets to the beneficiaries. A plaintiff may need to navigate the probate process to recover damages from the estate.

Multiple Claimants

In some cases, multiple claimants may seek compensation from the estate. This can include other wrongful death claimants and creditors seeking to collect on the deceased’s outstanding debts. When multiple claimants are involved, the available assets in the estate may be distributed among them, potentially reducing the amount a wrongful death plaintiff can recover.

Insurance Policies

The deceased’s insurance policies sometimes cover wrongful death claims. These policies can be a valuable source of compensation for the plaintiff, especially if the estate has limited assets. It is essential to investigate applicable insurance policies and consider them when pursuing a wrongful death claim.

Legal Representation

Wrongful death claims are complex, and navigating the legal process can be challenging, particularly when the defendant is an estate. Retaining an experienced wrongful death attorney can be invaluable in ensuring your rights are protected and you receive the compensation you deserve.

Contact John Foy & Associates for a Wrongful Death Lawyer

A wrongful death lawyer from John Foy & Associates can be critical in guiding someone through a wrongful death lawsuit’s complex and emotionally challenging process. Their expertise, experience, and advocacy can significantly impact the case’s outcome and help ensure that justice is served for the loss of a loved one. Contact us today.