Northampton Wrongful Death Lawyer

Northampton Wrongful Death Attorney

Normally we tend to think of personal injury cases as a way to financially compensate someone who has been harmed directly by someone else’s negligence. In the case of a person who dies because of someone else’s negligence or carelessness, there often are family members who also are harmed by the loss. A surviving husband or wife and children may have relied on income from their now deceased spouse and parent. The family also suffers the loss of companionship, care and guidance. In this situation, Massachusetts has a “wrongful death” law that allows the surviving family members to be monetarily compensated for their loss.

Nothing can replace the loss of a person who is dear and important to us, but a wrongful death case can afford at least a sense that justice has been served as well as satisfying the practical outcome of providing payment to the survivors who need and deserve it. The compensation can take the form of economic and non-economic damages “Economic damages’ refers to the loss of present and future income from the deceased as well as medical costs, and “non-economic” damages cover the emotional impact – the trauma and the loss of love and companionship – of the death. A court’s calculations of the actual damages to be awarded is based on a complex set variable factors including items such as funeral costs, the projected remaining worklife of the deceased until retirement, and the decedent’s current salary or annual profits.

The types of negligent behavior or misconduct that can give rise to a wrongful death claim cover a lot of ground. Many of the injuries described in the other pages of this site – such as workplace accidents or slip and fall injuries – can be the basis for a wrongful death lawsuit. Any recklessness or carelessness behind the wheel that results in fatality can lead to such suits, whether the person at fault was driving another vehicle or the one the deceased was riding in. Pedestrian deaths also frequently lead to wrongful death cases.

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In some situations the decedent’s “estate” can pursue a wrongful death suit, which is a civil matter, in lieu of criminal proceedings if those are denied or even if the outcome to a criminal case has been unsatisfactory to the claimant. The best-known instance of this occurring is the O.J. Simpson case, in which the former athlete was acquitted for a double murder in a highly publicized criminal case but was found responsible by a jury in a wrongful death suit for monetary compensation

Part of the reason that a wrongful death civil suit can succeed when criminal charges either don’t stick or can’t be proven is that there are significant differences between the two types of cases and legal processes.

The legal “burden of proof” differs markedly. The “burden of proof” of guilt in criminal trials is “beyond a reasonable doubt,” whereas for civil cases seeking monetary compensation the “burden of proof” is whether the defendant’s probably was negligent and whether the negligence probably caused the death. This is hardly a trifling semantic distinction, but rather a very substantive difference. Also, in civil cases a defendant cannot “take the fifth” to avoid self-incrimination, and any refusal to answer a question can be taken into consideration by a jury during its deliberations.

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My heart is full of gratitude to have had Attorney Robert Shute represent my son when he was injured in a auto accident. Attorney Shute’s kind, reassuring voice was the calm in the storm. He stood by my son while he was recovering and answered every question we had, and I had many! If you or your family or friends every need a lawyer, with years of experience, who knows just what to do, call Attorney Robert Shute. He’s the Real thing, not a T.V. actor lawyer. I feel truly Blessed to have had him by our side.

Positive: Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness, Value I highly recommend Attorney Robert W. Shute as a personal injury attorney. I was injured in an auto accident several years ago and Attorney Shute provided me with high-quality legal representation to ultimately reach a favorable settlement. I was so satisfied with Attorney Shute's professionalism and timely communication that I recommended him to my family members and friends when they needed a personal injury attorney; they too were very satisfied with his legal services. Additionally, Attorney Shute has been an invaluable resource and mentor, sharing his vast law knowledge and experience with me in my practice of law as well.

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I would highly recommend The Injury Office of Robert Shute to anyone in need of legal services. He is not only Honest, Reliable and caring, but his office is always professional, responsive, knowledgeable and resourceful. He explains the process entirely and does all he can to ensure a great outcome for all his clients. Attorney Robert Shute is will always be my first choice, if I need it again.

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I had a great experience with Attorney Shute. He spent time to understand my situation, worked hard to develop the case and was persistent in pushing it through the process and in the end he got me a very good settlement. He is very knowledgeable and easy to interact with too. Hiring him was a good investment and I definitely would use him again.

Attorney Shute is a great Lawyer! He represented me very well for the injury I got and he had my back the entire time. I highly recommend him!

Attorney Shute does an outstanding job. I can't say enough good things about him and his work. Through the entire process, he was very patient and professional and kept us informed of his progress. He always took the time to be sure we clearly understood our options and he secured a great and fair settlement in a very timely manner. He was really wonderful to work with during a very stressful time. I very highly recommend Attorney Shute!

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I was hit by a hit and run vehicle as pedestrian. I went through the motions as instructed by the proper people. Hiring an attorney was not something I had realized I needed to do. After being in the Dr's office overwhelmed by the paperwork and pain someone said, your Attorney will do that for you. So I went on a hunt. If you are looking for an Attorney who you can actually talk to on the phone, Attorney Shute is your guy. He was always very professional and he explained everything in a way I always understood. He is patient, a good listener and aware of my injuries making me comfortable. I don't hesitate to tell people he's a great choice. And oh yes, we won my case.

Attorney Shute helped me through a difficult legal process after I was injured in an auto accident. Although the case was complex, he carefully, methodically and patiently advised me over all the hurdles that were placed in our path. Even the smallest accidents can be traumatic and legal nightmares. Attorney Shute traveled to my home to meet with me while I was injured and so traumatized I was unable to drive. He is smart, capable, and accessible. I recommend him very highly to anyone in need of expert personal injury advice.

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Every state has a time limit known as the “statute of limitations” for wrongful death cases, and Massachusetts is no exception. For that reason and many other reasons including gathering evidence while it still exists and while memories are fresh you should take action immediately. The first step with a complex matter such as a wrongful death suit is to consult with a trained, experienced lawyer who has expertise with such type of cases. Here at the Injury Law Office of Robert W. Shute, Atty. Shute has over 25 years of experience handling personal injury suits in Western Massachusetts, including successful wrongful death claims.

Attorney Shute welcomes your call. 413-437-7788– Days, Evenings or Weekends for your Free Consultation to discuss compensation for your injury with Atty. Robert Shute, personally.

Northampton

Attorney Shute is a great Lawyer! He represented me very well for the injury I got and he had my back the entire time. I highly recommend him!

Robert did a fantastic job with my case. I can’t express that enough! Absolutely on point and very helpful!!! I recommend him to everyone!

Attorney Shute was thorough, professional, and knowledgeable with our case. We highly recommend him!

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