{"id":143,"date":"2023-01-19T08:14:00","date_gmt":"2023-01-19T16:14:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.kylebachus.com\/es\/things-that-take-time-in-wrongful-death-lawsuits\/"},"modified":"2023-01-19T08:14:00","modified_gmt":"2023-01-19T16:14:00","slug":"things-that-take-time-in-wrongful-death-lawsuits","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.kylebachus.com\/es\/things-that-take-time-in-wrongful-death-lawsuits\/","title":{"rendered":"Things THAT Take Time in Wrongful Death Lawsuits"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kylebachus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/image1-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"flowers on a grave\" class=\"wp-image-699\" style=\"width:788px;height:undefinedpx\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>A wrongful death lawsuit is legal action taken by eligible surviving family members after an immediate family member dies. Pursuing a successful wrongful death claim relies on your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.elitelitigationgroup.com\/wrongful-death-litigation\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">wrongful death lawyer<\/a> proving that the loved one\u2019s death was the result of another party\u2019s negligence or malicious conduct.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The average time for wrongful death settlement payouts depends on several factors. Quick settlements are rare because the defendant may deny responsibility, or the insurance company may refuse to pay the requested settlement amount. It also takes time to gather and review evidence. Other factors, such as the case type, when you initiate legal action, and your relationship with the decedent, may also affect the time it takes to settle wrongful death claims.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When the Defendant Rejects Responsibility for Your Loved One\u2019s Death<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Some defendants delay resolving a <a href=\"https:\/\/dictionary.law.com\/Default.aspx?selected=2268\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">wrong<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/dictionary.law.com\/Default.aspx?selected=2268\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">f<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/dictionary.law.com\/Default.aspx?selected=2268\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">ul death<\/a> lawsuit because they deny responsibility. This can be a factor if the defendant\u2019s facing criminal charges, because the defendant may hope to avoid responsibility based on legal technicalities or other factors. Consequently, their attorney may advise them to deny responsibility in civil proceedings until their criminal trial is over.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A guilty verdict in a criminal case may make it easier for you to prove your wrongful death suit. However, even if the defendant wasn\u2019t convicted in their criminal trial, it\u2019s possible to win your civil case.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can still proceed with your civil lawsuit while criminal proceedings are underway. In most cases, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.coloradolaw.net\/law-101\/statute-of-limitation\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">statute of limitations<\/a> for filing a wrongful death lawsuit is two years from the date of death. Under Colorado state laws, victims have four years to file if their loved one dies in a hit-and-run accident. The deadline for filing such cases is four years from the accident\u2019s date.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When the Insurance Company Refuses to Pay the Amount of Money Your Attorney Requests<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In most cases, insurance companies pay wrongful death settlements on behalf of the at-fault party. Your wrongful death attorney will attempt to negotiate settlement terms. Still, if the insurance company denies the requested amount, you may have to go to trial to resolve your case, extending the time required to settle your lawsuit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Factors Considered in Settlement Amounts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Settlement amounts include economic damages, such as medical bills and loss of income, and non-economic damages, which include compensation for pain and suffering. It\u2019s also possible to receive <a href=\"https:\/\/www.law.cornell.edu\/wex\/punitive_damages\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">punitive damages<\/a> if the defendant acted with total disregard for the safety of the decedent or others.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Insurance companies may dispute the requested amounts. It\u2019s also possible for the decedent\u2019s personal representative to file a survival action suit against the defendant. The insurance company may refuse to agree to a settlement if they believe a court\u2019s judgment will result in lower payments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Shared Responsibility&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The at-fault party\u2019s insurance company may refuse to pay a settlement if there are multiple defendants. They may try to mitigate their client\u2019s responsibility at trial to reduce their financial burden.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Examination of Evidence<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When you hire a wrongful death attorney, your attorney\u2019s law firm conducts an investigation. They must gather and review evidence, such as the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Accident Reports<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Accident Scene Photos<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cell Phone Data<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dash Cam Footage<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Driving Records<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Medical Reports<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Personnel Records<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Security Camera Footage<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Toxicology Reports<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Witness Statements<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Gathering and reviewing evidence should occur before anyone agrees to settle a wrongful death. The evidence could demonstrate reckless disregard for human life, enabling the victim\u2019s family to seek punitive damages. In some cases, it isn\u2019t possible to accurately assess reasonable damages without a thorough review of the evidence.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Medical Malpractice&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kylebachus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/image2-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"stethoscope on a table\" class=\"wp-image-700\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>You could file a wrongful death suit if <a href=\"https:\/\/www.coloradolaw.net\/practice-area\/medical-malpractice\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">medical malpractice<\/a> caused your loved one\u2019s death. You can also pursue a medical malpractice case; however, many states limit the payout amounts for medical malpractice suits. You may receive more money from your wrongful death suit, but pursuing two lawsuits may extend the time required to resolve your claims.