One of the most heart-wrenching things a person can go through in life is losing someone they love. It is especially difficult when the death could have been prevented. When a person is killed because of the negligence or direct actions of another person or business, their loved ones have the right to pursue the one who caused the death. A person can sue for the medical expenses, funeral costs, pain and suffering, and loss of companionship, among others. When a person has lost a loved one in this manner, it is crucial that they seek legal help from wrongful death attorneys in Hawaii.
When a person has lost their loved one, they first need to schedule a consultation with the wrongful death attorneys in Hawaii. It is imperative individuals understand the laws that govern wrongful death in the state of Hawaii so they can be prepared for the battle they will face when pursuing a claim.
All wrongful death claims in the state are governed by the Hawaii Revised Statutes Section 633-3 which states:
“A wrongful death is any death that has been caused by the wrongful act, neglect, or default of any person.”
Understanding who can be held liable for a wrongful death claim is important. According to the law, wrongful death civil claims can be brought against a person even if they are not found guilty in a criminal trial or even if they are never charged. It is vital individuals know who has the right to pursue a wrongful death claim:
- A personal representative of the deceased victim’s estate
- The surviving spouse of the deceased victim
- The deceased victim’s children, father, or mother
- A person who was financially dependent on the deceased victim
- The reciprocal beneficiary of the deceased victim
The state of Hawaii requires a person to file a wrongful death lawsuit within two years of the date of the death. Time is of the essence when dealing with these difficult claims. If you would like further information on how a lawyer can help you with your claim, visit Autoaccidentattorneyhonolulu.com. They will be happy to offer you a consultation appointment so you can get started.