Indianapolis Wrongful Death Lawyer

Decades of Proven Advocacy

The Indianapolis wrongful death lawyer team at Christie Bell & Marshall possesses a long history of success in many different types of claims that may constitute a wrongful death case. In the midst of your grief, it is critically important to understand your legal rights and available options. Breaking down the many incidents that may lead to a fatality can help to give clarity to an upsetting and confusing situation. We are a dedicated wrongful death law firm committed to supporting families through the darkest times of their lives.

The death of a loved one is traumatic and shocking. When someone else’s negligence is believed to have contributed to our loss, handling these overwhelming feelings becomes even harder. Each year in Indiana and around the country, thousands of individuals lose their lives as a result of someone’s action or inaction. Whether someone made the choice to drive drunk on I-465, prescribed the wrong medicine at a local hospital, or designed a flawed product, the result is still a devastating event. But while it might seem like nothing can relieve the sense of loss you feel, legal action with the help of an experienced Indianapolis personal injury attorney might help with the financial burden of a sudden passing.

Our Attorneys

Tina M. Bell

Partner

Meet Lee C. Christie

Partner

Laura J. Conyers, RN

Associate

Meet Kevin P. Farrell

Of Counsel

Meet Kathy A. Lee

Retired

Meet Kyle L. Christie

Partner

Katherine M. Marshall

Partner

Christopher D. Simpkins

Partner

Speak with a personal injury lawyer today. Call: 317-488-5500

Why Does Someone File a Wrongful Death Claim?

When the death of a spouse or loved one occurs due to negligence, the pain goes much deeper. Not only was a life cut tragically short, but these fatalities can also leave family members to deal with the emotional and financial ramifications on their own, all because another party wasn’t exercising proper care. Every wrongful death lawyer at our firm believes that victims and their families deserve to have negligent parties held accountable for their actions.

Filing a suit gives victims a voice, as best it can. Whether it was a negligent driver in a car crash on North Delaware Street, a doctor that improperly cared for a patient, or a manufacturer who ignored the safety of consumers, all these situations could have been avoided. While there are important financial components of any case managed by a wrongful death attorney, it is vital to consider what these lawsuits mean to family members and friends mourning the loss of a loved one.

A sudden death can take an extreme emotional toll on the deceased person’s surviving family. Widowed spouses will never feel the hand of their partner again; children will never play with their parents in the backyard. Real people experience true and profound loss, all because of someone else’s inattention or lack of care. For this reason, the state of Indiana has what is called “loss of consortium” claims, which provide spouses a chance to recover their own damages stemming from the individual’s passing. Our Indianapolis wrongful death attorneys are skilled in quantifying these profound losses for the court.

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Financial Burdens on Family Members

That being said, sudden death can be extremely stressful on a family’s bank account. There are the costs of funeral arrangements, immediate medical care, and significant loss of income. If a one-income family with children were to lose their primary source of income unexpectedly, a single life insurance payment may not be enough to cover these costs. A qualified wrongful death lawyer Indianapolis residents trust can seek relief in the form of monetary compensation for the impacted parties.

Lawsuits regarding a fatality are a chance for family members and estate representatives to recover their losses related to a negligent death. An Indiana wrongful death lawyer understands the specific laws and requirements that cover these cases, ensuring that procedural hurdles never stand in the way of a victim’s family receiving support and their day in court. These cases are always complex and require lots of information-gathering to develop. Christie Bell & Marshall is a team containing a specific wrongful death attorney Indianapolis families rely on to help those injured by negligence regain peace of mind and move forward in life.

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Accidents That Lead to Wrongful Death

Medical Malpractice

When we visit doctors or other medical professionals at facilities like IU Health or St. Vincent, we expect to be taken care of. While there are many talented experts in this field, it is still extremely possible to receive less than stellar care. Medical malpractice is the result of a doctor or other healthcare provider failing to provide appropriate care. In some cases, treatment or surgery can result in additional injuries or complications that can have devastating effects.

If you require a medical malpractice wrongful death attorney, it is important to understand that you have legal rights. While sustained injuries or conditions may not be reversible, a lawsuit can award you the money you need to fix the damages and make up for the harm and losses you have suffered. These cases can take several months to years to come to an end, so knowing that you have Indianapolis wrongful death lawyers you can depend on is important.

