Have You Been Injured? We're Ready to Fight for You.

Louisville Wrongful Death Attorney

If you’ve recently lost a loved one and feel as though the death could have been prevented, you may have the grounds for a lawsuit. Our Louisville wrongful death lawyers can look into your case and determine what your best options are. We understand how difficult it can be to cope with the death of a family member, especially when the death was unexpected. This is why we’re dedicated to helping families recover during this trying time.

This area of law gives families the ability to seek justice after losing a loved one because of someone else’s negligence. If you’ve lost a family member in a situation like this, Thomas Law Offices can guide you through the legal process and help you seek the compensation you need to manage the expenses associated with your loss.

In order to proceed with your claim, you may benefit from understanding what defines a wrongful death, how they commonly occur, and what taking legal action with us looks like. Let’s begin.

How Kentucky Defines Wrongful Death

According to the legal definition provided by Kentucky Statutes section 411.130, a wrongful death occurs when a person dies from an injury resulting from another entity’s negligence or wrongful behavior. Those behaviors, or acts, could be reckless or intentional. This section of law also establishes when legal action can be taken for the death of a person. Here’s an overview of what the statute says:

  • When a person dies a wrongful death, damages can be recovered from the person or entity who caused it.
  • If the action resulted from gross negligence, punitive damages may also be sought.
  • After the funeral and attorney expenses have been paid, the remaining compensation will go to the surviving family members in a specific order:
    • If there is a surviving spouse but no children, the entire sum goes to the spouse.
    • In the event a spouse and child are left behind, both parties receive half the compensation.
    • If there is a child but no spouse, the surviving child receives the financial award.
    • If the deceased left no spouse or children, the recovery will go to the parents.
    • If there are no spouses, children, or parents living, the money will be used to pay off any debts attached to the deceased’s estate. Any remaining money will be passed to kindred more remote than those discussed above, according to the law of descent and distribution.

While coping with the loss of a loved one, it can seem difficult to understand how wrongful death laws work, especially because of how complex they can be. Our attorneys can explain the laws in ways that make sense, so you are fully aware of how your loved one’s estate will be handled.

Thomas Law Offices is here the loved ones of those lost in accidents. Our attorneys understand your struggles and are prepared to help you overcome and move forward. To learn how to hold a negligent person or entity responsible for the death of your loved one, contact us today.
Call us at 502.473.6540 or fill out this form.

Common Causes of Wrongful Death

While an unexpected loss of life can occur at any time for a multitude of reasons, there are patterns when it comes to wrongful death. This is because there are certain situations where negligent actions occur more often. Below you’ll find some of the more common causes of wrongful death.

Car Accidents. While there are a number of traffic laws in place to keep travelers safe, there are drivers who choose to disregard those laws. When a driver uses a cell phone, neglects to obey the rules of the road, or drives carelessly, they’re actively choosing to put others’ lives at risk. In the event they seriously hurt or kill someone, they should be held accountable for their actions.

Medical Malpractice. There are times when we have to trust medical professionals with our lives. When they make serious mistakes, the consequences can be dire. While many doctors, nurses, surgeons, and medical staff are completely competent and qualified to do their jobs, there are individuals out there who practice medicine irresponsibly. If there are instances of communication errors, inadequate experience, or fatigue issues, the patients can suffer.

Motorcycle Wrecks. Motorcycles give riders a sense of freedom you just can’t get while inside a car or truck. Unfortunately, not all drivers responsibly share the road with these two-wheeled vehicles. Motorcycle accidents can be devastating, especially considering the exposure the operator has to the elements.

Product Liability. When we purchase a product we do so with the expectation it will work, and work correctly. We wouldn’t expect the product to harm us in any way; however, there are instances where defective products end in wrongful deaths. When a product suffers defects as a result of improper planning, manufacturing, or distribution, consumers are put at risk.

Truck Crashes. Because of their size, trucks pose unique dangers on the road. If they are not operated and maintained properly, other drivers on the road could suffer as a result.

No matter what kind of accident resulted in your loved one’s wrongful death, our personal injury attorneys will investigate your claim and work towards achieving the results you deserve.

