Grieving the unexpected passing of a loved one is a complex process. Frequently, it takes weeks just to acclimate to life after a tragedy. It may take even longer to heal. When people lose spouses, children or parents, the loss they experience can forever change who they are and how they live their lives. As people process their grief, they may start to desire justice.
They can sometimes take legal action by filing a wrongful death lawsuit. A successful lawsuit can produce financial compensation for those harmed by a tragic passing. The lawsuit may also provide closure when the courts agree that a specific person was responsible for their losses.
Those who struggle to manage their grief shortly after a loved one’s passing could potentially lose the opportunity to take legal action against the person or business at fault.
A strict statute of limitations applies
Individuals and businesses planning to file civil lawsuits are also subject to various statutes of limitations depending on the type of litigation pursued in the jurisdiction. For those in Kentucky, the statute of limitations for a wrongful death lawsuit does not leave much time for grief and emotional processing.
The current rules impose a one-year statute of limitations. If people wait until the last days before the statute of limitations expires, they may lose the right to take legal action if there are issues with their paperwork or other complications.
Working with a personal injury attorney can help those who have recently lost a loved one understand their rights. People who lose themselves in grief might eventually lose the right to demand accountability from the party who caused their loss, so making this effort quickly is generally wise.