Missoula Wrongful Death Lawyers

Helping Families After Tragic Losses

When a loved one dies, it is hard to know what to do. You are likely overcome with grief and confusion, and you may not know how to move forward. This is especially true if your loved one died due to the negligence or wrongful actions of another person or organization. In this case, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your loss. A personal injury attorney can help you seek just compensation for your loss and help you move forward.

At Hoyt & Blewett PLLC, we specialize in helping families and loved ones who have lost a loved one due to the wrongful actions of another person or organization. We understand how difficult it is to lose a loved one, and we want to help you seek the justice and compensation you deserve.

To learn more about filing a wrongful death claim, contact our Missoula wrongful death attorneys today at (406) 233-1302.

What is Wrongful Death?

Wrongful death occurs when someone dies due to the wrongful actions of another person or organization. Wrongful death claims are filed by the surviving family members of the deceased person and seek compensation for the loss of their loved one. Wrongful death claims are filed against the party or parties responsible for the death of the deceased person and seek compensation for the loss of their loved one.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Montana?

In Montana, the personal representative of the deceased person's estate is typically the one who files a wrongful death lawsuit. However, if the estate does not have a personal representative, the surviving spouse, adult children, parents, or other legal dependents may file the claim.

The statute of limitations for wrongful death cases is generally three years from the date of the person's death.

Common Types of Damages from a Wrongful Death Lawsuit

Here are the potential types of monetary damages available in a wrongful death lawsuit in Montana:

• Economic Damages: These damages are intended to compensate for the financial losses incurred by the surviving family members as a result of the death. 
  • Funeral and burial expenses: The costs associated with the funeral and burial or cremation of the deceased.
  • Medical expenses: If the deceased received medical treatment before passing away, the family may be entitled to compensation for those expenses.
  • Loss of financial support: The value of the financial support the deceased would have provided to the family, including income, benefits, and other financial contributions.
• Non-Economic Damages: These damages are meant to compensate for the non-financial losses suffered by the surviving family members. Non-economic damages may include:
  • Loss of companionship and consortium: The emotional support, love, affection, and companionship that the deceased would have provided to the surviving family members.
  • Loss of guidance and mentorship: If the deceased was a parent or guardian, the loss of their guidance, advice, and mentorship to their children or dependents.
  • Pain and suffering: Compensation for the emotional pain, suffering, and mental anguish experienced by the surviving family members due to the loss of their loved one.
• Punitive Damages: In certain cases, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the defendant for particularly reckless or intentional conduct that led to the wrongful death. Punitive damages are intended to deter similar behavior in the future and are awarded in addition to economic and non-economic damages.

Ready to Help Your Family During This Difficult Time

Our Missoula wrongful death lawyers help families who have lost a loved one due to wrongful death and wrongful injury. Our attorneys can help you seek justice for your loss and help you move forward after a tragic loss.

Call (406) 233-1302 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.