Wrongful Death of Woman Killed in Hit-and-Run Crash

A woman suffered a wrongful death after being struck by a hit-and-run vehicle in Southwest Portland according to police. The suspect’s vehicle is described as a red or burgundy older van. Portland police say the woman was struck at Southwest Carson Street and Southwest 45^th Avenue. The driver never stopped after the crash. The suspect vehicle was last seen moving north on Southwest 45 Avenue after the crash. Neighbors and friends of the Portland woman say they are sad for their loss and some even angry at speeding drivers that have taken over their roads and the city hasn’t done anything to help.

Wrongful Death Defined

Wrongful death is a legal term to describe a claim that certain individuals can make against a person who wrongfully or negligently causes the death of another. Each state legislature has enacted wrongful death statutes that govern who can bring a wrongful death claim. Typically, immediate family members of the deceased seek a wrongful death claim to compensate for financial and emotional damage.

Elements of a Wrongful Death Case

By law, there are four main elements involved to claim a wrongful death case. Family members of the deceased wanting to claim wrongful death must prove each element to be awarded financial recompense. The four elements of a wrongful death case are:

Negligence

It must be proven that the individual being sued was reckless, careless, or negligent.

Causation

It must be shown how the defendant’s negligence caused the death of their loved one.

Breach of Duty

Proof that the defendant in a wrongful death owed a duty to the deceased. For example, in the story from above, the driver had a duty to the pedestrian to drive a reasonable speed and to be aware of pedestrians.

Damages

There can be many damages occurred from the death of a wrongful death victim. For instance, medical expenses, funeral and burial costs, loss of income and potential earnings, etc.

Proving these elements to the court during a wrongful death lawsuit requires strong evidence. The experienced wrongful death attorneys at Parke Gordon Law Firm can help to gather this evidence and make a strong claim in your behalf.

Hire an Experienced Wrongful Death Attorney

If you are suffering from the loss of a loved one due to wrongful death, contact the experienced, trusted and aggressive attorneys at Parke Gordon Law Firm to represent you in your case. Call now for a free consultation. We can usually tell you over the phone if you have a good case.