Bringing a child into the world is supposed to be a joyous occasion. And while this is typically the case, there are times when things go wrong. Unfortunately, it’s not out of the question that a mother could pass away during pregnancy or labor. Taking this one step further, this tragedy often comes about as a result of medical malpractice.
If you find yourself dealing with this situation, it’s important to learn more about your legal rights. As a spouse, for example, you may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit to recover damages.
In order to file a wrongful death claim, you must be able to prove the following:
- That the mother has passed away.
- That the death was caused by the negligence or misconduct of a medical professional.
- That you suffered a financial loss of some kind, as the result of the death.
In the event of a wrongful death lawsuit, you may be able to receive compensation for one or more of the following:
- Funeral expenses
- Medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of support
- Lost wages
While uncommon, the court also has the right to award punitive damages. It goes without saying that nobody wants to be in a position to file a wrongful death lawsuit. However, if you’re in this spot, don’t hesitate to learn more about your legal rights.
At our law firm, we have helped many people file a wrongful death lawsuit and subsequently receive the compensation they deserve. In the end, this goes a long way in helping surviving family members get their life back on track.