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Delayed Action&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You may not be able to take immediate legal action following the death of your loved one. For example, if you were injured in the same accident, you may not be ready to deal with legal matters immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s also natural to feel overwhelmed by grief. The book \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.kylebachus.com\">Unthinkable<\/a>\u201d by Kyle Bachus can help you process your situation and understand your options after a loved one\u2019s death. This, in turn, can help you avoid further delays if you\u2019re unaware of your options and the practical matters <strong>injury lawyers<\/strong> can help you resolve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Relationship&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Your relationship with the decedent may also affect your wrongful death lawsuit\u2019s timeline. For example, in some states, children may have to wait a year before filing if their parent\u2019s spouse is alive. The decedent\u2019s parents can file a lawsuit if the decedent has no surviving spouse or heirs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Suppose a married couple was in an accident. One partner died immediately, while the other was on life support. The decedent\u2019s parents technically can\u2019t pursue a wrongful death suit as long as the spouse is alive. However, they can file a suit later if the spouse dies from their injuries.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What should I expect if I file a wrongful death claim?&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kylebachus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/image3-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"wrongful death attorney meeting with a client going over paperwork\" class=\"wp-image-701\" style=\"width:788px;height:undefinedpx\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Your legal team will handle the investigation and lead negotiations with the at-fault party. This can be a time-consuming process because of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kylebachus.com\/blog\/who-is-involved-criminal-case\/\">number of people involved<\/a> in wrongful death lawsuits. It can take weeks or months to gather information and hold settlement conferences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.elitelitigationgroup.com\/wrongful-death-litigation\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Contact our wrongful death attorneys today<\/a> to receive a free consultation from a wrongful death attorney with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.elitelitigationgroup.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Elite Litigation Group<\/a>. Our attorneys bring years of experience to every case. We understand the trauma and pain you\u2019re coping with and will strive to get you the compensation you deserve for your loved one\u2019s death.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sources<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.law.cornell.edu\/wex\/punitive_damages\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Punitive Damages<\/a>. (2022).&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/dictionary.law.com\/Default.aspx?selected=2268\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Wrongful Death<\/a>. (2022).<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A wrongful death lawsuit is legal action taken by eligible surviving family members after an immediate family member dies. Pursuing a successful wrongful death claim relies on your wrongful death lawyer proving that the loved one\u2019s death was the result of another party\u2019s negligence or malicious conduct.&nbsp; The average time for wrongful death settlement payouts&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":16,"featured_media":144,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_blocks_custom_css":"","_kad_blocks_head_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_body_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_footer_custom_js":"","_kadence_starter_templates_imported_post":false,"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"_kad_post_classname":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[56,3],"tags":[59],"class_list":["post-143","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-civil-justice-system","category-wrongful-death","tag-civil-justice-system"],"taxonomy_info":{"category":[{"value":56,"label":"Civil Justice System"},{"value":3,"label":"Wrongful Death"}],"post_tag":[{"value":59,"label":"Civil Justice System"}]},"featured_image_src_large":["https:\/\/www.kylebachus.com\/es\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/03\/image1-1024x683.jpg",1024,683,true],"author_info":{"display_name":"Angel Rosas","author_link":"https:\/\/www.kylebachus.com\/es\/author\/arosas\/"},"comment_info":0,"category_info":[{"term_id":56,"name":"Civil Justice System","slug":"civil-justice-system","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":56,"taxonomy":"category","description":"","parent":0,"count":3,"filter":"raw","cat_ID":56,"category_count":3,"category_description":"","cat_name":"Civil Justice System","category_nicename":"civil-justice-system","category_parent":0},{"term_id":3,"name":"Wrongful Death","slug":"wrongful-death","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":3,"taxonomy":"category","description":"","parent":0,"count":28,"filter":"raw","cat_ID":3,"category_count":28,"category_description":"","cat_name":"Wrongful Death","category_nicename":"wrongful-death","category_parent":0}],"tag_info":[{"term_id":59,"name":"Civil Justice System","slug":"civil-justice-system","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":59,"taxonomy":"post_tag","description":"","parent":0,"count":8,"filter":"raw"}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kylebachus.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/143","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kylebachus.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kylebachus.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kylebachus.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/16"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kylebachus.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=143"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.kylebachus.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/143\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kylebachus.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/144"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kylebachus.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=143"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kylebachus.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=143"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kylebachus.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=143"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}