Watertown Wrongful Death Lawyer

If you are currently grieving a family member who was fatally injured in an accident due to somebody else’s negligence, you are owed justice and financial restitution. In Massachusetts, wrongful death is any fatality caused by the negligence of another human being. This can look like a car accident, slip-and-fall, or even medical malpractice. The period after which you have lost a loved one is overwhelming and difficult to navigate, and throwing a wrongful death claim in the mix can feel impossible. 

At Sweeney Merrigan Personal Injury Lawyers we are here to offer our condolences and get to work for you. We know deeply the trauma that can result from a wrongful death, and are here to rectify that the best we can. Our dedicated team of personal injury lawyers will do everything in our power to get you the compensation and relief you deserve through tailored legal representation. For a free consultation, reach out through our contact form or call our Watertown wrongful death lawyers at (617) 391-9001. 

Why Choose Sweeney Merrigan Personal Injury Lawyers? 

At Sweeney Merrigan Personal Injury Lawyers, we have a reputable background for getting our clients the best possible outcome for their wrongful death cases. Additionally, we offer the following perks: 

• More than 45 years of experience as personal injury lawyers in the state of Massachusetts
• Strong commitment to our clients and their wellbeing
• We do not charge our clients for our wrongful death services unless they are rewarded financially
• We have recovered tens of millions of dollars in settlement agreements

Over the years, our team has proven our talent and dedication to our clients through numerous success stories. We have fought diligently for our clients for decades and our team has over 100 years of combined experience, both as litigators and judges. Our efficient and compassionate approach to our clients’ cases makes for a personal and effective experience. 

Who May Be Liable in Watertown Wrongful Death Cases

If someone is at fault for the wrongful death of your family member, they can be held accountable for your losses. Wrongful death is a fatality stemming from a wrongful act, recklessness, or a wanton disregard for others’ wellbeing or safety. In the Bay State, there are four main elements your personal injury must prove to legally hold someone liable for wrongful death. They include: 

• The defendant owed the deceased person a duty to exercise care
• The defendant did something that breached this duty of care (an act or omission)
• The defendant’s failure to meet the standard of care caused the fatal accident
• The plaintiff has real damages due to the deceased person’s death

A Watertown wrongful death lawyer will work with you to help determine the defendant’s liability. As you and your surviving family focus on the recovery process, we will work diligently to investigate the wrongful death and gather time-sensitive evidence, such as medical reports, traffic footage, and eyewitness accounts. 

How to File a Wrongful Death Claim in Watertown, MA

The general rule of thumb for filing a wrongful death claim is to stop and ask yourself, “would my loved one or family member have wanted this?”

If you believe they would have filed a personal injury claim themselves if they had survived the accident,  you may file a claim under Massachusetts law. In order to begin the process, the state requires you to be the executor of the deceased party’s estate. This is typically something identified in the deceased party’s will. If you are unsure of who this title belongs to, or your deceased family member did not have a will, your Watertown wrongful death attorney can help navigate the next steps in the process. 

From this point, you must adhere to Massachussett’s statute of limitations, which for wrongful death claims is three years from the date of death. This can vary depending on the cause of death. For example, medical malpractice resulting in a fatality may require a more lengthy process, such an autopsy or medical investigation. 

Contact a Watertown Wrongful Death Lawyer Today

If a fatal accident has taken the life of someone you love, let Sweeney Merrigan Personal Injury Lawyers begin the fight for your deserved damages today. While you focus your time and energy on healing with family and friends, we will work toward gathering evidence and getting you and your loved one justice. With renowned lawyers, such as managing partner Peter M. Merrigan, we will fight for you to get the most possible compensation and damages. We will even take your case to court if need be. 

Initial consultations are free. To begin the process of talking to one of our prestigious Watertown wrongful death attorneys today, please give us a call at (617) 391-9001 or utilize our contact form. Our initial case reviews come with free legal consultation and guidance on options and likely outcomes, no strings attached.