Bellevue Wrongful Death Lawyer
Legally Reviewed By: Robert M. Knowles
Attorney & Partner At Knowles Law Firm
Losing a family member unexpectedly shatters lives, leaving survivors to navigate overwhelming grief while simultaneously facing practical challenges—funeral arrangements, estate matters, and often unexpected financial hardship from lost income and mounting medical bills. When death results from another’s negligence or wrongful actions, the tragedy feels particularly senseless, compounding emotional suffering with questions about accountability and justice for the deceased.
The Bellevue personal injury attorneys at Knowles Law Firm have guided Bellevue families through wrongful death claims for 55 years. Our legal team approaches these sensitive cases with compassion while aggressively pursuing the compensation families deserve. We have obtained multi-million dollar settlements for wrongful death clients and work diligently to hold responsible parties accountable while allowing families space to process their grief without financial worry.
Understanding Wrongful Death Claims in Nebraska
Wrongful death cases involve unique legal considerations that distinguish them from other personal injury matters. These differences significantly impact how cases proceed and who may seek compensation.
Nebraska law defines wrongful death as a fatality caused by another’s “wrongful act, neglect, or default” when the deceased could have maintained a personal injury action had they survived. This broad definition encompasses various scenarios, including vehicle accidents, medical negligence, dangerous products, workplace incidents, and intentional acts.
Unlike some states where family members directly file claims, Nebraska requires the deceased’s personal representative to initiate wrongful death actions. This representative, typically named in the will or appointed by the court, brings the lawsuit on behalf of statutory beneficiaries—generally the spouse, children, and potentially parents or other relatives, depending on circumstances.
The Bellevue wrongful death attorneys at Knowles Law Firm guide families through this complex process, helping establish appropriate representation and building comprehensive cases that address both economic and emotional damages suffered by survivors.
Common Causes of Wrongful Death in Bellevue
While any fatal accident potentially supports wrongful death claims, certain scenarios occur more frequently in Bellevue and surrounding areas.
Vehicle-Related Fatalities
Traffic accidents remain leading causes of preventable death, with factors including:
- Distracted driving from mobile devices
- Impaired driving under the influence
- Commercial truck operator fatigue or regulatory violations
- Excessive speed for conditions
- Aggressive driving behaviors
Our car accident attorneys in Bellevue will investigate thoroughly by obtaining police reports, witness statements, accident reconstruction analyses, and electronic data from involved vehicles to establish clear liability.
Medical Negligence
Healthcare provider errors sometimes lead to preventable fatalities through:
- Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis of serious conditions
- Surgical errors and anesthesia complications
- Medication administration mistakes
- Birth injuries resulting in infant death
- Hospital-acquired infections from inadequate protocols
Medical negligence cases require specialized knowledge and expert testimony. Our firm works with qualified medical professionals who review records and provide opinions about deviations from standard care practices.
Compensation Available for Wrongful Death Survivors
Nebraska law recognizes diverse damages in wrongful death claims, addressing both economic losses and the emotional suffering of survivors.
Economic Damages
These tangible financial losses include:
- Medical expenses incurred before death
- Funeral and burial costs
- Lost income the deceased would have earned
- Lost value of household services provided
- Lost inheritance potential
- Estate administration expenses
We work with economic experts to calculate accurate projections of lifetime earnings, including factors like career advancement, education, retirement benefits, and inflation adjustments. This ensures families receive full compensation for long-term financial impacts.
Non-Economic Damages
These damages address emotional and relationship losses:
- Loss of care, comfort, and companionship
- Loss of parental guidance for minor children
- Emotional suffering of family members
- Loss of consortium for the surviving spouse
While no financial recovery can replace your loved one, these damages acknowledge the profound personal loss beyond monetary considerations. Our wrongful death attorneys present compelling evidence of these intangible losses through testimony from family members, friends, and, when appropriate, psychological experts.
Let Knowles Law Firm Fight for the Justice You Deserve. Call Us at (402) 431-9000 for a Free Case Evaluation Today.
Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death Claims
Nebraska imposes strict deadlines for filing wrongful death actions. Generally, claims must commence within two years from the date of death. However, exceptions sometimes apply:
- When death results from medical malpractice, specific pre-filing requirements may alter timelines
- Government entity involvement (such as municipal vehicles or public property defects) triggers notice requirements as short as six months
- Deaths from certain product defects may involve different limitations based on product age
Missing these deadlines permanently bars recovery, regardless of claim merit. Contacting an attorney promptly ensures the preservation of legal rights while evidence remains accessible.
Proving Liability in Wrongful Death Cases
Establishing responsibility requires demonstrating four essential elements: duty, breach, causation, and damages. Our team builds comprehensive cases addressing each component.
Investigation and Evidence Gathering
Thorough investigation forms the foundation of successful wrongful death claims. Our approach includes:
- Comprehensive accident scene documentation
- Witness identification and statements
- Retrieval of relevant records (medical, employment, accident reports)
- Consultation with subject matter experts
- Analysis of applicable industry standards and regulations
- Background investigation of potentially responsible parties
This evidence creates a compelling narrative demonstrating how negligence or wrongful acts directly caused the fatality and resulting damages to survivors.
Expert Testimony and Case Presentation
Complex wrongful death cases often require specialized expertise to establish liability and damages. Depending on circumstances, we collaborate with:
- Accident reconstruction specialists
- Medical professionals
- Economic analysts
- Life expectancy experts
- Industry safety consultants
- Psychological experts addressing the grief impacts
These specialists help jurors and insurance representatives understand the technical aspects of negligence and the full impact of the loss on surviving family members.
The Knowles Law Firm Approach to Wrongful Death Cases
Choosing the right attorney for a wrongful death claim profoundly impacts both the case outcome and the family’s emotional experience during this difficult process. Our firm brings focused knowledge and experienced advocacy to each case.
Our approach includes:
- Initial consultation focusing on understanding your loved one and family circumstances
- Thorough investigation establishing clear liability
- Careful documentation of all economic and non-economic damages
- Regular communication about case progress
- Strategic negotiation with insurance companies
- Comprehensive trial preparation when fair settlements aren’t offered
We handle all legal complexities while allowing families space to grieve. Our Bellevue wrongful death attorneys provide supportive guidance throughout the process, explaining options clearly and ensuring your voice remains central in all decisions.
Settlement Negotiations and Trial Preparation
Most wrongful death cases are resolved through negotiated settlements rather than trials. However, achieving fair compensation requires thorough preparation as if the trial were inevitable.
Our settlement approach includes:
- Comprehensive demand packages documenting all damages
- Strategic timing based on case development and family needs
- Clear communication about the offer’s strengths and weaknesses
- Realistic valuation assessments based on similar case outcomes
- Mediation participation when beneficial
When insurance entities fail to offer appropriate compensation, we proceed with trial preparation, developing compelling presentations that humanize your loved one and clearly demonstrate liability and damages. Our willingness to proceed to court often motivates more reasonable settlement offers.
Contact a Bellevue Wrongful Death Attorney
While no legal action can replace your loved one, moving forward with a wrongful death claim serves multiple important purposes—securing financial stability for survivors, establishing accountability, and potentially preventing similar tragedies through safety improvements.
The lawyers at Knowles Law Firm have dedicated their careers to helping families throughout Bellevue and across Nebraska find a measure of justice following preventable deaths. We know the challenges you face during this difficult time and provide experienced representation focused on your family’s specific needs. Our extensive experience with wrongful death litigation allows us to handle legal complexities while you focus on healing. Contact us today at (402) 431-9000 or through our contact form.
About Our Attorney
Robert M. Knowles
Attorney & Partner at Knowles Law Firm
Robert has tried cases in both state and federal courts and was selected as one of the top 100 litigation lawyers in Nebraska for 2014 by the American Society of Legal Advocates. Less than 1.5 percent of lawyers nationally are selected for this recognition. He is rated AV by Martindale-Hubbell which is the highest rating an attorney can obtain. He was also selected by Martindale-Hubbell as a 2019 Top Rated Lawyer.
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