Wrongful Death Legal Claims

Losing a close relative to an untimely death is unimaginable for those left behind. To lose a loved one so suddenly is even more difficult when your loved one’s death was caused by someone else’s reckless or careless acts. Families are frequently left to pay medical expenses and funeral costs, not to mention enduring the loss of financial and emotional support they once received.

Fortunately, Rhode Island law allows surviving family members to bring a wrongful death claim against the negligent party to help ease the financial burden. Even though no lawsuit can restore your loss, a wrongful death action can help the family reach closure and secure the money they need to get on with their lives.

If a family member has died due to someone else’s negligent or intentional act the Rhode Island attorneys at Dana & Dana can help. You can expect respect, compassion and care from our lawyers and staff. We can be reached 24/7.

Rhode Island created a cause of action for wrongful death in R.I. General Law § 10-7-1. The Statute allows a wrongful death claim to proceed where a person’s death was “caused by the wrongful act, neglect, or default of another” and the deceased person would have been able to recover damages from the wrongdoer if he or she had survived.

Rhode Island’s wrongful death statute allows an action to be brought on behalf of the deceased’s spouse and children. If there was no spouse or children, the action is for the benefit of the person’s parents. If there was no spouse, children or parents, then the action is for the benefit of the heirs.