Salem, VA Wrongful Death Lawyer

Wrongful Death Law

My sincere condolences if you have lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence or reckless actions. Losing a loved one is not only tragic, but if that person was a family breadwinner, in addition to the loss, the family must also deal with sudden and severe financial ramifications and how to pay the bills.

My objective is to recover for injured families every dollar that they are owed from all those responsible.  In many cases, there may be more than one person or entity responsible.

I know the pain and financial uncertainty that families must go through during this tragic time.  I and my firm provide full service representation, not only in providing legal representation in seeking damages, but also assisting in insurance and other matters that may be associated with a loved one’s death.

What Types of Compensation May Be Available in a Wrongful Death Case?

Property Damage, Medical and Burial Expenses

Property damage such as the loss of a wrecked vehicle, medical expenses, and reasonable  funeral and burial expenses all may be recovered.

Lost Wages

Qualifying dependent family members are also entitled to recover for the lost wages that would have been provided by their loved one.  A spouse, for instance, may be entitled to the wages that would have been earned by the decedent spouse until such person would have retired. For instance, if the decedent was 50, and those in the decedent’s profession or occupation typically retired at age 65, the spouse may be entitled to 15 years’ worth of lost wages.

The calculation for lost wages is difficult and typically requires vocational and / or financial experts. It is the job of these experts to determine the compensation that the decedent would have earned, taking into account matters such as promotions, bonuses, and contributions to retirement plans.  Once this amount is known, the future forecasted compensation amounts must be discounted to arrive at a present value.

Ultimately, a jury will have the final power to decide the appropriate amount of consideration for future wages based upon the presentation of experts at trial. It is my job to retain highly experienced experts so that they can convince a jury of what amount is fair and just.

Loss of Consortium

In general, loss of consortium refers to the loss experienced by a family member due to the loss of their loved one. Husbands and wives  will have a unique void if their spouse dies. So too, a child will have a void from losing a parent, and a parent will have a void from losing a child.

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages are available in some instances to “punish” those who engage in particularly reckless conduct.  For instance, if a company knowingly sold contaminated food, or if truck driver chose to drive a truck even though he knew that the brakes were defective, these situations might lead to punitive damages.  Punitive damages are determined by a jury, and it is up to the jury to determine a proper “punishment” given the facts and circumstances of a case.

Pain and Suffering Prior to Death

In some circumstances and jurisdictions, the pain and suffering experienced by a person prior to death may also be compensable.

Call to Schedule a Free, No-Obligation Consultation

I and my firm accept wrongful death cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning there is no fee unless a recovery is obtained.  Let me help you and your family.

Client Review

Mark took over my car accident case from another attorney that I fired. Mark worked hard on the case for several months to get ready for trial. Shortly before trial he got a settlement that was six times more than the offer my first lawyer tried to get me to take.

Jerry C.

What Our Clients Say

Mary, Bart, and Mark helped me tremendously with my workers compensation case. We navigated a long (over a year) road together and they helped me to not only win my case, but obtain a settlement of over $125k. I would recommend the Offices of Mark Hurt to anyone needing someone to stand with them in their corner! Thanks again Mary and Bart!! :-)
Charles Dutcher
Charles Dutcher
1685471585
Extremely pleased with the prompt support and guidance from Michael. He and the office staff were great to work with. They walked us through the process and were able to have my daughter's traffic violation dismissed with 0 points.
ga thomson
ga thomson
1684936164
Bart and Mary were very professional and helpful with my claim. I appreciate all that you did for me. You were great.Thanks forall that you've done.Clifford E Boyer
Clifford Boyer
Clifford Boyer
1683668004
I started receiving services through this law firm in 2017 for my workers compensation case. Over the years, this firm has been attentive, kind, patient and understanding to my needs. My calls were returned promptly, if the associate was unavailable at that time and I have had ample opportunity to speak with Mr Hurt directly concerning my case. With Mary Wilson, Bart Conway, Mr Hurt and others behind the scene, my case has progressed smoothly. I am very pleased with the services and attention I received at this firm and would recommend Mr Hurt, Mary and Bart for your needs.
Teresa Harris
Teresa Harris
1683569779
We hired Mr. Hurt to help settle a worker’s comp injury case for my husband. Mark, Bart, and Mary worked tirelessly to resolve his case and reach a settlement we were pleased with. They were always available to answer questions and returned calls in a timely manner.
K F
K F
1682489385
We were fortunate to find the Law Offices of Mark T. Hunt to help us set up our estate. Melanie was a joy to work with. She did a wonderful job putting together all of the documents needed to complete our estate planning.
Roxanne Mcfall
Roxanne Mcfall
1681766365
The office got right back to me and were compassionate about my sensitive situation
polly deal
polly deal
1680754180
Jessica was helpful in assisting me with my disability claim!
Amber Snapp
Amber Snapp
1680618358
Jessica was super helpful when I had questions about submitting my claim for disability. She also got me a case manager quickly!
Amber Petrovich
Amber Petrovich
1680618228
I have only praise for the Mark T Hurt firm and especially Michael Miles. Michael was very helpful in guiding me through the court process ans assuring a good outcome. I would recommend this firm and Michael in particular if you need representation in Virginia!
Dave Dalpiaz
Dave Dalpiaz
1680114987
I called and spoke with Jessica in the Disability Dept. after my Denial and she was right on top of getting me the paperwork to Hire them as my Representatives to Handle my claim from here on out
Allen Smith
Allen Smith
1679416063
Jessica was extremely helpful at assisting me with getting me in the process to file my disability case.
Jason Harris
Jason Harris
1678138281
Thank youJessica from the Social security DeptU were very Helpful
Christal Postema
Christal Postema
1678134153
Jessica in theSoccial Secuity Dept was great
Bryon Nimmo
Bryon Nimmo
1678130439
I spoke with Jessica and she was fantastic! She helped me get my social security disability application started and set up with a case manager.
Rebecca Hunt Ford
Rebecca Hunt Ford
1678128980
Jessica @ Social Security Department was very helpful and friendly with us today.
Winonia Blankenship
Winonia Blankenship
1678125271
I had a ticket and was upset. I did not want points on my license. Frankie was amazing and made sure all my bases were covered. The Law Office of Mark Hurt did a wonderful job and got my ticket completely dismissed!!!! I am so glad they helped me. They were so nice and answered all my questions. I never had to worry after I talked with them. I would highly recommend that anyone who needs help with a ticket to talk with this firm!! Thank you so much for everything!!!
Nichloas Wyatt
Nichloas Wyatt
1677981214
Jessica in Disability is awesome!! She replies quickly and gets things done. I’m very satisfied with my choice and feel great that it is in their hands!
laura dykes
laura dykes
1677875154
The individuals I spoke with were courteous, helpful, and thorough. Thank you Jessica.
RoseMarie Whisnant
RoseMarie Whisnant
1677785574
Jessica and the disability dept are very helpful and give excellent assistance with filling a claim very glad I contacted them
Jessie Hawks
Jessie Hawks
1677680471
Was very easy process. Jessica was very friendly and helpful while applying for Social Security Disability.
Darlene Robinson
Darlene Robinson
1677623644
Thank you so much Jessica for helping me with my social security disability case! You were kind, helpful, and understanding. I greatly appreciate you!
Kelly Bragg
Kelly Bragg
1677613932
Jessica and the group started helping me with my disability case the same day I called. 10/10 recommend
Brittany Poole
Brittany Poole
1677612031
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