Wrongful Death Attorneys in Des Moines

Guiding Families Through Wrongful Death Claims

Losing a loved one because of the negligence of another person or a corporation is indescribably devastating. No amount of money can ease the grief or diminish the loss you feel. Instead, a wrongful death claim can bring you a sense of justice that the parties responsible for your loved one’s death are being held accountable. The compensation can also protect your family from financial difficulties as you mourn your family member’s death.

Hope Law Firm treats your family with compassion and respect as we assist you with your wrongful death claim. Our attorneys and support staff do all we can to ease your burden and to recover damages for your loss.

Give us a call at (515) 298-5056 or contact us online to request a free consultation.

Filing a Wrongful Death Claim

Any family member who has sustained damages may file a wrongful death claim in Iowa. Typically, the executor files the lawsuit on behalf of the estate and acts in the best interest of the estate with regard to negotiating a settlement or taking the case to trial.

Once the case is settled or a judgment is rendered at trial, the estate collects the money and distributes it to the beneficiaries. The wrongful death recovery process generally involves both the probate and the civil courts of Iowa.

Typically, the beneficiaries may include:

• Immediate Family Members — Spouse, children, and sometimes parents or siblings of the deceased person are often primary beneficiaries in wrongful death cases. They may be entitled to damages for loss of companionship, support, and consortium.
• Estate — Any damages awarded in a wrongful death lawsuit are usually distributed through the deceased person's estate. This can involve covering medical expenses, funeral costs, and other financial losses incurred as a result of the wrongful death.
• Dependents — If the deceased person was providing financial support to dependents, such as minor children or disabled family members, they may be considered beneficiaries and entitled to compensation for the loss of support.
• Creditors — In some cases, if the deceased person had outstanding debts, creditors may be beneficiaries of any damages awarded to the estate to settle those debts.

Addressing Negligence with Strong Legal Action

A wrongful death action is filed by the personal representative for the estate of the individual who was killed. We structure your lawsuit to prove the negligence of the parties who contributed to the deadly accident that took your loved one. You must prove all the elements of the accident and that the accident directly resulted in your loved one’s death.

To prove negligence, our attorneys gather and present evidence to show that:

• The responsible party owed your loved one a duty of care.
• The party breached that duty of care
• Your loved one died as a direct result of the party’s negligence
• You suffered damages as a result of your loved one’s death

We provide rigorous, knowledgeable legal service with wrongful death matters in areas across the practice of personal injury.

Our Des Moines wrongful death lawyers have represented families who lost a loved one due to:

• Animal attacks
• Car accidents
• Distracted driving collisions
• Defective products
• Motorcycle accidents
• Truck accidents
• Pedestrian accidents
• Medical malpractice
• Nursing home and elder abuse
• Slip and fall injury
• Workplace accident

Damages for Wrongful Death

The damages you recover for wrongful death depend on the specific facts of your case.

We may pursue damages for:

• Medical bills for care your loved one received for the fatal injury
• A pre-death personal injury claim
• Burial and funeral costs
• Lost wages and anticipated future income
• Lost benefits, including health insurance or a pension
• Loss of services, such as childcare, landscaping, accounting, cooking, household duties, and security
• Loss of love, companionship, friendship, guidance, support, and advice

How We Can Help

At Hope Law Firm, we understand the complexities and emotional toll that accompanies wrongful death lawsuits in Iowa. Our experienced team is here to guide you through every step of the legal process, providing compassionate support and expert legal representation.

Here's how we can help:

• Legal Expertise — Our firm has a deep understanding of Iowa's wrongful death laws and regulations. We can assess the circumstances surrounding the death of your loved one, determine liability, and develop a strategic legal approach to pursue maximum compensation on your behalf.
• Investigation — We conduct thorough investigations to gather evidence, such as witness statements, accident reports, medical records, and expert testimony, to build a strong case. We leave no stone unturned in our pursuit of justice for you and your family.
• Negotiation Skills — Our attorneys are skilled negotiators who can effectively communicate with insurance companies and opposing parties to seek a fair settlement. We will tirelessly advocate for your rights and ensure that you are not pressured into accepting an inadequate offer.
• Litigation Representation — If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, we are prepared to take your case to court. Our trial attorneys are experienced litigators who will zealously represent your interests in the courtroom, presenting compelling arguments and evidence to seek the justice you deserve.
• Compassionate Support — Dealing with the loss of a loved one is incredibly challenging, and we are here to provide compassionate support every step of the way. We will listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and provide guidance and reassurance throughout the legal process.

Our Des Moines wrongful death attorneys value your privacy, and we are compassionate in our approach to your case. You can rest assured that your claim is in good hands at Hope Law Firm.

Get help, get Hope – call us at (515) 298-5056 to get started with a free consultation.