Wrongful death claims are most commonly filed by a spouse, parent, or child. The decedent’s estate administrator or executor is also eligible for filing. Nearly anyone with a right to compensation from wrongful death can file a lawsuit, and more than one person can take legal action—but these are often combined into a single lawsuit in Wisconsin. Not sure if you have a claim? Ask one of Warshafsky’s wrongful death attorneys
Warshafsky’s wrongful death attorneys work hard to hold those responsible for wrongful deaths accountable. Our lawyers’ resources, preparedness and investigative skills help award more money to plaintiffs from the liable parties. But who’s eligible to file a claim in Milwaukee? Who can be compensated? Learn more and get some great tips for better outcomes below.
Family members eligible to claim wrongful death damages include:
In Milwaukee, wrongful death compensation can be received by these designated beneficiaries, or classes of people specified by Wisconsin statutes. Sometimes who can be beneficiary is unclear – best bet is to consult a trial-tested lawyer at Warshafsky.
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| Deceased Has | Survivors Potentially Receive |
|---|---|
|
Spouse/Partner and minor children |
Courts will determine a benefit distribution to minor dependents of parent/domestic partnership, remainder to spouse/partner.* |
|
Only Spouse/Partner |
Recovered benefits go to spouse or domestic partner.* |
|
Only children – no spouse/partner |
Benefits are disbursed to any lineal heirs according to standard intestate succession (s.852.10)* |
|
Only parents – no spouse/partner, no children |
Parents receive disbursement* |
|
Only siblings – no spouse/partner, no children, no parents |
Siblings to receive disbursement* |
|
No immediate family |
Payment will be disbursed to surviving grandparents – ½ to each if both are alive* |
|
Only extended family, but no grandparents |
Payment to be received by aunts and uncles on maternal side* |
|
*According to Wisconsin statute 895.04 - Actual inheritance rights may have circumstances from a which a lawyer could make claim in a wrongful death suit. Consulting with a lawyer is fast and free, and you pay no fee until you receive compensation, contact us. |
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The time limit is usually 3 years. The time limit begins at the time when the injury resulting in death first occurred or is discovered.
The term “wrongful death” is commonly used to describe two different actions: survival action and wrongful death action.
These terminologies are often misused. If you think you might have a claim, your best bet is to talk to a trial tested personal injury lawyer – for free. Contact Warshafsky law now.
Survival action: brought by the decedent’s estate representative to compensate for the victim’s damages from initial injury to death; includes pain and suffering, medical expenses and loss of wage.
Wrongful death action: brought by specific beneficiaries to compensate for medical and bereavement expenses, loss of companionship, financial support and inheritance.
When people choose their Wisconsin personal injury lawyer based on the endorsement of a football player or actor, they risk choosing an attorney who has never won more money in a courtroom. Settlement mills forward your paperwork and take a cut of your damages.
Hundreds of times we have prepared cases like yours beyond the brink of trial. Facing unlimited liability AND an expensive jury trial, insurance companies fess up what your case is worth. They HATE when you choose Warshafsky. Insurance companies know: it IS about the money.
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