What if the Defendant Claims the Deceased Was Partly at Fault? Advice from a Wrongful Death Lawyer

In a wrongful death lawsuit, the grief of losing a loved one is compounded by the complexities of the legal process. When the defendant claims that the deceased was partly at fault for the incident, the case takes on additional layers of complexity. This defense can significantly impact the compensation awarded to the surviving family members, as it introduces the legal concept of comparative negligence. Understanding how to handle this type of defense is crucial, and consulting with a wrongful death lawyer is often the best course of action to protect your rights and secure fair compensation.

Understanding Comparative Fault in Wrongful Death Cases

When a defendant claims that the deceased was partly at fault, they are essentially invoking the defense of comparative fault or comparative negligence. In some states, this concept is referred to as contributory negligence. Comparative fault allows the court to determine the degree to which each party is responsible for the accident. If the deceased is found partially responsible, the compensation awarded to the surviving family members will be reduced proportionately.

In states like California, which follow a pure comparative negligence rule, the compensation awarded is reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to the deceased. For example, if the court determines that the deceased was 20% at fault for the incident, the total damages awarded will be reduced by 20%. Even if the deceased is found to be 90% at fault, the family could still recover 10% of the damages. This legal doctrine significantly affects how much compensation the family can receive, making it critical to consult a wrongful death lawyer who is well-versed in these laws.

How Comparative Negligence Affects Your Wrongful Death Claim

If the defendant successfully argues that the deceased was partly responsible for the accident, it can affect both the outcome of the case and the amount of compensation the family receives. In many wrongful death cases, defendants claim that the deceased acted negligently, such as by failing to follow safety protocols, engaging in reckless behavior, or ignoring warnings.

For instance, in a wrongful death lawsuit resulting from a car accident, the defendant might argue that the deceased was speeding, not wearing a seatbelt, or texting while driving, contributing to their own death. Similarly, in cases involving workplace accidents, the defendant may claim that the deceased violated company policies or ignored safety procedures, thereby contributing to the fatal accident.

When these arguments are made, the court will evaluate the evidence presented by both sides to determine the degree of fault. A skilled wrongful death lawyer will gather evidence to counter these claims and demonstrate that the deceased’s actions were not a significant factor in the accident or that the defendant’s negligence far outweighs any fault attributed to the deceased.

Gathering Evidence to Refute Comparative Fault Claims

One of the most important steps in defending against claims of comparative negligence is gathering strong evidence. A wrongful death lawyer will work diligently to collect and present evidence that minimizes the percentage of fault assigned to the deceased. This may include:

1. Eyewitness Testimony: Witnesses who were present at the time of the accident can provide valuable testimony about the deceased’s behavior and the events leading up to the accident. Eyewitness accounts can contradict the defendant’s claims and help establish the defendant’s primary responsibility.
2. Expert Testimony: In many wrongful death cases, expert witnesses such as accident reconstruction specialists, medical professionals, or industry experts can provide critical insight into how the accident occurred and who was truly at fault. For example, an accident reconstruction expert might demonstrate that the defendant’s vehicle was speeding or that road conditions played a significant role in the crash.
3. Video and Photographic Evidence: In the digital age, many incidents are captured on video or photographed, either by security cameras, dash cams, or bystanders. These visual records can provide indisputable evidence of what occurred and whether the deceased’s actions contributed to the accident. A wrongful death lawyer will know how to obtain and utilize such evidence effectively.
4. Medical Records: In some cases, the defendant may argue that the deceased was under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the accident, contributing to their death. Medical records can refute these claims or provide context that mitigates the impact of any substances in the deceased’s system.
5. Safety Records and Regulations: In cases involving workplace accidents, safety records and adherence to safety regulations can play a pivotal role. If the employer failed to maintain safe working conditions or did not properly enforce safety protocols, these failures can outweigh any minor mistakes made by the deceased. A wrongful death lawyer will investigate whether the defendant complied with all applicable safety regulations and highlight any violations.

The Role of Legal Strategy in Minimizing Fault Allocation

In comparative negligence cases, the role of a legal strategy becomes even more important. A wrongful death lawyer will work to present a compelling argument that either completely absolves the deceased of fault or minimizes the percentage of fault attributed to them. The lawyer may argue that the deceased’s actions were reasonable given the circumstances or that the defendant’s negligence was so severe that it outweighs any mistakes made by the deceased.

