When a person is killed or dies (even at a later time) because of another party’s negligence, misconduct, or intentional act, the law permits a representative of the estate (usually the next of kin) to sue for wrongful death. A lawsuit may need to be filed against the person or company responsible for the death. In order to have legal authority to file suit, a petition first must be filed for the representative, and an order entered in probate court. Because there are legal deadlines that can bar suits if these deadlines are not met, it is important that anyone who may need to pursue a wrongful death claim act quickly in getting legal advice. Wrongful death claims may arise from many different types of conduct including car wrecks, dangerous working conditions, medical malpractice, gas explosions, defective products, mesothelioma, and defective pharmaceuticals.
