Wrongful Death

When a person dies of injuries sustained in a car or truck accident, as a result of medical malpractice, or because of a dangerous or defective product or a property condition, surviving family members may be entitled to pursue a wrongful death claim.
 

Generally, state law permits the spouse, children, and parents of the person who died to file a wrongful death claim against the person who negligently, recklessly, or deliberately caused their loved one’s death. In addition to damages for the loss of the society and companionship of a loved one, relatives may seek compensation for medical expenses, economic loss, and funeral expenses.
 

The time set forth by state law in which to file a wrongful death claim is limited. Laws may also require that certain government agencies that could be liable for a wrongful death be notified of a potential claim within a matter of days after the occurrence of the allegedly negligent, reckless, or deliberate act.
 

The attorneys at Paul J. Passanante, PC & Associates have recovered numerous multimillion-dollar verdicts and settlements on behalf of families in wrongful death lawsuits. Notable wrongful death verdicts and settlements include:
 

• A verdict of nearly $12 million won on behalf of the family of a mother and son who were killed by a drunken driver. In addition to intoxication, the evidence supporting the aggravating circumstances included erratic driving on the part of the defendant just before the accident, prior alcohol-related offenses committed by the defendant and the fact that the defendant, knew that drinking and driving was dangerous because his twin brother had been involved in a drunken-driving accident that left 12 people injured. 
   
• A $1.5 million settlement on behalf of the wife and children of a man who was killed at a construction site.  The man’s employer, who was using “on the clock” workers for a personal project, was sued for wrongful death. In that case, the lawyers of Paul J. Passanante, PC & Associates successfully argued that workers compensation did not shield the employer from suit.
   
• A $600,000 settlement on behalf of the son of a woman who was struck and killed by a tractor-trailer as she crossed a parking lot. 
   
• A $500,000 settlement on behalf of the parents of a man who was killed when his car was rear-ended by a salesman who was delivering a motorcycle for his defunct former employer. 
   

At Paul J. Passanante, PC & Associates, we are passionate about providing representation of the highest possible quality throughout the investigation, prosecution, and trial phases of each case.  The results we have achieved on behalf of our clients reflect our determination and experience.
 

If a loved one has died as a result of the negligence or misconduct of another, fill out our online contact form or call 314-621-8884 for more information.