An Oxford wrongful death is a tragic event that is full of emotional turmoil and leaves loved ones with a complex aftermath to face. At Hearn Law Firm, we are dedicated to providing you with the best legal representation to guide you through these challenging times. Our team is committed to serving Oxford families with unwavering support through every step of the legal process.
Our experience in wrongful death claims ensures that your loved one’s memory is upheld with dignity so that your family can receive the compensation you are entitled to when facing your loss. At Hearn Law Firm, you will have a team committed to justice and securing the closure that can help pave the way for healing. Contact our Oxford personal injury attorneys today for your free consultation.
Why Choose Hearn Law Firm in an Oxford Wrongful Death Claim
Choosing Hearn Law Firm or an Oxford wrongful death claim means entrusting your case to a team full of experience in these difficult cases. Here are several compelling reasons to consider Hearn Law Firm for your legal needs in such difficult times:
- Experienced Legal Representation: Philip C. Hearn and his team bring over twenty-five (25) years of experience in wrongful death claims, offering a wealth of knowledge and a proven track record of success.
- Compassionate Support: Our team at Hearn Law Firm recognizes the emotional challenges that come with pursuing a wrongful death claim. We will treat your claim with the utmost respect and guide your family through the legal process in a way that honors your loved one.
- Transparent Communication: Throughout the legal process, we value ourselves in maintaining honest and open communication with our clients. We make sure to keep our clients informed and involved in every decision.
- No Fee Unless Successful: Hearn Law Firm operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning families do not owe legal fees unless the case is won. We are committed to providing the families of the deceased with accessible, risk-free legal services.
The Importance of a Lawyer in an Oxford Wrongful Death Claim
Having a lawyer when facing an Oxford wrongful death claim is essential given the challenges of facing the emotional and financial effects when a loved one dies. Some ways in which an Oxford wrongful death attorney will help include:
- Knowledge of Oxford Wrongful Death Laws: Wrongful death claims involve nuanced legal principles and statutes that can be overwhelming for the bereaved. Our Oxford wrongful death lawyers bring invaluable knowledge of the legal system and will make sure that your claim complies with all procedural requirements and deadlines.
- Valuation of Damages: Calculating the full extent of damages in a wrongful death claim involves more than just immediate expenses. It includes loss of future earnings, benefits, and companionship. Our lawyers can accurately assess these damages and will not settle for anything less.
- Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies often aim to minimize payouts, and this is especially true in wrongful death claims where the potential value is high. Our seasoned lawyers will negotiate effectively with these companies and fight for a settlement that is fair and just. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are ready to fight for your claim in court and procure a favorable verdict.
Common Causes of Oxford Wrongful Death Claims
Oxford wrongful death claims arise when someone dies due to the negligence or intentional act of another person or entity. Some common causes we see at Hearn Law Firm include:
- Vehicular Accidents: Oxford’s roads and highways can be the scenes of fatal accidents involving cars, motorcycles, trucks, and even pedestrians or cyclists. These accidents often result from speeding, drunk driving, distracted driving, or violations of traffic laws.
- Medical Malpractice: Medical professionals have a duty to provide a standard level of care to their patients. Wrongful death can occur in Oxford due to misdiagnoses, surgical errors, medication mistakes, or failure to treat a condition promptly and effectively.
- Workplace Accidents: Certain occupations, particularly those involving manual labor or the use of heavy machinery, carry higher risks. Fatal accidents can happen due to unsafe work environments, lack of proper safety equipment, or negligence in enforcing safety protocols.
- Premises Liability: Property owners in Oxford have a legal obligation to ensure their premises are safe. Slip and fall accidents, drowning in unsecured pools, or injuries from unsafe building conditions can lead to fatal outcomes if the property owner fails to address potential hazards.
Who Can Bring an Oxford Wrongful Death Claim?
In Oxford, the eligibility to bring a wrongful death claim is defined by the Mississippi Code § 11-7-13:
“Whenever the death of any person or of any unborn quick child shall be caused by any real, wrongful or negligent act or omission, or by such unsafe machinery, way or appliances as would, if death had not ensued, have entitled the party injured or damaged thereby to maintain an action and recover damages in respect thereof, or whenever the death of any person or of any unborn quick child shall be caused by the breach of any warranty, express or implied, of the purity or fitness of any foods, drugs, medicines, beverages, tobacco or any and all other articles or commodities intended for human consumption, as would, had the death not ensued, have entitled the person injured or made ill or damaged thereby, to maintain an action and recover damages in respect thereof, and such deceased person shall have left a widow or children or both, or husband or father or mother, or sister, or brother, the person or corporation, or both that would have been liable if death had not ensued, and the representatives of such person shall be liable for damages, notwithstanding the death, and the fact that death was instantaneous shall in no case affect the right of recovery. The action for such damages may be brought in the name of the personal representative of the deceased person or unborn quick child for the benefit of all persons entitled under the law to recover, or by widow for the death of her husband, or by the husband for the death of the wife, or by the parent for the death of a child or unborn quick child, or in the name of a child, or in the name of a child for the death of a parent, or by a brother for the death of a sister, or by a sister for the death of a brother, or by a sister for the death of a sister, or a brother for the death of a brother, or all parties interested may join in the suit, and there shall be but one (1) suit for the same death which shall ensue for the benefit of all parties concerned, but the determination of such suit shall not bar another action unless it be decided on its merits.”
What this statute does is provide a structured hierarchy of who can initiate a wrongful death lawsuit, ensuring that those closest to the deceased and most likely to be affected by their loss have priority. According to this statute, the following parties are authorized to file a wrongful death claim:
- The Personal Representative of the Deceased’s Estate: This is typically someone named in the deceased’s will or appointed by the court if no will exists. The personal representative acts on behalf of the estate and its beneficiaries.
- Surviving Spouse and Children: The deceased’s surviving spouse and children are directly entitled to file a wrongful death claim. If there are no children, the spouse has the sole right to file.
- Parents: In cases where the deceased is a minor without a surviving spouse or children, the parents of the deceased have the right to bring a wrongful death claim.
- Siblings: If the deceased has no surviving spouse, children, or parents, the siblings of the deceased are entitled to file the claim.
Contact Our Oxford Wrongful Death Lawyer Today
If you have suffered the unimaginable loss of a loved one due to someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing, you do not have to navigate this challenging time alone. At Hearn Law Firm, we are here to support and guide you through the legal process of a wrongful death claim. Our team is committed to seeking the justice and compensation you deserve. We offer personalized legal services tailored to the specifics of your case, ensuring that your loved one’s memory is honored and that your family’s rights are protected.
Contact the Oxford wrongful death attorneys at Hearn Law Firm today to schedule a consultation. During this difficult period, let us take on the legal burdens, allowing you to focus on healing and remembering your loved one. Our commitment to you is to obtain the best possible outcome for your Oxford wrongful death claim.