Aurora Wrongful Death Lawyer

The untimely death of a loved one is always painful—but when that loss results from someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing, the grief is often compounded by frustration and unanswered questions. In Nebraska, families have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim against the at fault parties responsible for causing a death. If you’ve recently lost someone due to another party’s negligence, an experienced Aurora wrongful death lawyer can help you understand your legal options and pursue fair compensation through a wrongful death lawsuit.

Wrongful death occurs when a person dies as the direct result of another individual’s or entity’s careless, reckless, or intentional conduct. These cases can stem from car accidents, medical malpractice, surgical errors, workplace accidents, or other forms of negligence. Nebraska law allows eligible family members to seek compensation for funeral expenses, medical bills, emotional pain, lost financial support, and other economic and noneconomic damages.

At Conway, Pauley & Johnson P.C., we are committed to helping surviving family members file a wrongful death suit and hold responsible parties accountable. We understand how devastating it is to lose a loved one and how important it is to seek justice in the face of such a loss.

Understanding Wrongful Death Under Nebraska Law

In Nebraska, a wrongful death claim is a type of civil action filed when a person’s death is caused by someone else’s negligence or intentional act. These cases are governed by Nebraska Revised Statutes §30-809 and must be brought by the deceased’s personal representative. While this individual manages the claim, the lawsuit is filed on behalf of the surviving spouse, surviving children, or other eligible family members.

Common scenarios where wrongful death occurs include distracted driving accidents, surgical errors, exposure to hazardous materials, or falls in unsafe workplaces. In many families, the person who passed away was a financial and emotional anchor. Their absence often leads to significant hardships—both economically and emotionally.

To succeed in a wrongful death lawsuit, the legal team must prove that a wrongful act or negligent behavior directly caused the death. This involves collecting evidence, demonstrating the party’s negligence, and establishing the financial and emotional damages suffered by surviving family members.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Aurora?

Under Nebraska law, only the personal representative of the deceased’s estate can file a wrongful death claim. This representative is usually appointed through probate court and may be a spouse, adult child, parent, or close relative. Once appointed, the representative can pursue damages on behalf of the deceased’s estate and surviving beneficiaries.

Eligible family members who may benefit from a wrongful death settlement include the surviving spouse, surviving children, and in some cases, the deceased’s surviving parents or a designated beneficiary. Each family member’s right to recover compensation depends on the relationship to the deceased and the type of loss suffered.

A knowledgeable Aurora wrongful death attorney can guide you through the legal process of appointing a personal representative, collecting evidence, and filing a timely claim.

Types of Compensation Available in a Wrongful Death Case

Wrongful death damages in Nebraska include both economic and noneconomic losses. The purpose of a wrongful death claim is to compensate family members for what was lost due to the loved one’s death, including:

• Funeral costs and burial expenses
  
• Medical expenses incurred before the loved one’s death
  
• Lost wages and loss of financial support
  
• Emotional suffering and loss of companionship
  
• Non economic compensation for pain, grief, and loss of guidance
  

Nebraska law does not allow punitive damages in wrongful death or personal injury cases. Compensation is limited to actual economic and noneconomic losses. Each wrongful death case is unique, and damages depend on many factors, including the deceased’s age, earning potential, health, and contributions to the family.

Our wrongful death attorneys work with economic experts, medical professionals, and accident investigators to ensure that your family receives a fair settlement that reflects the true extent of your losses.

Leading Causes of Wrongful Death in Nebraska

Aurora wrongful death claims often result from serious accidents that could have been avoided. Common accidents that lead to wrongful death suits in Nebraska include:

• Car accidents caused by speeding, distracted driving, or intoxication
  
• Medical malpractice, including surgical errors or failure to diagnose
  
• Workplace accidents involving unsafe conditions or inadequate training
  
• Defective products that cause fatal injuries
  
• Exposure to hazardous materials on job sites
  

In each case, someone else’s negligence is to blame. Whether it was a negligent doctor, an employer who ignored safety protocols, or a driver who acted carelessly, our law firm is committed to holding them accountable.

Our Aurora wrongful death attorneys thoroughly investigate each case to determine what went wrong and who should be held liable. We collect evidence, consult experts, and present a strong claim on behalf of the deceased’s estate and surviving family members.

The Legal Process of Filing a Wrongful Death Lawsuit

Wrongful death lawsuits in Nebraska must typically be filed within two years of the loved one’s death. Failing to file within this timeframe may result in your claim being barred. That’s why it’s essential to act quickly and consult a lawyer as soon as possible.

The legal process begins with the appointment of a personal representative. Once appointed, your legal team will begin collecting evidence—such as accident reports, medical records, witness statements, and documentation of funeral expenses or lost income. The goal is to build a clear case showing how the party’s negligence caused the death and what damages your family has suffered.

Negotiations with the insurance companies may result in a wrongful death settlement. However, if a fair settlement isn’t offered, the case may proceed to trial. In either case, our wrongful death lawyers are prepared to advocate for your family every step of the way.

Learn more about your rights after a wrongful death in Nebraska. Call Conway, Pauley & Johnson P.C. at (402) 462-5187 to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation. You can also reach us through our contact page. Let us help you take the first step toward healing and justice.

Aurora Wrongful Death Lawyer FAQs

What qualifies as a wrongful death in Nebraska?

A wrongful death occurs when someone dies due to another party’s negligence or misconduct, such as a car crash, medical malpractice, or unsafe workplace conditions.

Who can file a wrongful death claim in Nebraska?

Only the deceased’s personal representative can file the claim. The representative acts on behalf of surviving family members like a spouse, children, or other beneficiaries.

What damages can families recover in a wrongful death lawsuit?

Families may recover funeral and burial expenses, medical bills, lost wages, emotional suffering, and non economic compensation for grief and companionship loss.

How long do I have to file a wrongful death lawsuit?

In most Nebraska cases, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of death. It’s important to act quickly to protect your legal rights.

What if the wrongful death occurred at work?

Workplace accidents may still qualify for a wrongful death suit if caused by someone else’s negligence. Additional claims outside of workers’ compensation may also be possible.