Taking Legal Action for a Wrongful Death

In order to file a successful lawsuit, you’ll need an experienced wrongful death lawyer at your said. With a lawyer from Thomas Law Offices, you’ll be able to recover financially from your loss. In Kentucky, you’re required to have a personal representative from the deceased’s estate bring the claim to court. One of our lawyers can act as your loved one’s personal representative.

A wrongful death claim is considered to be a civil case, which means liability is expressed only in terms of monetary damages. A criminal case can be pursued at the same time and be based on the same set of facts; however, the actual legal processes are very different.

The estate’s personal representative will be able to present the claim and prove why compensation should be awarded. With a successful case, damages are typically distributed first to the estate for funeral, burial, and final medical expenses. The surviving family members will receive the remainder of the award.

It’s important to remember that, like other personal injury claims, wrongful death claims are subject to a statute of limitations. In Kentucky, the claim must be filed within one year of the date on which the decedent died. If this deadline is missed, it’s likely the court will dismiss the case.

Don't let time slip by. Contact us today.
Call us at 502.473.6540 or fill out this form.

Contact a Louisville Wrongful Death Lawyer

As you can see from what we discussed above, wrongful death claims and lawsuits are often incredibly complex. Without the right legal team by your side, you may not reach the outcome your family needs or deserves. Our wrongful death attorneys in Louisville have years of experience handling complicated cases like this and will do everything we can to ensure the negligent party is held responsible for your loved one’s death. Reach out to us today for a free case evaluation.

Free Case Evaluation

At Thomas Law Offices, our personal injury attorneys recognize that our potential clients are likely going through some of the most difficult times of their lives. We don't want you to have to worry about paying out of pocket for legal advice when you're just starting to learn your legal rights and options. That's why we provide free case evaluations. We'll offer our expert advice about your potential case and walk you through how we can help you.

Call us or fill out the form below to tell us about your potential case and a personal injury lawyer will get back to you as quickly as possible.

Meet Our Founder

Tad Thomas - Trial Lawyer

Tad Thomas

Managing Partner

Tad Thomas has dedicated his practice to representing plaintiffs in various types of civil litigation, including personal injury, business litigation, class actions, and multi-district litigation.

After graduating with his law degree in 2000 from Salmon P. Chase College of Law at Northern Kentucky University, Mr. Thomas immediately opened his own private practice and began representing injury victims.

In 2011, Thomas Law Offices was established in Louisville, Kentucky. Over the past decade, Mr. Thomas has expanded his firm and now has offices in three additional locations: Cincinnati, Ohio, Columbia, Missouri, and Chicago, Illinois. He is also a frequent lecturer on topics like trial skills and ethics and technology.

Legal & Firm News

Iowa Nursing Home Staff Abused and Laughed at Patients According to Records

A whistleblower retaliation lawsuit filed on Feb. 15, 2024, reveals how there was pervasive mistreatment of nursing home residents at a DesMoines, Iowa nursing home beginning as early as March 2022.   A later Iowa Department of Inspection and Appeals (DIA) investigation, launched after her dismissal, confirmed the majority of those reports (and others) alleging staff […]

Read More

Tad Thomas Named Lawdragon 500 Leading Consumer Plaintiff Lawyer for 2024

Thomas Law Offices is proud to announce that founder, Tad Thomas, has been recognized by Lawdragon on the 2024 Lawdragon 500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyers list. Tad has been a trial lawyer for over 20 years. He founded Thomas Law Offices in Louisville, Kentucky, and over the years, his reputation and practice have grown, expanding […]

Read More

Investigators Identify the Suspected Source of Lead Poisoning of Applesauce Pouches

What started as just over 20 toddlers sick from suspected lead poisoning of applesauce packets has grown into a much bigger issue. Months later, after the initial report was issued by federal officials, hundreds of kids have been affected, and an international investigation into why it occurred has been launched. Also, investigators have found that […]

Read More
Tad Thomas on The National Crime Victim Bar Association
National Civil Justice Institute - Trustee
Tad Thomas on Lawyer Minds
Tad Thomas on American Association for Justice
Southern Trial Lawyers Association
Illinois Trial Lawyers Association
Ohio Association for Justice
Kentucky Justice Association
Fellows of the Litigation Counsel of America
Martindale Hubbell Preeminent
2021 Public Justice Member
AAJ Masters of Trial Law: Champion