Did you lose a loved one in an accident in Fairfax, VA? Call The Parrish Car Accident & Personal Injury Law Firm at (571) 200-5424 for help recovering compensation for your damages and loss of support. Our Fairfax wrongful death lawyers offer free consultations.
We understand how overwhelming this time can be. Our legal team has 27 years of combined experience and over $60 million recovered for injury victims and families. Our mission is to help you pursue the full compensation you’re entitled to under Virginia law.
Contact us today to schedule a free, confidential consultation with an experienced Fairfax personal injury attorney. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you only pay attorney fees if we win.
Why Choose The Parrish Car Accident & Personal Injury Law Firm After a Wrongful Death in Fairfax?
Wrongful death cases are complex and involve high emotions. You need a Fairfax personal injury lawyer with proven results and a commitment to compassionate client care.
When you choose The Parrish Car Accident & Personal Injury Law in Fairfax, Virginia, you get:
- 27 years of combined legal experience in personal injury and wrongful death litigation.
- Over $60 million recovered for clients throughout Virginia.
- A personalized approach that puts your family’s needs first.
- Aggressive advocacy against insurance companies and corporate defendants.
- Trial-tested representation ready to take your case to court if necessary.
We have the resources to investigate complex cases and the dedication to stand by your side from start to finish. Let us help you secure justice and financial stability for your family’s future. Call us today to schedule a free case review with a Fairfax wrongful death attorney.
What Is a Wrongful Death Under Virginia Law?
Under Virginia law, a wrongful death occurs when a person’s death is caused by the “wrongful act, neglect, or default” of another. In practical terms, if the deceased could have filed a personal injury lawsuit had they lived, their surviving family or estate can bring a wrongful death action.
Wrongful death claims can arise from a wide range of incidents, including:
- Motor vehicle accidents caused by negligent drivers
- Medical malpractice, such as surgical errors or misdiagnosis
- Workplace or construction accidents
- Dangerous or defective products
- Premises liability incidents, like unsafe property conditions
- Acts of criminal violence
It’s important to remember that a wrongful death lawsuit is separate from any criminal prosecution related to your loved one’s passing. Even if the at-fault party isn’t charged or is acquitted, you may still have the right to recover compensation through a civil claim.
How Much Is a Wrongful Death Case Worth in Fairfax?
No amount of money can truly replace the life of someone you love. However, a wrongful death settlement or verdict can help ease the financial burdens that follow a sudden loss.
The value of a claim depends on many factors, including:
- Your loved one’s age, health, and expected lifespan
- Their income and earning potential
- The benefits and household contributions they provided
- Medical expenses related to the fatal injury
- Funeral and burial costs
- The emotional and psychological toll on surviving family members
- The nature of the at-fault party’s conduct
- Available insurance coverage
- Whether your loved one shared any blame in their accident
Our Virginia wrongful death lawyers work closely with financial experts, economists, and medical professionals to determine the full value of your claim. We fight to recover every dollar your family needs to move forward.
What Types of Compensation Are Available in a Virginia Wrongful Death Claim?
Wrongful death compensation in Virginia is intended to cover both financial losses and the emotional impact of your loved one’s death.
Damages may include:
- Medical expenses incurred before death
- Funeral and burial costs
- Loss of income, benefits, and inheritance
- Loss of companionship, comfort, and guidance
- Mental anguish and sorrow suffered by surviving family members
- Loss of parental guidance for minor children
- Loss of consortium for a surviving spouse
In some cases, punitive damages may also be available to punish a defendant for especially egregious conduct and deter similar behavior in the future.
Importantly, the right to recover damages generally belongs to certain statutory beneficiaries, such as a surviving spouse, children, or parents. If no such beneficiaries exist, other relatives may be eligible depending on the circumstances.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Wrongful Death Lawyer in Fairfax?
Most wrongful death attorneys in Virginia work on a contingency fee basis. This means you won’t pay any upfront fees to hire a lawyer. Instead, the attorney’s fee is a percentage of the amount recovered in your case, and you only owe fees if you win.
