Merdes Law Office

ABOUT WRONGFUL DEATHS

Dealing with the death of a family member or friend is never easy, but the tragedy is even greater when the death comes due to the fault of a third party. In a wrongful death lawsuit, the plaintiff and his/her attorney work together to establish fault for the death and to seek damages related to the event. If you’re considering a wrongful death suit, it’s important to understand the basics before you proceed.
What is a Wrongful Death?

In its most simple form, a wrongful death claim revolves around the direct legal fault of another person or entity. Wrongful death suits run the gamut from medical malpractice to product liability — any situation in which the death of an individual can be directly attributed to the action or inaction of another is grounds for a wrongful death suit. Note the “inaction” part; if, for example, a car manufacturer is aware of a flaw in its vehicles and does nothing to fix that flaw, any deaths directly tied to that flaw are suitable grounds for a wrongful death suit against that company.

A wrongful death attorney in Alaska is your best ally when it comes to determining whether your claim is appropriate for a wrongful death suit.

What to Expect?

If you are the immediate family member, life partner, financial dependent, spouse, or someone else who suffers financially from a death, you may be eligible to file a wrongful death suit. The plaintiff must prove to the court that the death was caused by a defendant’s direct action or inaction. The cause of death must be directly tied to this action/inaction, and the plaintiff must establish evidence that he or she suffers financially as a result of the death. It is a difficult court process that requires the aid of an experienced attorney.

For further information or to schedule a consultation please contact us at 907.452.5400 (toll free: 866.452.3741) or visit www.Merdes.com.

Merdes Law Office has helped injured Alaskans for more than 25 years, it’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us… we’re here if you do.

Pedestrian Safety and Personal Injury Suits
According to data out of the National Safety Council, nearly 6,000 pedestrians are killed each year in vehicle-related accidents. Additionally, almost 85,000 pedestrians sustain some sort of injury due to the same type of accident. While many laws exist to protect the rights of pedestrians, drivers routinely ignore these laws for the sake of convenience or out of impatience. If you’re considering a personal injury suit as the result of a vehicle-related injury, your first step should be hiring a reputable personal injury attorney in Alaska.

Alaska law gives pedestrians the right-of-way in safety zones. If a pedestrian is crossing the street in a safety zone, cars must yield. Pedestrians also have the right to finish crossing a street if the light changes while they are still crossing. While pedestrians are prohibited from jaywalking or crossing the road when the light indicates “Don’t Walk,” many opt to take the chance. In these instances, fault might be split between the pedestrian and the driver. It is in your best interest to consult with a personal injury attorney in Alaska to determine the best course of action.

It’s also worth noting that not all pedestrian injuries are due to accidents with vehicles. Poorly maintained roads and walkways or unmarked hazard zones contribute to thousands of injuries every year; in which case, fault can often be laid at the feet of the property owner or the city/state. Professional counsel and representation is essential when dealing with the aftermath of an injury sustained as a pedestrian.

For further information or to schedule a consultation please contact us at 907.452.5400 (toll free: 866.452.3741) or visit www.Merdes.com.

Merdes Law Office has helped injured Alaskans for more than 25 years, it’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us… we’re here if you do