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Wrongful Death and Fatal Accidents

Wrongful Death Cases In Kentucky

Wrongful Death and Fatal Accidents

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A wrongful death claim may arise when a person dies as a result of the negligence, careless, intentional or reckless act of another person or entity (this can include a corporation or even a government agency). The Schafer Law Office handles death that occur as a result of a car, truck or motorcycle accident or some other injury caused by the negligent actions of others such as a drunk driving crash.

Many people are surprised to learn that Kentucky Law only allows certain family members to recover for the wrongful death of a loved one. This is the case whether the death occurs as the result of a tragic automobile accident, semi-truck accident, motorcycle accident or from some other negligent action caused by a third party.

In most fatal accident cases, recovery is limited to a surviving spouse and children.

If you are in the unfortunate position where you have had a family member or loved one who has died due to the negligence of another the The Schafer Law Office can help. I realize that this is a very traumatic, emotional and devastating experience to people. Mike Schafer has handled these types of cases over the years and has experience investigating, pursuing and settling wrongful death claims. And Mike will be the one in charge of the legal team that will be handling your case. Mike also has the experience and skills necessary to present your wrongful death case in Court before a jury and judge if the insurance company refuses to settle or offers an inadequate settlement.

In most wrongful death cases, the estate has the claim for damages. The Kentucky Revised Statutes lists the order in which the heirs at law will have the settlement or jury verdict amount will be distributed. Generally the surviving spouse receives 50 percent and the surviving children receive 50 percent divided equally between them.

The estate is typically allowed to claim damages for the decedents:

lost earnings;
medical expenses;
funeral expenses;
and the pain and suffering experience by the decedent before death.

Certain surviving family members may also have individual claims for damages as a result of the decedent’s death, such as loss of consortium (for example the destruction of the relationship).

Once an accident has occurred it is absolutely critical that you speak with an attorney right away. You shouldn’t speak with just any attorney, but an attorney who focuses on wrongful death cases and has experience dealing with those.

As an attorney, Mike has helped families who have had a love one killed in an accident. Mike is familiar with all of the complicating factors from his time working as an insurance defense attorney.

Mike also has experience in prosecuting DUI fatalities from his years as an Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney in Louisville, Jefferson County, Kentucky. In fact, Mike was a member of the Fatal Accident Support Team that assisted the police department in drafting search warrants and scene investigation.

He knows where to look for the evidence and where to find the right experts to help support your case. Finding, obtaining and preserving this evidence is what makes speed important when it comes to hiring a lawyer.

When a loved one has been killed in an accident you need to make sure that someone is on the scene as soon as possible to help preserve that evidence. Mike has been helping people with wrongful death cases for more than 18 years. He knows the challenges and pitfalls of these cases and he also knows the tricks of the other side.

You will never get lost in an anonymous lawyers office. As Mike’s client you will never be just a number. Instead you will receive his personal attention. He care about your individually and your case and will fight for you all the way.

If you have had a loved one that has been in a fatal accident or has been killed and you believe has a wrongful death claim any where in Kentucky, be it Louisville, LaGrange, Shepherdsville, Taylorsville, Shelbyville, Brandenburg, St. Matthews, Prospect, Middletown, Douglas Hills, or Newburg or even Bullitt County, Oldham County, Shelby County, Hardin County, Spencer County or Meade County give Mike a call. There is no need to worry about the cost at this point. The initial consultation is always free. If Mike decides to take your case he will work with you on a contingency fee basis, which means he will only get paid when and if he wins your case.

For immediate help with your loved ones fatal accident or wrongful death case you can reach Mike at (502) 584-9511. Please don’t delay. Time is of the essence.

Contact Mike right now for a free conversation about your wrongful death or fatal accident case. There is no obligation to hire a lawyer. Should you decide to retain Mike and The Schafer Law Office team it would be on a contingency fee basis. There is no fee until your case is successfully concluded and you receive a fair amount to help compensate you for the loss you have suffered.