The contingency fee model ensures that families can pursue justice without worrying about legal bills during an already difficult time. We offer contingency fees in all wrongful death cases.
Can You Still Recover Compensation if Your Loved One Was Partially at Fault?
Virginia is one of only a few states that follows the strict contributory fault rule. If your loved one is found to be even 1% at fault for the accident that caused their death, your family may be barred from recovering any compensation.
Insurance companies often try to shift some of the blame to the deceased to avoid paying a claim. Our wrongful death attorneys understand these tactics and know how to counter them. Call us today if your loved one is being unfairly blamed for their accident.
Common Causes of Wrongful Death in Fairfax
Our legal team handles wrongful death claims arising from many types of negligence and misconduct.
In Fairfax, some of the most common causes include:
- Motor vehicle accidents, including those caused by speeding, distracted driving, impaired driving, or failure to yield
- Commercial truck crashes, often resulting from driver fatigue, overloaded cargo, or improper maintenance
- Motorcycle and bicycle accidents, where vulnerable road users are struck by inattentive or reckless drivers
- Pedestrian accidents, frequently occurring in crosswalks or intersections
- Medical malpractice, such as surgical errors, misdiagnosis, or medication mistakes
- Workplace and construction accidents, including falls, equipment failures, and exposure to dangerous substances
- Defective products, from faulty vehicle components to unsafe household items
- Premises liability incidents, such as fatal slips, trips, or falls caused by hazardous property conditions
- Acts of violence, including shootings, assaults, or other criminal acts
In many cases, wrongful deaths may have more than one cause. Identifying every factor and party that contributed to your loved one’s death ensures that you receive full compensation. If negligence or wrongful conduct led to your loved one’s death, we can help you seek accountability.
Proving Liability in a Fairfax Wrongful Death Case
To win a wrongful death lawsuit in Virginia, your attorney must typically prove four essential elements:
- Duty of Care: The defendant had a legal duty to act reasonably and avoid causing harm.
- Breach of Duty: They violated that duty through negligent, reckless, or intentional actions.
- Causation: This breach directly caused your loved one’s death.
- Damages: Your family suffered measurable losses as a result.
Building a strong case often requires extensive evidence.
You must establish your claim by a preponderance of evidence by using things like:
- Police reports and accident reconstructions
- Medical records and autopsy findings
- Eyewitness statements
- Surveillance footage or photographs from the scene
- Expert testimony from accident reconstructionists, medical specialists, and economists
- Employment and financial records showing lost income and benefits
Our attorneys have the resources, knowledge, and experience to prove your case. Contact us today to schedule a free case review to learn more about how we can help prove negligence.
How Long Do You Have to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Virginia?
Virginia’s statute of limitations for wrongful death claims is generally two years from the date of death. If you do not file a lawsuit within this time frame, the court will likely dismiss your case and bar you from recovering compensation.
Because these deadlines are strict, it’s important to contact a Virginia wrongful death attorney as soon as possible. Acting quickly also helps preserve evidence and strengthen your case.
Contact Our Fairfax Wrongful Death Lawyers for a Free Consultation
At The Parrish Car Accident & Personal Injury Law Firm, we know that no amount of money can replace the person you’ve lost. But holding the responsible party accountable can help your family find closure, secure financial stability, and send a message that negligence will not be tolerated.
With 27 years of combined legal experience and over $60 million recovered for our clients, we have the skill, resources, and dedication to guide you through this difficult process. We’ll handle every aspect of your case so you can focus on healing and honoring your loved one’s memory.
Call us today or fill out our online contact form to schedule your free, confidential consultation with a Fairfax wrongful death lawyer. Let us help you pursue justice for your family.
Visit Our Personal Injury Law Office in Fairfax, VA
The Parrish Car Accident & Personal Injury Law Firm Fairfax
4000 Legato Rd #1100, Fairfax, VA 22033
(571) 200-5424