For example, in a medical malpractice-related wrongful death case, the defendant may argue that the deceased failed to follow medical advice or did not seek timely treatment, thereby contributing to their death. However, a skilled lawyer can counter this argument by demonstrating that the doctor’s negligence in providing care was the primary cause of death and that any actions taken by the deceased were not significant contributing factors.

Filing a Wrongful Death Lawsuit Amid Comparative Fault Claims

If you are facing a wrongful death lawsuit where the defendant is claiming comparative fault, it is essential to understand the procedural steps involved. Wrongful death claims must typically be filed within a specified period, known as the statute of limitations. In many states, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of death. However, exceptions exist for cases involving government entities or other specific circumstances.

Once a lawsuit is filed, both parties will engage in the discovery process, where evidence is exchanged, and depositions are conducted. During this phase, the defendant will likely present their argument for comparative fault, and the plaintiff’s attorney will gather evidence to refute these claims.

Preparing for Trial

If a settlement is not reached, the case will proceed to trial, where both sides will present their arguments. In comparative fault cases, the jury or judge will determine the percentage of fault attributed to the deceased. A skilled wrongful death lawyer will present a strong case that minimizes the fault placed on the deceased and highlights the defendant’s negligence.

The outcome of the trial will have a significant impact on the compensation awarded to the surviving family members. In cases where the deceased is found to be partly at fault, the final compensation will be reduced accordingly. For example, if the total damages are $1,000,000 and the deceased is found to be 25% at fault, the surviving family members would receive $750,000.

Potential Compensation in a Wrongful Death Case Involving Comparative Fault

Even if the defendant successfully proves that the deceased was partly at fault, the surviving family members can still recover compensation for a range of damages. The amount of compensation will depend on the degree of fault assigned to the deceased and the specific damages claimed in the lawsuit.

Economic Damages

Economic damages in a wrongful death lawsuit include tangible financial losses such as medical bills, funeral expenses, and lost income. If the deceased was the primary breadwinner, the surviving family members can seek compensation for the loss of future earnings. Even if the deceased is found partly at fault, these economic damages can still be substantial, particularly if the family depends on the deceased’s income for financial support.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages refer to the emotional and psychological impact of losing a loved one. These damages include compensation for pain and suffering, loss of companionship, and emotional distress. In cases where the deceased is found partly at fault, non-economic damages may also be reduced, but they still play a crucial role in ensuring the family is compensated for their emotional losses.

Punitive Damages

In some wrongful death cases, the court may award punitive damages to punish the defendant for particularly egregious behavior. For example, if the defendant’s actions were reckless, intentional, or grossly negligent, the court may award punitive damages in addition to economic and non-economic damages. The degree of fault assigned to the deceased may affect the punitive damages awarded, but if the defendant’s conduct was particularly reprehensible, punitive damages may still be significant.

How to Counter Claims of Comparative Fault

Successfully countering claims of comparative negligence requires a comprehensive legal strategy. A wrongful death lawyer will build a strong case by focusing on the defendant’s negligence and minimizing the role of the deceased’s actions in causing the fatal accident. Some strategies for countering comparative fault claims include:

• Emphasizing the Defendant’s Responsibility: The attorney will highlight the actions or inactions of the defendant that directly led to the death, such as reckless driving, failure to follow safety protocols, or negligence in providing medical care.
• Proving that the Deceased’s Actions Were Reasonable: Even if the deceased took some actions that may appear negligent, the attorney can argue that these actions were reasonable given the circumstances. For instance, if the deceased was speeding to avoid an oncoming vehicle, the lawyer can argue that this was a reasonable reaction to a dangerous situation created by the defendant.
• Challenging the Credibility of the Defendant’s Claims: A wrongful death lawyer can also challenge the defendant’s claims by presenting evidence that discredits their version of events. This may involve questioning the credibility of witnesses or presenting alternative explanations for the accident.

Conclusion: The Importance of Legal Representation in Wrongful Death Cases Involving Comparative Fault

When the defendant claims that the deceased was partly at fault in a wrongful death lawsuit, it is essential for the surviving family members to seek the guidance of a knowledgeable wrongful death lawyer. These cases are complex and require a deep understanding of comparative negligence laws, as well as a strong legal strategy to refute the defendant’s claims.

By working with a skilled attorney, the surviving family members can protect their rights, ensure that the deceased’s actions are not unfairly used against them, and pursue the compensation they deserve. While no amount of money can truly compensate for the loss of a loved one, a successful wrongful death claim can provide financial stability and a sense of justice for the family.