We have experience working with many types of medical malpractice cases in Indiana and around the country, including:

• Cerebral palsy
• Erb’s palsy
• OB mistakes
• Birth injuries
• Pediatric mistakes
• Nursing mistakes
• Surgical mistakes
• Prescription errors
• Failure to diagnose

If a fatality is the result of malpractice, there are several pieces of evidence that are important to a case. First, your medical malpractice wrongful death lawyer will help you establish a doctor-patient relationship. A doctor has a duty of care, and this is rarely argued in a court of law. Second, you will need to provide evidence that the medical professional providing care was negligent. A legal team may bring in other doctors to serve as expert witnesses.

Motor Vehicle Accidents

According to the National Safety Council, there were at least 40,000 deaths caused by motor vehicle accidents in 2018. The Indiana Department of Transportation reported nearly 900 Indiana motor vehicle deaths. With so many different types of vehicles on the road, cases involving negligent driving can be complex. Wrongful death attorneys at Christie Bell & Marshall have years of experience handling cases involving car accidents, trucking accidents, construction site accidents, railroad accidents, motorbike accidents, and improper roadway design.

Product Liability

Many of the objects we take for granted every day have the potential to be defective and dangerous. When a product isn’t designed or built with safety in mind, it can lead to a wide array of injuries. Unfortunately, because of the trusting nature of consumers, it is possible that these flawed objects could potentially lead to a fatality. An Indiana wrongful death attorney from our firm can investigate cases involving pharmaceutical drugs, medical products, motor vehicles, industrial equipment, and consumer products. The truth is that any manufactured product may have the potential to cause death due to faulty production.

Slip and Fall Accidents

Slip and fall accidents are quite common in personal injury cases. The injuries caused by these accidents can be wide-ranging. It may be as simple as a bruise, or something more serious like a broken bone; statistics published by the National Floor Safety Institute found that the most common slip and fall injury is a bone fracture. However, when these accidents are more serious, they can sometimes be fatal. Finding a competent death attorney is crucial when unsafe conditions on private or public property lead to tragedy.

Electrical Accidents

Most of us have experienced a small shock in our lives, but when it comes to large-scale electrocution, severe damage can be done. In the most unfortunate of cases, these electrical injuries can cause death. As experienced Indianapolis shock & electrocution injury attorneys, we know that when electrocution occurs due to negligent conditions, it is time to pursue legal action. Issues often include frayed extension cords, improperly installed outlets, and high-voltage power lines.

Fires and Explosions

Fires can be devastating disasters. They ravage our homes and destroy our belongings, forcing us to start all over again in our lives. But in severe fires and explosions, these incidents can also cause fatalities. The United States averages over 3,000 fire deaths every year. Experienced fire death attorneys are necessary when these events are caused by gas explosions, defective heaters, workplace chemical explosions, or post-collision fuel-fed automobile fires.

Farm Accidents

Farming has long been one of the most hazardous occupations in the United States, with farming accidents leading to more than 1,300 yearly deaths. Statistics show that more than half of these fatalities are the result of tractor accidents. Our wrongful death lawyers understand that these accidents are tragic, and it is important for victims to understand that they do have legal rights.

When Is a Death Considered Wrongful?

The term “wrongful” death revolves around situations where someone passes away either due to intentional harm caused by another individual or as a result of someone else’s negligence. A skilled death lawyer can evaluate cases covering a range of scenarios, such as fatalities resulting from car accidents, defective products, and workplace incidents. A good example is if a company sells a defective product that kills someone or if a driver causes a car accident that kills someone. In these instances, if the responsible person or party could have reasonably prevented the death but failed to do so, they might be held accountable. Acting as a family death attorney for our clients, we ensure the legal implications and compensations in these cases aim to provide justice.

What Is the Difference Between Wrongful Death and Medical Malpractice?

Wrongful death encompasses various situations involving negligence or reckless behavior that leads to someone’s death. In contrast, medical malpractice is a more specific term that refers to the negligence of healthcare professionals. An accidental death attorney handles the broader spectrum, while malpractice is specific to healthcare. Importantly, not every wrongful death is a case of medical malpractice, but every death resulting from medical negligence can fall under wrongful death.

How is Liability Determined in a Wrongful Death Case?

Determining liability involves several key steps that your family death lawyer will guide you through:

• Duty of Care: Establish that the defendant owed a duty of care to the deceased.
• Breach of Duty: Prove that the defendant breached this duty.
• Causation: Demonstrate that the breach directly caused the death.
• Damages: Show that the death resulted in quantifiable damages.
• Evidence Collection: Gather medical records and witness testimonies.
• Legal Representation: Engage wrongful death lawyers in Indiana to navigate the legal process.

