3 Things to Know About Indiana Wrongful Death Settlements
When a loved one unexpectedly dies because of someone else’s negligence, you are feeling a range of mixed emotions. Naturally, you want justice for your loved one. The idea of sitting in a courtroom and hearing every detail about the accident that took their life is too much to bear. Here’s what you need to know about wrongful death settlements in Indiana and what you can do to settle your claim quickly and out of court.
Know How Much Your Claim May Be Worth
It’s difficult to talk money when a loved one passes away. However, one of the most important parts of a wrongful death claim and getting a fair settlement is knowing the worth of your claim. This means calculating the actual costs of your loved one’s death. These costs include funeral expenses, lost wages, and medical bills. Also calculate non-economic damages like pain and suffering and loss of consortium. Know how much money would be considered fair so you can reject settlement offers that are too low.
Present Your Evidence in a Clear and Concise Way
There are many pieces of evidence in a wrongful death claim. What those are depends greatly on how your loved one passed away. For example, after a car accident, you’ll have a police report and an accident reconstruction report that details what happened. If your loved one was killed at work, you’ll likely have an accident report form filled out by your employer. Gather as much evidence as possible to illustrate how your loved one died and why someone else’s negligence was responsible.
Be Prepared for Trial
While going to trial for your loved one’s wrongful death may be the very last thing you want to do, don’t let the insurance company sense that. Let the insurance company to believe that you’re willing to engage in litigation if necessary to obtain the full and fair compensation your family deserves. If a fair settlement is never offered by the insurance company, make a choice. Either accept the lesser amount and avoid the pain of trial, or go to trial and fight for justice for your loved one.
Don’t hesitate to get legal help after a loved one dies unexpectedly due to someone else’s carelessness. Call the Sarkisian Law Offices today for a consultation at 219-942-7171.
