Butte Wrongful Death Lawyers
A loved one’s death always feels wrong to family members left behind. Still, it may also be a legally wrongful death in Montana if it was a preventable death caused by another party’s negligence or wrongdoing. Proving a wrongful death case is a challenging legal endeavor. Call the Butte wrongful death lawyers at Beck, Amsden & Stalpes PLLC for compassionate, assertive legal representation that can help achieve the favorable results your family deserves after a painful loss.
Why Choose Us as Your Wrongful Death Lawyers In Butte, Montana?
At Beck, Amsden & Stalpes, our Butte personal injury lawyers understand the grief and anguish you’ve experienced over the loss of your family member. With our firm behind you throughout the process, you have the following advantages in your wrongful death claim:
- A personalized strategy based on the unique circumstances of the death and your personal losses
- Over 150 years of combined legal experience behind your claim
- An in-depth knowledge and understanding of Montana’s civil court system and insurance laws
- A history of recovering over $150 million for our clients puts a well-respected legal voice on your side
We don’t charge upfront fees. Instead, we work at no cost to you until after we’ve obtained compensation for you through a settlement or court award.
When Is It a “Wrongful Death” In Montana?
Wrongful death claims fall under the legal umbrella of personal injury law. If the circumstances of your loved one’s death were such that they could have filed a personal injury claim had they survived their injuries, then the family can file a wrongful death claim on their loved one’s behalf. Common causes of wrongful death claims in Montana include:
- Car accidents
- Commercial truck accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Premises liability accidents
- Workplace fatalities
- Nursing home abuse or neglect
- Medical malpractice
- Defective products
- Acts of violence
In some cases, the wrongdoer may also face criminal charges. A wrongful death claim under Montana 27-1-513 is a civil action that’s independent from the criminal justice system. A successful claim does not depend on criminal charges or a guilty verdict. While criminal courts focus on punishing wrongdoers, civil courts focus on compensating victims for their losses.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim Under Montana’s Laws?
In some states, family members such as a spouse, parent, or child may file a wrongful death claim directly, but Montana requires the personal representative of the decedent’s estate to file the claim on behalf of the family. If the decedent doesn’t have a will or estate plan naming a representative, the court will appoint one. Typically, this is the closest surviving family member, often the spouse, parent, or child. Then, the decedent’s will or the state’s intestacy laws determine the distribution of the financial award.
What Can My Family Get From a Wrongful Death Claim?
A successful wrongful death claim recovers compensation for the family’s losses, typically through a claim against the appropriate insurance policy; for instance, auto insurance after a car accident or medical malpractice insurance after a doctor’s negligence. Common damages recovered in Butte wrongful death cases include the following:
- Funeral and burial costs
- A family member’s lost wages
- The decedent’s lost income for the number of working years left to them had they not perished
- Compensation for loss of household service
- Compensation for grief, anguish, and loss of love, companionship, consortium, and support
Punitive damages are available only under limited circumstances, such as when the at-fault party’s actions were egregiously reckless or intentionally wrongful.
Call or Contact Us Online at Beck, Amsden & Stalpes to Learn How a Butte Wrongful Death Lawyer Can Help
You shouldn’t have to take on a complex legal challenge while also dealing with the grief and trauma of your loss. Instead, contact the compassionate legal advocates at Beck, Amsden & Stalpes to learn more about the legal options available to you in your family’s wrongful death case.