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Lowell Wrongful Death Lawyer

After losing a loved one to negligence, you may be feeling understandably devastated and confused. In the wake of a loss, it can be challenging to determine the best path forward as you settle your family member’s affairs and care for your family. If you lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, an experienced wrongful death attorney might be able to help you pursue justice. 

At Sweeney Merrigan Personal Injury Lawyers, we understand the stress and pain associated with a sudden loss. With the help of our talented wrongful death attorneys in Lowell, we can help you navigate Massachusetts’ complex claims process as we fight for justice on your behalf. We are committed to helping you recover the maximum compensation available for your losses. Our compassionate attorneys take a personalized approach to every case to ensure each client’s unique needs are addressed. To schedule a free consultation with a member of our team, call us today at 617-391-9001 or complete our online contact form

Types of Accidents That Can Lead to a Wrongful Death in Lowell

Unfortunately, many sudden accidents in Lowell, Massachusetts, may result in needless loss of life. The skilled attorneys at Sweeney Merrigan Personal Injury Lawyers have extensive experience handling many types of wrongful death claims, including the following:

  • Motor vehicle accidents
  • Pedestrian accidents
  • Medical malpractice
  • Rideshare accidents
  • Construction accidents
  • Workplace accidents
  • Defective products
  • Dog bites
  • Bicycle accidents
  • Slip-and-fall accidents

When you retain the services of one of our talented Lowell wrongful death lawyers, you can trust us to thoroughly investigate the cause of your loved ones’ accident. We will build a strong claim supported by evidence and witness testimonies to achieve justice and the maximum amount of monetary compensation available for your claim on your behalf. 

How Is a Survival Action Different From a Wrongful Death Claim?

The surviving family members of wrongful death victims have more than one option to pursue legal recourse for their losses. If you have lost someone you love due to someone else’s negligence or wanton disregard for the safety of others, you may wish to file a wrongful death claim or survival action depending on the unique circumstances surrounding your case. While both are personal injury claims that address the victim’s death, there are critical differences regarding how the claim is paid out and what damages you may be eligible to collect. The differences between each type of legal action are as follows:

Wrongful Death Claims

Wrongful death claims are filed on behalf of the deceased’s estate and are designed to compensate the victim’s family members after their untimely death. Typically wrongful death claims apply to cases where the victim dies immediately or shortly after suffering fatal injuries due to another person’s negligence. A few types of damages you may be able to recover through a wrongful death claim include the following:

  • Future lost wages
  • Pain and suffering
  • Grief
  • Loss of consortium
  • Final expenses

The compensation a family recovers through a wrongful death claim could be critical to their financial future, especially if the deceased was the primary breadwinner. These claims can be even more impactful for families with young children as the damages from a wrongful death claim can help provide for the children’s needs and compensation for the turmoil of losing a parent.

Survival Action Claims

While a survival action claim is also a type of legal action meant to compensate a victim’s surviving loved ones if they were killed due to negligence, there are a few vital differences. In a survival action claim, the surviving family members seek compensation for their loved one’s damages rather than their own. These claims are appropriate when the victim survived the initial accident but suffered severe and ultimately fatal consequences. A few types of damages that may be available through a survival action claim include the following:

  • Your loved one’s medical expenses
  • Their pain and suffering
  • Their emotional trauma
  • Lost wages from the date of the accident until death
  • Property damage sustained in the accident

These claims are designed to hold negligent parties fully accountable for their actions, even if time passed between the initial incident and your loved one’s passing. When you partner with a talented attorney from Sweeny Merrigan Personal Injury Lawyers, they will review every detail of your claim and determine which type of legal action best suits your unique situation.

Possible Damages Available Through a Lowell, MA Wrongful Claim

Wrongful deaths often have a significant emotional and financial impact on the victim’s family. In the wake of their loved one’s passing, victims’ families are often forced to contend with final expenses and a devastating loss of companionship. If another person’s negligence caused your loved one’s death, you deserve to be compensated for the losses you have suffered. Some of the damages our skilled Lowell personal injury attorneys may be able to help you recover include the following

  • Funeral expenses
  • Medical expenses related to your family member’s injury
  • Loss of income or other financial aid
  • Emotional trauma
  • Lost inheritance
  • Pain and suffering
  • Loss of companionship

At Sweeney Merrigan Personal Injury Lawyers, we will thoroughly investigate your case and subsequent losses to determine which types of damages you may be eligible to recover. When you partner with us, you can trust us to consider your unique needs as we guide you through the legal process. 

What is the Statute of Limitations for Filing a Wrongful Death Claim in Massachusetts?

If you have lost a loved one due to negligence in Lowell, it is essential to act quickly to pursue justice and protect the total value of your claim. All states abide by a legal time limit known as the statute of limitations for all wrongful death claims. In Massachusetts, those pursuing a wrongful death claim have three years from the date of their loved one’s death to seek compensation. While this may seem like plenty of time to pursue justice, it is always in your best interest to act sooner rather than later. Essential evidence can be lost or destroyed over time, and eyewitnesses may forget what they saw during the accident. Your attorney will review the details of your case and advise you on how the statute of limitations applies. 

In addition to filing your claim correctly and on time, the skilled Lowell wrongful death attorneys at Sweeney Merrigan Personal Injury Lawyers may be able to help you in the following ways:

  • Conducting a thorough investigation into your case
  • Collecting evidence and witness testimonies to establish liability
  • Negotiating with all parties on your behalf
  • Becoming an aggressive advocate for your rights and interests
  • Guiding you through every step of the claims process
  • Answering all of your legal questions

Our wrongful death lawyers in Lowell, MA are committed to ensuring you understand your legal options so you can feel confident in your next steps during this challenging time. 

Discuss Your Case with an Experienced Lowell Wrongful Death Attorney

If you lost a beloved family member due to another’s negligence or wrongdoing, it is essential to contact an experienced Lowell wrongful death lawyer to fight for your rights and interests. At Sweeney Merrigan Personal Injury Lawyers, we are dedicated to fighting for our client’s rights in Lowell and the neighboring areas and helping them recover the maximum compensation possible for their losses. Our wrongful death team includes award-winning attorneys Peter M. Merrigan and Bradley M. Henry, and has an established track record of recovering hundreds of millions of dollars in damages for their clients. To learn more about how we can help you and your family, schedule a free consultation by calling 617-391-9001 or completing our online contact form.

Award-Winning Legal Team

Attorneys at Sweeney Merrigan Law, LLP have been recognized and honored by several of the top legal associations, including SuperLawyers, National Trial Lawyers Association, and Best Lawyers.

Over $500 Million Recovered

Sweeney Merrigan Law, LLP is a highly successful personal injury law firm serving Massachusetts since 2011.

No Fee Until You Win

There are no fees or costs unless we win your case!

Meet the Personal Injury Attorneys at Sweeney Merrigan Law, LLP