Iowa Wrongful Death Attorney Fighting For Your Family’s Rights
When someone else’s negligence causes your loved one’s death, it devastates your family emotionally and financially. Iowa law provides a path to justice. At Lombardi & Miler Law Firm PLLC, our experienced Des Moines wrongful death attorneys will compassionately guide you through this difficult process.
Navigating Iowa’s Wrongful Death Claims With Compassionate Support
Specific legal guidelines govern wrongful death claims in Iowa. These claims help families seek compensation for both financial and emotional losses by proving the defendant’s liability and establishing damages.
Eligible Family Members
State regulations require the personal representative of the deceased’s estate to file claims. However, compensation benefits surviving spouses, children, parents and sometimes other dependents. We determine eligibility while protecting all beneficiaries’ interests.
Common Causes Of Wrongful Death
Identifying the cause helps determine liability and appropriate compensation. These often include:
- Medical malpractice
- Fatal car accidents
- Workplace fatalities
- Defective products
- Nursing home negligence
Each case requires a tailored investigative approach based on your loved one’s specific circumstances.
Compensation Types
Families may recover various damages, including:
- Medical expenses before death
- Funeral expenses
- Loss of financial support
- Loss of services and companionship
- Emotional suffering
Our team works tirelessly to thoroughly document and pursue all applicable damages for your family.
Filing A Wrongful Death Suit In Iowa
The legal process can seem overwhelming during your time of grief. However, our attorneys handle every detail so you can focus on your family’s well-being.
We focus on:
- Identifying all liable parties
- Gathering compelling evidence
- Consulting with expert witnesses
- Calculating the full extent of damages
Our approach starts with a thorough investigation, helping build a strong case for your claim.
Statute Of Limitations In Iowa
Iowa imposes a strict two-year statute of limitations for wrongful death. Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to compensation.
Importance Of Documentation
Successful claims require comprehensive evidence, including medical records, employment information, accident reports, witness statements and expert testimony.
Compensation That Recognizes Your True Loss
We believe compensation should reflect the full impact of your loss. That’s why we pursue both economic damages (financial losses) and noneconomic damages (pain, suffering, loss of consortium). This comprehensive approach helps ensure fair consideration for all aspects of your loss.
Calculating Financial Losses
Working with economic experts, we project your loved one’s lifetime contributions:
- Future income potential
- Benefits and retirement accounts
- Household services and support
- Educational guidance for children
These calculations help establish the true financial impact of your loss.
Emotional Distress Considerations
Iowa law recognizes the profound emotional impact of losing a family member. Though challenging to quantify, these noneconomic damages form an important part of your wrongful death compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wrongful Death Claims
Families often have many questions about the wrongful death claim process. We’ve addressed some common concerns to help you better understand what to expect.
What is the difference between a wrongful death claim and a survival action?
While wrongful death claims compensate the family for their losses, survival actions seek damages the deceased could have claimed had they lived. These include pain experienced before death and sometimes punitive damages. We often pursue both to maximize your recovery.
What evidence is required to prove negligence?
Proving negligence requires establishing four key elements:
- Duty of care
- Breach of that duty
- Direct causation of death
- Resulting damages
We meticulously gather evidence for each of these elements to build your compelling case.
How is the value of a wrongful death case determined?
Each case value depends on numerous factors, including the deceased’s age, health, earning capacity and family relationships. Comparative fault may also affect your settlement. Our wrongful death attorneys leverage extensive experience with similar cases to ensure fair compensation.
Get Compassionate Legal Support Today
Don’t face this challenge alone. Call our compassionate legal team today at 515-513-5324 or contact us online for a free consultation. We’ll discuss how we can help your family seek the justice and compensation you deserve while you focus on healing.