Wrongful Death Attorney in Wyoming

Wrongful death occurs when someone is killed due to the misconduct of another party. Wrongful death could carry criminal charges depending on the variables involved in the killing but a civil suit can also be brought against the negligent party. 
In the year 2017 there were 169,936 unintentional injury deaths in the U.S. with more than 36,000 as of a result of a fall, more than 40,000 motor vehicle fatalities, and over 64,000 deaths as of a result of poisoning. A wrongful death attorney can help protect your rights in the event of these tragic events. 
Wrongful Death Attorney in Gillette, WY

Filing a Wrongful Death Claim in Wyoming

Wyoming’s wrongful death law pertains to deaths as a result of negligence, default, or wrongful acts of another person, party, or entity. Wrongful death suits can be brought to civil court similarly to other personal injury lawsuits except for the individual who died is unable to serve as the plaintiff. Family members can seek damages on behalf of themselves for the losses they’ve suffered as a result of the wrongful death and seek damages on behalf of the deceased party. 

Criminal cases are filed by the state while civil cases are filed by the survivors of the deceased victim. The liability in civil wrongful death cases is conveyed in the terms of recoverable economic and non-economic damages. Criminal verdicts in wrongful death cases may include a prison sentence, probation, and parole, or other penalties deemed necessary by the state.

Personal Representatives in a Wrongful Death Claim

A wrongful death claim in Wyoming must be filed by a personal representative of the deceased person’s estate. Debts cannot be repaid in an individual’s estate from recovered economic damages in a wrongful death suit. 


Wyoming courts allow two years, from the date of death, to file a wrongful death claim. If two years pass courts likely won’t hear the case. Speak with a wrongful death lawyer in Gillette, WY right away to seek the justice you deserve. 


Personal representatives customarily seek damages on the deceased behalf in the following manners:

  • Funeral costs
  • Medical bills of the deceased
  • Property damage
  • Pain and suffering the deceased experienced as a result of their injuries leading to their death
  • Lost wages the deceased would have earned


Who can seek damages in a wrongful death claim in Wyoming?

Only a personal representative can file a wrongful death claim on the deceased behalf but family members and dependents can participate in the case to seek damages for their losses. Family members might seek these kinds of damages in the event of a wrongful death claim:

  • Losses occurred caring for the deceased
  • Loss of a companion and future companionship
  • Pain and suffering experienced as a result of the death of a companion


Wyoming Comparative Fault Statues

According to the Wyoming Code of Civil Procedure, if the deceased individual is more than 50% at fault then their personal representative won’t be able to seek damages in their wrongful death claim. According to Wyoming Comparative Fault Statutes if the deceased was 50% or less responsible, then the total damages they receive are reduced by the percentage to which they were at fault. 


Choosing a Wrongful Death Attorney in Gillette, WY

Choosing the right wrongful death lawyer could spell the difference between recovering your justice and not doing so. It’s important to keep these factors in mind when seeking a wrongful death attorney to represent your case: 


Research Their Background

Even though you’ve just tragically experienced the death of a loved one it’s important to try and be as diligent as you can and choose a law firm with a reputable background trying wrongful death claims similar to yours. 


Asking All the Right Questions

When you’re consulting with potential wrongful death attorneys be sure to ask them some of these important questions: 

  • How long have they been practicing personal injury law and working with wrongful death suits?
  • What percentage of their practice goes to wrongful death lawsuits?
  • What success have they had with wrongful death suits in the past?
  • How many wrongful death cases do they try each year? 
  • How many of those cases are settled and how many go to trial?
  • Do they participate in any associations, professional organizations,  or have accreditations legitimizing their practice?


How Do We Work?

According to Wyoming law, family members who have tragically lost a loved one may have the right to recover through a claim for wrongful death. Cotton Law Office has over 30 years of experience offering legal assistance and guidance for wrongful death suits. We work to help families find justice in these difficult situations.

According to the new change in the law, a family member of the victim of wrongful death can be appointed as a personal representative. There is also a limited time period in which you can develop and maintain a successful wrongful death action and file for claims.

Wrongful death cases we handle include:
  • Vehicular accidents
  • Workplace deaths
  • Deaths caused by mining
Make sure that you file for a wrongful death claim against the person responsible for the death of your loved one before it's too late. For legal assistance, please call us at 307-682-9887

Contact Cotton Law Office Today

Cotton Law Office is committed to investigating the conditions of your accident to get you the compensation you deserve. 

For any questions, please give our team a call at 307-257-9309.