British Columbia Wrongful Death Lawyers
Losing a loved one can be one of life’s greatest challenges. But the loss can be even more difficult to bear when a close relative’s death was the result of someone else’s wrongful actions.
Unintentional injuries are the leading cause of death for Canadians under the age of 34 and the 6th leading cause of deaths in all age groups. These fatal injuries are frequently caused by another individual’s failure to behave in a reasonably cautious manner that takes the safety of their fellow citizens into consideration.
Throughout the province of British Columbia, many people owe a duty of care to others. In accordance with various provincial and federal legislations, these individuals must carry out certain activities with a reasonable degree of caution to ensure that their conduct does not result in a harmful– or deadly– accident. Failure to do so could be considered negligence.
The impacts of someone else’s negligence can be far-reaching and profound, especially when this unlawful behaviour leads to premature losses of life. The death of a single person can negatively affect entire families, social groups, and communities at large. The people experiencing the loss of a wrongfully deceased accident victim often feel a mixture of extreme emotions that can impede their abilities to carry out normal, daily tasks. Bereaved relatives of people who were wrongfully killed as the result of someone else’s negligence often feel shock, outrage, and emotional distress. Grieving family members could continue experiencing these raw, primal emotions for years following their loved one’s death, and even for the rest of their lives.
Grief is a process that can be unpredictable. It is a unique experience for every individual forced to grapple with it. There is no universal timeline, no emotional roadmap, and no easy solution. Bereaved loved ones must be allowed time to mourn their loss in their own ways.
It can be difficult to know which steps to take first after someone close to you dies. This situation can feel even more overwhelming if your relative’s death was the result of someone else’s negligence. In addition to the emotional upheaval and psychological turmoil typically experienced in the wake of a family member’s sudden, accidental, and violent death, bereaved relatives almost always incur some kind of financial loss as a direct result of their loved one’s passing.
Although no amount of money will be able to truly compensate family members mourning the sudden passing of a beloved relative, by pursuing a civil claim, these bereaved individuals might be able to recover compensation for damages arising from their loved one’s wrongful death. At Preszler Injury Lawyers, our wrongful death lawyers serving British Columbia believe that no one should be forced to pay for someone else’s negligence. Grieving relatives who have lost their family members because of another person’s failure to fulfill their duty of care suffer enough pain and emotional despair as the result of someone else’s wrongful actions; they should not be forced to suffer the additional burden of financial insecurity.
If your close relative was killed in an accident caused by someone else’s misconduct, consider scheduling a free initial consultation with our British Columbia wrongful death lawyers. To learn whether you might be eligible to pursue a civil claim against the negligent party whose wrongful actions led to your relative’s death, contact us online or call 1-800-JUSTICE to schedule your free initial consultation.
Which Relatives Might Be Entitled to Pursue a Wrongful Death Claim?
In British Columbia, the eligibility to pursue damages through a wrongful death claim is mandated by the Family Compensation Act. In accordance with this piece of provincial legislation, the following family members of a wrongfully deceased accident victim might be entitled to file a civil claim against the negligent party whose wrongful actions led to the death of their loved one:
- Parents
- Children and stepchildren
- Spouses
- Grandparents
Although multiple relatives might be entitled to pursue a wrongful death claim, the action can be initiated by only one eligible member of the family. In cases where multiple family members are eligible to receive compensation, the division of the settlement amount between the various relatives will typically be decided by a judge or jury.
By working with our wrongful death lawyers serving British Columbia, grieving family members might be able to recover compensation for financial losses they have incurred or will incur in the future as a result of their deceased relative’s untimely passing. Damages to which a bereaved relative might be entitled include:
- Medical expenses incurred prior to the accident victim’s death
- Funeral costs
- Burial expenses
- Child care services that would have otherwise been provided by the deceased
- Loss of guidance
- Loss of companionship
- And possibly more
If the deceased victim lost their life as the result of a motor vehicle collision, the close relatives they have left behind might be entitled to ICBC accident benefits. Even if the wrongfully deceased accident victim did not have automobile insurance, if they were fatally struck by a motor vehicle, the victim’s dependents might be able to submit an ICBC claim in order to apply for compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance policy.
The process of submitting an ICBC claim can be onerous, daunting, and emotional, especially in the immediate aftermath of a close relative’s death. If you have questions about the process of applying for accident benefits or would like assistance completing your claim, contact our British Columbia wrongful death lawyers today.
How Might a British Columbia Wrongful Death Lawyer Be Able to Help?
Negligent drivers are not the only people who might be responsible for the unexpected, untimely, and wrongful death of another person. Many people throughout the province– including property owners/occupiers, medical practitioners, and certain licensed professionals, among others– have legal obligations to protect the physical safety of others. Failure to live up to their responsibilities can have disastrous and fatal consequences.
By working with our wrongful death lawyers serving British Columbia, family members mourning the loss of their close relatives might be able to recover financial compensation for damages they have incurred as a result of their loved one’s untimely passing. However, bereaved relatives have only a short period of time in which they are legally entitled to pursue a civil claim. That is why, if you recently lost a loved one in a preventable accident caused by someone else’s negligence, consider scheduling your free initial consultation with our British Columbia wrongful death lawyers as soon as you feel ready to do so. Learn more about the options that might be available to you by calling 1-800-JUSTICE today.