How Long Does It Take to Settle a Wrongful Death Claim?

The time needed to settle varies significantly based on each case’s unique circumstances. A wrongful death attorney Indiana statutes guide may resolve a clear-cut case within months, while complex cases involving disputed evidence can take 1-4 years. As your wrongful death law firm Indianapolis representative, we will explain what you can expect during a free initial consultation.

What Damages Can Be Claimed In An Indiana Wrongful Death Case?

In Indiana, initiating a claim involves a compassionate approach. Whether you need an accidental death lawyer or a product liability expert, our team is aware that damages should consider both the palpable and intangible consequences of that loss.

Assessing the Full Spectrum of Damages

Each case is unique for us. However, there are certain types of damages we always consider when you hire a lawyer for death in family matters:

• Economic impacts: We meticulously calculate the economic losses associated with the wrongful death, which include not only the immediate costs such as medical bills incurred prior to death and funeral expenses but also long-term financial losses. These can include lost wages the deceased would have earned, benefits lost due to the death (such as pension or retirement savings), and other contributions to family finances.
• Non-economic impacts: The emotional and psychological burden on the surviving family members is profound and legally recognized. We assess the loss of companionship, mental anguish, and pain and suffering that family members endure, which are significant components of the damages claimed.

What Compensation Is Available?

The compensation opportunities in Indiana honor the deep-seated impact of losing a family member. As Indiana wrongful death lawyers, we are committed to considering all potential damages.

• All medical costs related to the final illness.
• Damages for the lost earnings of the deceased.
• Loss of love, companionship, and guidance.
• Punitive damages in cases of egregious negligence.
• Legal fees and other associated costs.

Our team at Christie Bell & Marshall has a proven track record of securing multimillion-dollar settlements for our clients.

How Are Wrongful Death Settlements Determined?

Settlements can vary significantly. An attorney for wrongful death can help you understand that amounts depend on the age of the deceased, expenses accrued, and lost wages. Since each case is unique, these factors must be individually assessed. In Indiana, specific damage caps exist, and wrongful death lawyers Indianapolis IN residents hire must navigate these caps to maximize recovery. We are dedicated to achieving the justice our clients deserve.

What Is Indiana’s Statute of Limitations?

According to Indiana Code § 34-23-1, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of the death. This time limit is vital. Missing this window can lead to the loss of your rights, which is why contacting wrongful death attorneys in Indianapolis immediately is crucial. We urge you to get in touch with our Indianapolis wrongful death lawyer team so we can listen to your story.

Legal Process Timeline

Cases are governed by specific statutes.

1. Immediate Steps: Partner with wrongful death lawyers in Indianapolis from our firm.
2. Filing the Lawsuit: Your wrongful death lawsuit attorney will ensure claims are filed within 2 years.
3. Discovery Phase: We exist as lawyers for wrongful death to handle depositions and document requests.
4. Settlement Discussions: Negotiations may begin at any point.
5. Trial: If a settlement isn’t reached, your wrongful death lawsuit lawyer proceeds to court.
6. Appeal: If necessary.

The Role of Insurance Companies

Insurance companies are central players. As a premier Indianapolis wrongful death law firm, we aggressively protect grieving families from insurance tactics. Whether dealing with wrongful death attorneys in Indianapolis Indiana or insurers from out of state, we ensure our clients receive full compensation.

If you are unsure about when a death is considered wrongful, we invite you to discuss your case with an expert attorney.

Who Can Recover Money?

In Indiana, wrongful death is defined as when the death of one is caused by the wrongful act or omission of another. Understanding wrongful death Indiana laws is our specialty. When damages are awarded, they are paid to the estate. Wrongful death attorneys Indiana families trust will ensure the estate distributes these funds correctly.

If you are looking for a wrongful death attorney near Indianapolis, it is vital to choose someone with experience. You simply cannot afford to hire the wrong death lawyer for your case; precision and expertise matter. We are lawyers that deal with death claims with the utmost respect and professional vigor.

Christie Bell & Marshall is a team of Indianapolis wrongful death attorney experts that helps those permanently affected by negligence. A wrongful death lawyer Indiana residents rely on is waiting to help you. If you need an attorney for wrongful death near Indianapolis, contact us today.