4 Keys To Proving a Memphis Wrongful Death Case

By Thomas Greer | January 26, 2015

A wrongful death case is often full of strong emotions for surviving family members. The pain, loss and agony caused by someone’s negligence make the case seem like an open-and-shut one for those close to the victim. However, in this tragic situation, it’s important to understand the four key elements that are necessary to prove a wrongful death case. While this article will help you understand the basics, you may have specific questions that are best directed to an experienced wrongful death attorney, like those at Bailey & Greer.

1. Duty of Care
To prove someone is liable for the death of your loved one, your lawyer must first prove that the defendant had a duty of care toward the deceased individual. This means that the person at fault had a legal obligation to either take action or not take action in order to protect the person’s life. For example, it is against the law to drive drunk, so all drivers are legally obligated to protect the lives of other drivers and passengers by not being drunk when they get behind the wheel of their car. Likewise, doctors, hospitals, nursing homes and any other medical professionals and facilities have a duty of care toward patients. They are required to adhere to standards of practice designed to minimize risk of life.

2. Breach of Duty
Next, your lawyer must prove there was a breach of duty by the defendant – that he or she was negligent and failed to meet the duty of care. A drunk driver who runs a red light and a doctor who does not perform standard tests (or ignores test results) are both considered to have breached their duty of care.

3. Breach of Duty Resulted in the Victim’s Death
Once a breach of duty is established in a wrongful death case, your lawyer must show that the defendant’s negligence and breach of duty resulted in the victim’s death. As part of this proof, it must also be shown that death would not have occurred if the defendant had not been negligent. In a car accident caused by a person’s drunk driving, showing that the victim would have gone on living if not for the defendant’s breach of duty is fairly simple. However, demonstrating that a cancer patient’s death would not have happened if the doctor had ordered a particular test or taken another action is much more difficult. This is where a skilled and experienced wrongful death attorney, like those at Bailey & Greer, can help build an effective case.

4. Damages Incurred
Lastly, your attorney must show that you and other survivors incurred damages, such as the loss of income and loss of love. Loss of income, or a person’s contributions to a household, is relatively simple to prove. Demonstrating the value of loss of companionship and emotional distress is often more difficult.

If your family has suffered a wrongful death, a knowledgeable and compassionate attorney from Bailey & Greer can help you determine your legal options.

To schedule a free consultation with a Bailey & Greer attorney, just visit our Free Consultation page or call us now at 901-680-9777.

Posted in Library, Wrongful Death