- Kelley S
- Wrongful Death
When you lose someone you love because of someone else’s actions, the emotional cost is indescribable. But beyond grief comes the complex reality of how this loss affects finances, futures, and justice.
As your Indianapolis wrongful death lawyer, our team helps you understand how much a claim may be worth, what factors affect the value, and what steps you must take now. If you are seeking a wrongful death attorney in Indianapolis, this guide is designed for you.
What Is a Wrongful Death Claim in Indiana?
In Indiana, the law recognizes that when an individual dies due to another’s wrongful act or negligence, surviving family members may file a claim. Only the personal representative of the deceased’s estate may file the lawsuit, and eligible beneficiaries, such as the spouse, children, or parents, may recover.
Since this is not just a personal injury case but one involving fatality, the role of an Indianapolis personal injury lawyer with experience in wrongful death is critical.
Who Can File and How Time Matters
- Who Can File: A personal representative of the decedent’s estate must bring the action on behalf of eligible survivors.
- Statute of Limitations: In Indiana, you generally have two years from the date of death to file. Miss that window, and your right to seek compensation may end.
- Tip: As soon as you suspect wrongful death, contact an injury lawyer in Indianapolis to preserve evidence, collect documents, and meet deadlines.
How Is the Value of a Wrongful Death Claim Calculated?
The amount a family may recover depends on a mix of economic and non-economic damages, each of which is affected by specific factors in your case.
Economic Damages
These are easier to quantify. They may include:
- Medical expenses incurred before death.
- Funeral and burial costs.
- Lost income and future earning capacity of the deceased.
- Loss of household services (care, guidance) that the deceased would have provided.
Non-Economic Damages
Less tangible but equally important:
Factors That Affect the Value
Here are the key variables we consider when we evaluate a wrongful death claim in Indianapolis:
- Age and health of the deceased at the time of death (younger = more potential future earnings).
- Employment history, salary, and benefits of the deceased.
- Number and dependency of surviving family members.
- Severity and nature of the negligent act (e.g., gross negligence may raise the value).
- Liability strength: duty, breach, causation, and damages must all be proven.
Legal Limits (Caps) in Indiana
Indiana law sometimes limits the amount that can be recovered in certain types of wrongful death claims. For example:
- If the claim involves a government entity, a cap of $700,000 may apply in certain circumstances.
- For medical malpractice wrongful death claims, caps may apply to non-economic damages (e.g., approximately $1.25 million in some cases).
Important: These caps make it essential to work with a wrongful death attorney in Indianapolis who knows how to navigate them.
Steps Our Indianapolis Wrongful Death Law Firm Takes
- Free Case Review — We discuss your situation, losses, and available legal options.
- Verify who can file — We determine if you (as the surviving family) and/or a personal representative has standing.
- Preserve evidence — We collect accident reports, medical records, expert testimony, and other proof.
- Quantify damages — We calculate economic and non-economic losses with precision, taking into account Indiana law and any applicable limits.
- Negotiate or litigate — We work with insurance companies and, if necessary, take cases to trial to seek maximum compensation.
- Keep you informed — We explain each step clearly so you can focus on healing while we handle the legal work.
If you’ve lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, reach out to a seasoned Indianapolis wrongful death lawyer today. Contact us now for a no-obligation discussion of your claim.
Why Local Experience Matters
Choosing a firm experienced in Indianapolis and Indiana law is not optional. Being familiar with the nuances of Indiana’s wrongful death statutes, local courts, and insurance practices can make a measurable difference in value and timing. We are an Indianapolis injury lawyer team with proven experience handling wrongful death claims and personal injury matters.
What You Can Do Right Now
- Gather medical bills and funeral expenses for your loved one.
- Make note of income, benefits, and dependents connected with your loved one.
- Do not give any recorded statements or sign anything from insurers until you’ve consulted a wrongful death attorney in Indianapolis.
- Reach out to us or another qualified firm as soon as possible; time is short, and acting early means more substantial evidence.
When tragedy strikes and a preventable death occurs, understanding the value of your claim is one step toward accountability and putting your family back on steadier ground. We stand ready to support you, calculate what you deserve, and move your case forward with clarity and compassion.